485APOS 1 d599908d485apos.htm GOLDMAN SACHS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 24, 2013

1933 Act Registration No. 333-35883

1940 Act Registration No. 811-08361

 

 

 

United States

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

 

Form N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

  THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933   x
  Post-Effective Amendment No. 35   x

and/or

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

  THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940   x
  Amendment No. 36   x

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

 

 

GOLDMAN SACHS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code 312-655-4400

 

 

Copies to:

 

Caroline Kraus, Esq.   Stephen H. Bier, Esq.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.   Dechert LLP
200 West Street   1095 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10282   New York, NY 10036
(Name and address of agent for service)  

 

 

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

 

¨ Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

¨ On [date] pursuant to paragraph (b)

 

x 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

 

¨ On [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

 

¨ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

 

¨ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

¨ this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

Title of Securities Being Registered: Institutional Shares of Goldman Sachs Global Markets Navigator Fund and Goldman Sachs Money Market Fund.

 

 

 


 

LOGO

 

Prospectus   

Institutional

Shares

 

October [    ], 2013

GOLDMAN SACHS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

 

¢    Goldman Sachs Global Markets Navigator Fund

 

Shares of the Trust are offered to separate accounts of participating life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Shares of the Trust are not offered directly to the general public.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN THE FUND.

 

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Table of Contents

 


LOGO

 

Goldman Sachs Global Markets Navigator Fund—Summary

 

Investment Objective

The Goldman Sachs Global Markets Navigator Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to achieve investment results that approximate the performance of the GS Global Markets Navigator IndexTM (the “Index”).

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Shares of the Fund. This table does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Fund as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, overall fees and expenses would be higher.

 

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

 
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):  

Management Fees

    0.79%    

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

    None    

Other Expenses1

    0.62%    

Acquired Fund Fees

    0.05%    

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses2

    1.46%    

Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation3

    (0.62)%   

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Limitation1

    0.84%    

 

1  The Fund’s “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
2  The Fund’s “Total Annual Fund Other Expenses” have been estimated to reflect expenses expected to be incurred during the current fiscal year. The “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” do not correlate to the ratios of net and total expenses to average net assets provided in the Financial Highlights, which reflect the operating expenses of the Fund and do not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses.
3  The Investment Adviser has agreed to (i) reduce or limit “Other Expenses” (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, transfer agency fees and expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary expenses) to 0.004% of the Fund’s average daily net assets and (ii) waive a portion of its management fee payable by the Fund in an amount equal to any management fees it earns as an investment adviser to any of the affiliated funds in which the Fund invests. Each arrangement will remain in effect through at least October [    ], 2014, and prior to such date the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” may be further reduced by any custody and transfer agency fee credits received by the Fund.

Expense Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This Example does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Fund as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, the costs shown below would be higher.

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Institutional Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Institutional Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that the Example incorporates the fee waiver and expense limitation arrangements for only the first year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

Institutional Shares

   $ 86       $ 401       $ 738       $ 1,693   
           

Portfolio Turnover

The Fund pays transaction costs when it buys and sells securities or instruments (i.e., “turns over” its portfolio). A high rate of portfolio turnover may result in increased transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, which must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders. These costs are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the expense example above, but are reflected in the Fund’s performance. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2012 was 300% of the average value of its portfolio.

 

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Principal Strategy

The Fund seeks to achieve investment results that approximate the performance of the GS Global Markets Navigator IndexTM. The Index is comprised of, and allocates exposure to, a set of underlying indices representing various global asset classes including, but not limited to, global equity and global fixed income (the “Underlying Indices”). Using a proprietary methodology (the “Methodology”) developed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. (the “Index Provider”), the Index seeks to provide exposure to price momentum of these global assets, or Underlying Indices, by reflecting a combination of index weightings that is determined in part by the respective three-, six- and nine-month historical returns of these global assets. Momentum investing seeks growth of capital by investing in assets that have exhibited trends in price performance over recent selected time periods. The Methodology also considers maximum and minimum weightings requirements and volatility controls. The Index is generally rebalanced monthly but may be rebalanced as frequently as daily if certain volatility controls are triggered. The Index Provider may, in its discretion, make changes to the Index, its methodology or quantitative techniques, or use other methodologies or quantitative techniques that are based on the Index Provider’s proprietary research. The Index is sponsored by the Index Provider, an affiliate of the Fund’s Investment Adviser, and calculated by Structured Solutions AG (the “Calculation Agent”).

Given the Fund’s objective of attempting to track the Index, the Fund does not follow traditional methods of active investment management, which may involve buying and selling securities based upon analysis of economic and market factors. Instead, the Fund will invest in securities and other financial instruments that provide exposure to the Underlying Indices in approximately the same weighting that such Underlying Indices have within the Index at the applicable time. The Investment Adviser will, however, be responsible for, among other things, investment selection, timing of trading and counterparty selection.

The Fund’s portfolio of investments may include, among other instruments, futures (including index futures), swaps, structured notes, other derivatives and investment companies (including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”)) that provide exposure to a broad spectrum of asset classes, including but not limited to, equities (US and non-US companies) and high quality fixed income (US and non-US developed country government and government agency securities). The Fund may also invest directly in equity securities and US and non-US developed country government and government agency fixed income securities. The percentage of the portfolio exposed to any asset class or geographic region will vary from time to time as the weightings of the Underlying Indices within the Index change, and the Fund may not be invested in each asset class at all times. Moreover, the Fund may at times be more heavily invested in certain asset classes, such as U.S. equity or U.S. fixed income. As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, and/or in an effort to mitigate portfolio volatility, the Fund may also hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasury, short-term, or other fixed income investments, including money market funds and repurchase agreements or cash, and at times may invest up to 100% of its assets in such investments. The Fund may also engage in foreign currency transactions (including forward contracts) for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. To the extent the Index allocates exposure to commodity-related Underlying Indices in the future, the Fund may invest in instruments that provide exposure to commodities. Although it does not currently intend to do so, the Fund may also invest through a wholly-owned subsidiary, which would be advised by the Investment Adviser and would seek to gain commodities exposure.

The Fund will not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, except that, to the extent that an industry represents 20% or more of the Fund’s index (currently the Index) at the time of investment, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in that industry.

THE FUND IS NON-DIVERSIFIED UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940, AS AMENDED (“INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT”), AND MAY INVEST A LARGER PERCENTAGE OF ITS ASSETS IN FEWER ISSUERS THAN DIVERSIFIED MUTUAL FUNDS.

Principal Risks of the Fund

Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any government agency. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Investment in the Fund involves substantial risks which prospective investors should consider carefully before investing.

Absence of Regulation.  The Fund engages in over-the-counter (“OTC”) transactions, which trade in a dealer network, rather than on an exchange. In general, there is less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions in the OTC markets than of transactions entered into on organized exchanges.

 

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Credit/Default Risk.  An issuer or guarantor of fixed income securities or instruments held by the Fund (which may have low credit ratings) may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal or default on any other obligation. Additionally, the credit quality of securities may deteriorate rapidly, which may impair the Fund’s liquidity and cause significant deterioration in net asset value (“NAV”). To the extent that the Fund invests in non-investment grade fixed income securities, these risks will be more pronounced.

Derivatives Risk.  Loss may result from the Fund’s investments in forwards, futures, swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses to the Fund. Derivatives are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will not fulfill its contractual obligation.

Expenses Risk.  By investing in pooled investment vehicles (including investment companies and ETFs), partnerships and REITs indirectly through the Fund, the investor will incur a proportionate share of the expenses of those other pooled investment vehicles, partnerships and REITs held by the Fund (including operating costs and investment management fees), in addition to the expenses of the Fund.

Foreign and Emerging Countries Risk.  Foreign securities may be subject to risk of loss because of more or less foreign government regulation, less public information and less economic, political and social stability in the countries in which the Fund invests. Loss may also result from the imposition of exchange controls, confiscations and other government restrictions, or from problems in registration, settlement or custody. Foreign risk also involves the risk of negative foreign currency rate fluctuations, which may cause the value of securities denominated in such foreign currency (or other instruments through which the Fund has exposure to foreign currencies) to decline in value. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. To the extent that the Fund also invests in issuers located in emerging markets, these risks may be more pronounced.

Index/Methodology Risk.  The Index Provider relies on third party data and a Methodology it believes to be reliable in constructing the Index, but it does not guarantee the accuracy of such third party data or the Methodology. There can be no assurance that the Methodology will correctly forecast the risk of particular instruments or asset classes or make effective tactical decisions. The Methodology may direct the Index’s allocations to an instrument or asset class that underperforms other instruments or asset classes. The Methodology may not achieve its goals of mitigating volatility and modulating risk. If the Index’s daily volatility control is triggered, the Methodology may reallocate the Index into lower-risk assets, such as cash. By seeking to track the Index when the daily volatility control is triggered, the Fund may underperform in comparison to the general securities markets and/or other asset classes. The Index is new and has a limited performance history. Any new index is subject to errors in its construction.

Industry Concentration Risk.  The Fund will not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, except that, to the extent that an industry represents 20% or more of the Fund’s index (currently the Index) at the time of investment, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in that industry. Concentrating Fund investments in issuers conducting business in the same industry will subject the Fund to a greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business or other developments affecting that industry than if its investments were not so concentrated.

Interest Rate Risk.  When interest rates increase fixed income securities or instruments held by the Fund will generally decline in value. Long-term fixed income securities will normally have more price volatility because of this risk than short-term fixed income securities or instruments.

Investment Style Risk.  The Index is intended to provide exposure to price momentum of certain U.S., international, developed and emerging equity markets, commodity markets, real estate markets and fixed income assets, and as a result the Index may be more volatile than a more broadly based conventional index. The momentum-based investment style employed by the Fund may fall out of favor from time to time, depending upon market and economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. The Fund may outperform or underperform other funds that invest in similar asset classes but employ different investment styles.

Leverage Risk.  The use of derivatives may result in leverage, which can magnify the effects of changes in the value of the Fund’s investments and make it more volatile. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations or to meet asset segregation requirements when it may not be advantageous to do so. The use of leverage by the Fund can substantially increase the adverse impact to which the Fund’s investment portfolio may be subject.

Liquidity Risk.  The Fund may make investments that may be illiquid or that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. Illiquid investments may be more difficult to value. Liquidity risk may also refer to the risk that

 

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the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests or other reasons. To meet redemption requests, the Fund may be forced to sell securities, at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions.

Market Risk.  The value of the instruments in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies, particular sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions throughout the world due to increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets.

Non-Diversification Risk.  The Fund is non-diversified, meaning that it is permitted to invest a larger percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than a diversified mutual fund. Thus, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.

Sovereign Risk.  An issuer of non-U.S. sovereign debt, such as Germany or Japan, or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt, may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest when due. This may result from political or social factors, the general economic environment of a country, levels of foreign debt or foreign currency exchange rates.

Swaps Risk.  In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns, differentials in rates of return or some other amount earned or realized on the “notional amount” of predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. Swaps can involve greater risks than direct investment in securities, because swaps may be leveraged and are subject to counterparty risk (e.g., the risk of a counterparty’s defaulting on the obligation or bankruptcy), credit risk and pricing risk (i.e., swaps may be difficult to value). Swaps may also be considered illiquid. It may not be possible for the Fund to liquidate a swap position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

Tracking Error Risk.  The Fund’s portfolio composition and performance may not match, and may vary substantially from, that of the Index for any period of time, in part because there may be a delay in the Fund’s implementation of any changes to the composition of the Index. Unlike the Fund, the returns of the Index are not reduced by investment and other operating expenses, including the trading costs associated with implementing changes to its portfolio of investments.

Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Risk.  The value of TIPS generally fluctuates in response to inflationary concerns. As inflationary expectations increase, TIPS will become more attractive, because they protect future interest payments against inflation. Conversely, as inflationary concerns decrease, TIPS will become less attractive and less valuable.

U.S. Government Securities Risk.  The U.S. government may not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. Government securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and the Federal Home Loan Banks are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that issuers of U.S. Government securities will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

Performance

The Fund’s Service Shares commenced operations on April 9, 2012, and Institutional Shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus. No performance information regarding the Fund is provided because the Fund’s Service Shares (the Fund’s only other share class) have less than one calendar year of performance as of the date of this Prospectus. The Fund’s past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Updated performance information is available at no cost at www.goldmansachsfunds.com/performance or by calling the appropriate phone number on the back cover of this Prospectus.

Portfolio Management

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. is the investment adviser for the Fund (the “Investment Adviser” or “GSAM”).

Portfolio Managers:  Gary Chropuvka, CFA, Managing Director, Head of Quantitative Investment Strategies—Customized Beta Strategies, has managed the Fund since 2013; and Amna Qaiser, CFA, Vice President, has managed the Fund since 2012.

 

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Buying and Selling Fund Shares

Fund shares are not sold directly to the public. Fund shares may be purchased and redeemed by separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. Orders received from separate accounts to purchase or redeem Fund shares are effected on business days. Individual investors may purchase or redeem Fund shares indirectly through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts.

Tax Information

Provided that the Fund and separate accounts investing in the Fund satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Fund will not be subject to federal tax. Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, see the prospectus for the applicable contract.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

The Fund and/or its related companies may pay participating insurance companies and securities dealers for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company’s website for more information.

 

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Investment Management Approach

 

  INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE     

The Fund seeks to achieve investment results that approximate the performance of the Index. The Fund’s investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days notice.

 

  PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES     

The Fund seeks to achieve investment results that approximate the performance of the GS Global Markets Navigator Index*. The Index is comprised of, and allocates exposure to, a set of Underlying Indices. Using the proprietary Methodology developed by the Index Provider, the Index seeks to provide exposure to price momentum of these global assets, or Underlying Indices, by reflecting a combination of index weightings that is determined in part by the respective three-, six- and nine-month historical returns of these global assets. Momentum investing seeks growth of capital by investing in assets that have exhibited trends in price performance over recent selected time periods. The Methodology also considers maximum and minimum weightings requirements and volatility controls. The Index is generally rebalanced monthly but may be rebalanced as frequently as daily if certain volatility controls are triggered, as discussed below. The Index Provider may, in its discretion, make changes to the Index, its methodology or quantitative techniques, or use other methodologies or quantitative techniques that are based on the Index Provider’s proprietary research.

The Index implements two levels of volatility control. The monthly volatility control is performed on each monthly rebalancing date and sets a maximum limit on the overall forecasted volatility of any selected combination of index weights (the “Monthly Rebalanced Index”). This overall volatility forecast is determined by observing the realized three-, six- and nine-month returns, volatilities and correlations of the global asset classes that comprise the Index. The daily volatility control feature rebalances a portion or all of the current Index components into Underlying Indices tracking short-term fixed income investments in order to reduce volatility when the annualized historic three-month volatility of the latest Monthly Rebalanced Index exceeds a predetermined level. The Index is rebalanced partially or completely into its prior composition (based on the asset class weightings of the latest Monthly Rebalanced Index) when the annualized historic three-month volatility of such composition declines below the predetermined level.

The Index is calculated on a total return basis, with dividends reinvested.

The Index is sponsored by the Index Provider, an affiliate of the Fund’s Investment Adviser, and calculated by the Calculation Agent. The Underlying Indices are subject to revision from time to time by a committee established by the Index Provider. Information is published regarding the components and weightings of the components of the Index as well as its value.

Given the Fund’s objective of attempting to track the Index, the Fund does not follow traditional methods of active investment management, which may involve buying and selling securities based upon analysis of economic and market factors. Instead, the Fund will invest in securities and other financial instruments that provide exposure to the Underlying Indices in approximately the same weighting that such Underlying Indices have within the Index at the applicable time. The Investment Adviser will, however, be responsible for, among other things, investment selection, timing of trading and counterparty selection.

The Fund’s portfolio of investments may include, among other instruments, futures (including index futures), swaps, structured notes, other derivatives and investment companies (including ETFs) that provide exposure to a broad spectrum of asset classes, including but not limited to, equities (US and non-US companies) and fixed income (US and non-US developed country government and government agency securities). The Fund may also invest directly in equity securities and high quality US and non-US developed country government and government agency fixed income securities. The percentage of the portfolio exposed to any asset class or geographic region will vary from time to time as the weightings of the Underlying Indices within the Index change, and the Fund may not be invested in each asset class at all times. Moreover, the Fund may at times be more heavily invested in certain asset classes, such as U.S. equity or U.S. fixed income. As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, and/or in an effort to mitigate portfolio volatility, as discussed above, the Fund may also hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasury, short-term, or other fixed income investments, including money market funds and repurchase agreements, or cash, and at times may invest up to 100% of its assets in such investments. The Fund may also engage in foreign currency transactions (including forward contracts) for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. To the extent the Index allocates exposure to commodity-related Underlying Indices in the future, the Fund may invest in instruments that provide exposure to commodities. Although it does not currently intend to do so, the Fund may also invest through a wholly-owned subsidiary, which would be

 

 

*  “GS Global Markets Navigator Index” is a trademark or service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and has been licensed for use by the Investment Adviser in connection with the Fund. As the licensor of this trademark or service mark, Goldman, Sachs & Co. does not make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.

 

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INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

 

advised by the Investment Adviser and would seek to gain commodities exposure.

The Fund will not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, except that, to the extent that an industry represents 20% or more of the Fund’s index (currently the Index) at the time of investment, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in that industry.

The Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions in attempting to respond to adverse market, political or other conditions. For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its total assets in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises (“U.S. Government Securities”), commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“Standard & Poor’s”), P-2 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or having a comparable rating by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) (or if unrated, determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality), certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances, repurchase agreements, non-convertible preferred stocks with a remaining maturity of less than one year, ETFs and other investment companies and cash items. When the Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.

THE FUND IS NON-DIVERSIFIED UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT, AND MAY INVEST A LARGER PERCENTAGE OF ITS ASSETS IN FEWER ISSUERS THAN DIVERSIFIED MUTUAL FUNDS.

 

  INDEX DISCLAIMERS     

NEITHER GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND OR ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES GENERALLY OR IN THE FUND PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF THE GS GLOBAL MARKETS NAVIGATOR INDEX (THE “INDEX”) OR THE FUND TO PERFORM AS INTENDED. GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE FUND, IN ITS CAPACITY AS LICENSOR OF THE INDEX TO GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., IS THE LICENSING OF CERTAIN TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. AND OF THE INDEX WHICH WAS DEVELOPED BY GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. AND IS CALCULATED BY GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.’S AGENTS WITHOUT REGARD TO GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., OR THE FUND. NEITHER GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES NOR AGENTS (INCLUDING ANY CALCULATION AGENT) HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., THE FUND OR THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE FUND INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING OR CALCULATING THE INDEX. NEITHER GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO., IN ITS CAPACITY AS LICENSOR OF THE INDEX TO GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES (OTHER THAN GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR NOR HAS IT, IN SUCH CAPACITY, OR HAVE THEY PARTICIPATED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE OFFERING PRICES AND THE AMOUNT OF THE SHARES OF THE FUND OR THE TIMING OF THE ISSUANCE OR SALE OF SHARES OF THE FUND OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF THE OFFERING OR REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE OF THE FUND. NEITHER GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO., IN ITS CAPACITY AS LICENSOR OF THE INDEX TO GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P., NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES (OTHER THAN GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.) HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR TRADING OF THE FUND. GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES MAY HOLD LONG OR SHORT POSITIONS IN SECURITIES HELD BY THE FUND OR IN RELATED DERIVATIVES.

NEITHER GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES GUARANTEES THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN OR RELATING THERETO OR THAT THE FUND OR THE INDEX IS SUITABLE FOR ANY INVESTOR, AND GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. AND ITS AFFILIATES HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN OR IN THE CALCULATION THEREOF. NEITHER GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO THE RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE FUND, THE SHAREHOLDERS, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM USE OF THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NEITHER GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. NOR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EACH EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE

 

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OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO. AND ITS AFFILIATES HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P. SERVES AS THE INVESTMENT ADVISER FOR THE FUND AND IT IS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIABILITIES FOR ITS ACTIONS IN RESPECT OF THE FUND IN SUCH CAPACITY.

 

  SHARE OFFERING     

Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (the “Trust”) offers shares of the Fund to separate accounts of participating insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Institutional Shares of the Fund are not offered directly to the public. The participating insurance companies, not the owners of the variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies or participants therein, are shareholders of the Fund. The Fund pools the monies of these separate accounts and invests these monies in a portfolio of securities pursuant to the Fund’s stated investment objective.

The investment objective and policies of the Fund may be similar to the investment objectives and policies of other mutual funds that the Investment Adviser manages. Although the objectives and policies may be similar, the investment results of the Fund may be higher or lower than the results of such other mutual funds. The Investment Adviser cannot guarantee, and makes no representation, that the investment results of similar funds will be comparable even though the funds have the same Investment Adviser.

 

  OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND SECURITIES     

The tables below identify some of the investment techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Numbers in the tables show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult the Fund’s annual/semi-annual reports (when available). For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A. The Fund publishes on its website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) complete portfolio holdings for the Fund as of the end of each month subject to a ten calendar-day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. In addition, the Fund publishes on its website month-end top ten holdings subject to a ten calendar-day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. The Fund may disclose portfolio holdings information more frequently. This information will be available on the website until the date on which the Fund files its next quarterly portfolio holdings report on Form N-CSR or Form N-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In addition, a description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

 

10   Percent of total assets (including securities lending collateral)
(italic type)

10   Percent of net assets (excluding borrowings for investment
purposes) (roman type)

•   No specific percentage limitation on usage; limited only by
the objective and strategies of the Fund
  Global
Markets
Navigator
Fund
Investment Practices  

Borrowings

  33 13

Credit, Currency, Equity, Index, Interest Rate and Total Return Swaps and Options on Swaps*

 

Cross Hedging of Currencies

 

Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates

 

Foreign Currency Transactions (including forward contracts)

 

Futures Contracts and Options and Swaps on Futures Contracts (including index futures)

 

Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars

 

Investment Company Securities (including ETFs)**

  10

Options on Foreign Currencies1

 

Options on Securities and Securities Indices2

 

Preferred Stock

 

Repurchase Agreements

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreements (for investment purposes)

 

Securities Lending

  33  13
Investment Securities  

American, European and Global Depositary Receipts

 

Commodity-linked Derivative Instruments

 

Equity Investments

 

Emerging Country Securities3

 

Fixed Income Securities

 

Foreign Government Securities

 

Foreign Securities

 

Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities4

 

REITs

 

Structured Securities (which may include equity linked notes)*

 

Temporary Investments

 

U.S. Government Securities

 
 

 

  * Limited to 15% of net assets (together with other illiquid securities) for investments that are not deemed liquid.
** This percentage limitation does not apply to the Fund’s investments in investment companies (including ETFs) where a higher percentage limitation is permitted under the terms of an SEC exemptive order or SEC exemptive rule.
  1. The Fund may purchase and sell call and put options on foreign currencies.
  2. The Fund may sell covered call and put options and purchase call and put options on securities and securities indices in which it may invest.
  3. The Fund may invest in equity securities of emerging country issuers, but may not invest in emerging country fixed income securities.
  4. May be rated BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor’s, Ba1 or lower by Moody’s or have a comparable rating by another NRSRO at the time of investment.

 

8


 

Risks of the Fund

 

Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency. The principal risks of the Fund are disclosed in the Summary section of this Prospectus. The following section provides additional information on the risks that apply to the Fund, which may result in a loss of your investment. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund will only invest in securities represented in the Benchmark.

 

  ü PRINCIPAL RISK     ADDITIONAL RISK     

 

Fund  

Absence

of

Regul-
ation

 

Com-
modity

Sector

 

Credit/

Default

  Deriv-
atives
 

Emerging

Countries

  Expenses   Foreign   Geographic  

Index/

Method-
ology

 

Industry

Concen-

tration

 

Interest

Rate

 

Invest-
ment

Style

  Leverage   Liquidity   Market

Global Markets Navigator

  ü     ü   ü   ü   ü   ü     ü   ü   ü   ü   ü   ü   ü
                             

 

Fund  

Mid-Cap

and

Small-Cap

  NAV  

Non-

Diversi-
fication

 

Non-

Hedging

Foreign

Currency

Trading

 

Non-

Investment

Grade

Fixed

Income

Securities

  REIT   Sover-
eign
  Stock   Subsidiary   Swaps   Tax  

Tracking

Error

 

Treasury

Inflation

Protected

Securities

 

U.S.

Government

Securities

Global Markets Navigator

      ü         ü       ü     ü   ü   ü
                           

 

¢    Absence of Regulation Risk—The Fund engages in OTC transactions, which trade in a dealer network, rather than on an exchange. In general, there is less governmental regulation and supervision of transactions in the OTC markets (in which option contracts and certain options on swaps are generally traded) than of transactions entered into on organized exchanges.
¢    Commodity Sector Risk—To the extent that the Fund gains exposure to the commodities markets, such exposure may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked investments may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or sectors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The prices of energy, industrial metals, precious metals, agriculture and livestock sector commodities may fluctuate widely due to factors such as changes in value, supply and demand and governmental regulatory policies. The energy sector can be significantly affected by changes in the prices and supplies of oil and other energy fuels, energy conservation, the success of exploration projects, and tax and other government regulations, policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and relationships among OPEC members and between OPEC and oil-importing nations. The metals sector can be affected by sharp price volatility over short periods caused by global economic, financial and political factors, resource availability, government regulation, 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 and fluctuations in industrial and commercial supply and demand. Some commodity-linked investments are issued by companies in the financial services sector, including the banking, brokerage and insurance sectors. As a result, events affecting issuers in the financial services sector may cause the Fund’s share value to fluctuate. Although investments in commodities typically move in different directions than traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions, there is no guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked investments have been parallel to those of debt and equity securities.
¢    Credit/Default Risk—An issuer or guarantor of fixed income securities or instruments held by the Fund (which may have low credit ratings) may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal or default on any other obligation. The credit quality of the Fund’s portfolio securities may meet the Fund’s credit quality requirements at the time of purchase but then deteriorate thereafter, and such a deterioration can occur rapidly. In certain instances, the downgrading or default of a single holding or guarantor of the Fund’s holding may impair the Fund’s liquidity and have the potential to cause significant NAV deterioration.
¢   

Derivatives Risk—Loss may result from the Fund’s investments in options, futures, forwards, swaps, structured securities and other derivative instruments. These instruments may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small changes may produce disproportionate losses to the Fund. Derivatives are also subject to counterparty risk, which

 

9


 

is the risk that the other party in the transaction will not fulfill its contractual obligations.

Losses from investments in derivatives can result from a lack of correlation between the value of those derivatives and the value of the portfolio assets (if any) being hedged. In addition, there is a risk that the performance of the derivatives or other instruments used by the Investment Adviser to replicate the performance of a particular asset class may not accurately track the performance of that asset class. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity risk and risks arising from margin requirements. There is also risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates, currency prices or other variables.

¢    Emerging Countries Risk—The securities markets of most emerging countries are less liquid, are especially subject to greater price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have more or less government regulation and are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements as the securities markets of more developed countries. Further, investment in equity securities of issuers located in emerging countries involves risk of loss resulting from problems in registration, settlement or custody and substantial economic and political disruptions. These risks are not normally associated with investments in more developed countries.
¢    Expenses Risk—By investing in pooled investment vehicles (including investment companies and ETFs), partnerships and REITs indirectly through the Fund, the investor will incur not only a proportionate share of the expenses of the pooled investment vehicles, partnerships and REITs held by the Fund (including operating costs and investment management fees), but also expenses of the Fund.
¢    Foreign Risk—When the Fund invests in foreign securities, it may be subject to risk of loss not typically associated with domestic issuers. Loss may result because of more or less foreign government regulation, less public information and less economic, political and social stability in the countries in which the Fund invests. Loss may also result from, among other things, deteriorating economic and business conditions in other countries, including the United States, regional and global conflicts, the imposition of exchange controls, confiscations and other government restrictions, or from problems in registration, settlement or custody. The Fund will also be subject to the risk of negative foreign currency rate fluctuations, which may cause the value of securities denominated in such foreign currency (or other instruments through which the Fund has exposure to foreign currencies) to decline in value. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. Foreign risks will normally be greatest when the Fund invests in issuers located in emerging countries.
¢    Geographic Risk—Concentration of the investments of the Fund in issuers located in a particular country or region will subject the Fund, to a greater extent than if investments were less concentrated, to the risks of volatile economic cycles and/or conditions and developments that may be particular to that country or region, such as: adverse securities markets; adverse exchange rates; social, political, regulatory, economic or environmental developments; or natural disasters.
¢    Index/Methodology Risk—The Index Provider relies on third party data and a Methodology it believes to be reliable in constructing the Index, but it does not guarantee the accuracy of such third party data or the Methodology. There can be no assurance that the Methodology will correctly forecast the risk of particular instruments or asset classes or make effective tactical decisions. The Methodology may direct the Index’s allocations to an instrument or asset class that underperforms other instruments or asset classes. The Methodology may not achieve its goals of mitigating volatility and modulating risk. If the Index’s daily volatility control is triggered, the Methodology may reallocate the Index into lower-risk assets, such as cash. By seeking to track the Index when the daily volatility control is triggered, the Fund may underperform in comparison to the general securities markets and/or other asset classes. The Index is new and has a limited performance history. Any new index is subject to errors in its construction.
¢    Industry Concentration Risk—The Fund will not invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, except that, to the extent that an industry represents 20% or more of the index (currently the Index) at the time of investment, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in that industry. Concentrating Fund investments in issuers conducting business in the same industry will subject the Fund to a greater risk of loss as a result of adverse economic, business or other developments affecting that industry than if its investments were not so concentrated.
¢    Interest Rate Risk—When interest rates increase, fixed income securities or instruments held by the Fund will generally decline in value. Long-term fixed income securities or instruments will normally have more price volatility because of this risk than short-term fixed income securities or instruments.
¢   

Investment Style Risk—The Index is intended to provide exposure to price momentum of certain U.S., international, developed and emerging equity markets, commodity markets, real estate markets and fixed income assets, and as a result the Index may be more volatile than a more broadly based conventional index. The momentum-based investment style employed by the Fund may fall out of favor from time to time, depending upon market and economic conditions as

 

10


RISKS OF THE FUND

 

 

well as investor sentiment. The Fund may outperform or underperform other funds that invest in similar asset classes but employ different investment styles.

¢    Leverage Risk—Leverage creates exposure to potential gains and losses in excess of the initial amount invested. Borrowing and the use of derivatives may result in leverage and may make the Fund more volatile. Relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of a leveraged investment. The Fund will segregate or earmark liquid assets or otherwise cover transactions that may give rise to such risk, to the extent required by applicable law. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions to satisfy its obligations or to meet segregation requirements when it may not be advantageous to do so. The use of leverage by the Fund can substantially increase the adverse impact to which the Fund’s investment portfolio may be subject.
¢    Liquidity Risk—The Fund may invest to a greater degree in securities or instruments that trade in lower volumes and may make investments that are less liquid than other investments. Also, the Fund may make investments that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, the Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the security or instrument at all. An inability to sell one or more portfolio positions can adversely affect the Fund’s value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities.

Because the Fund may invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities, mid- and small-capitalization stocks, REITs and/or emerging country issuers, it may be especially subject to the risk that during certain periods, the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities within a particular investment category, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political events, or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate.

Liquidity risk may also refer to the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. While the Fund reserves the right to meet redemption requests through in-kind distributions, the Fund may instead choose to raise cash to meet redemption requests through sales of portfolio securities or permissible borrowings. If the Fund is forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions, such sales may adversely affect the Fund’s NAV.

Certain shareholders, including clients or affiliates of the Investment Adviser, may from time to time own or control a significant percentage of the Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these shareholders of their shares of the Fund may further increase the Fund’s liquidity risk and may impact the Fund’s NAV. These shareholders may include, for example, certain participating insurance companies, accounts or Goldman Sachs affiliates, whose buy-sell decisions are controlled by a single decision-maker.

¢    Market Risk—The value of the instruments in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies, particular sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions throughout the world due to increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. The Fund’s investments may be overweighted from time to time in one or more sectors or countries, which will increase the Fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those sectors or countries.
¢    Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Risk—The securities of mid-capitalization and small-capitalization companies involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements. Securities of such issuers may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable a Fund to effect sales at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price. Both mid-capitalization and small-capitalization companies often have narrower markets and more limited managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, their performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund’s portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.
¢    NAV Risk—The net asset value of the Fund and the value of your investment will fluctuate.
¢    Non-Diversification Risk—The Fund is non-diversified, meaning it is permitted to invest a larger percentage of its assets in fewer issuers than diversified mutual funds. Thus, the Fund may be more susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater losses because of these developments.
¢   

Non-Hedging Foreign Currency Trading Risk—The Fund may engage in forward foreign currency transactions for speculative purposes. The Fund’s Investment Adviser may purchase or sell foreign currencies through the use of forward contracts based on the Investment Adviser’s judgment regarding the direction of the market for a particular foreign currency or currencies. In pursuing this strategy, the Investment Adviser seeks to profit from anticipated movements in currency rates by establishing “long” and/or

 

11


 

“short” positions in forward contracts on various foreign currencies. Foreign exchange rates can be extremely volatile and a variance in the degree of volatility of the market or in the direction of the market from the Investment Adviser’s expectations may produce significant losses to the Fund. Some of these transactions may also be subject to interest rate risk.

¢    Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities Risk—Non-investment grade fixed income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative and are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. These securities may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.
¢    REIT Risk—Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. REITs whose underlying properties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographic region are also subject to risks affecting such industries and regions. The securities of REITs involve greater risks than those associated with larger, more established companies and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements because of interest rate changes, economic conditions and other factors. REITs may also fail to qualify for tax free pass-through of income or may fail to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration. Securities of such issuers may lack sufficient market liquidity to enable the Fund to effect sales at an advantageous time or without a substantial drop in price.
¢    Sovereign Risk—The issuer of the non-U.S. sovereign debt held by the Fund or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest when due.
  ¢    Political Risk—The risks associated with the general political and social environment of a country. These factors may include among other things government instability, poor socioeconomic conditions, corruption, lack of law and order, lack of democratic accountability, poor quality of the bureaucracy, internal and external conflict, and religious and ethnic tensions. High political risk can impede the economic welfare of a country.
  ¢    Economic Risk—The risks associated with the general economic environment of a country. These can encompass, among other things, low quality and growth rate of Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”), high inflation or deflation, high government deficits as a percentage of GDP, weak financial sector, overvalued exchange rate, and high current account deficits as a percentage of GDP.
  ¢    Repayment Risk—A country may be unable to pay its external debt obligations in the immediate future. Repayment risk factors may include but are not limited to high foreign debt as a percentage of GDP, high foreign debt service as a percentage of exports, low foreign exchange reserves as a percentage of short-term debt or exports, and an unsustainable exchange rate structure.
¢    Stock Risk—Stock prices have historically risen and fallen in periodic cycles. U.S. and foreign stock markets have experienced periods of substantial price volatility in the past and may do so again in the future.
¢    Subsidiary Risk—To the extent that the Fund determines in the future to invest through a subsidiary, the Fund would be indirectly exposed to the risks associated with the subsidiary’s investments. The subsidiary may not be registered under the Investment Company Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Prospectus, may not be subject to all the investor protections of the Investment Company Act.
¢    Swaps Risk—The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques, risk analyses and tax planning different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The Fund’s transactions in swaps may be significant. These transactions can result in sizable realized and unrealized capital gains and losses relative to the gains and losses from the Fund’s direct investments in securities.

Transactions in swaps can involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in securities directly since, in addition to general market risks, swaps may be leveraged and are also subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk and pricing risk. Regulators also may impose limits on an entity’s or group of entities’ positions in certain swaps. However, certain risks are reduced (but not eliminated) if a Fund invests in cleared swaps. Because bilateral swap agreements are two-party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, these swaps may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap counterparty. Many swaps are complex and valued subjectively. Swaps and other derivatives may also be subject to pricing or “basis” risk, which exists when a particular derivative diverges from the price of corresponding cash market instruments. Under certain market conditions it may not be economically feasible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

 

12


RISKS OF THE FUND

 

The value of swaps can be very volatile, and a variance in the degree of volatility or in the direction of securities prices from the Investment Adviser’s expectations may produce significant losses in the Fund’s investments in swaps. In

addition, a perfect correlation between a swap and a security position may be impossible to achieve. As a result, the Investment Adviser’s use of swaps may not be effective in fulfilling the Investment Adviser’s investment strategies and may contribute to losses that would not have been incurred otherwise.

As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC or SEC-staff-approved measures to “cover” open positions with respect to certain kinds of derivative instruments. In the case of swaps that do not cash settle, for example, the Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the swaps while the positions are open. With respect to swaps that are required to cash settle, however, the Fund may set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e. the Fund’s daily net liability) under the swaps, if any, rather than their full notional value. The Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future in its discretion. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled swaps, the Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund was required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the swaps.

¢    Tax Risk—One of the requirements for favorable tax treatment as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code is that the Fund derive at least 90% of its gross income from certain qualifying sources of income. The IRS has issued private letter rulings in which the IRS specifically concluded that income and gains from certain commodity index-linked structured notes and investments through a subsidiary is qualifying income. However, the IRS has indicated that the granting of such private letter rulings is currently suspended, pending further internal discussion. The Fund has not received such a private letter ruling, and is not able to rely on private letter rulings issued to other taxpayers. Accordingly, its ability to make commodity-linked investments or invest through a subsidiary is restricted. The IRS may ultimately conclude and assert that income and gains from such structured notes and/or a subsidiary will not be considered qualifying income for purposes of determining whether the Fund remains qualified as a regulated investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The tax treatment of commodity-linked notes, other commodity-linked derivatives and/or investments through a subsidiary may also be adversely affected by future legislation, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Fund.
¢    Tracking Error Risk—The Fund’s portfolio composition and performance may not match, and may vary substantially from, that of the Index for any period of time, in part because there may be a delay in the Fund’s implementation of any changes to the composition of the Index. Unlike the Fund, the returns of the Index are not reduced by investment and other operating expenses, including the trading costs associated with implementing changes to its portfolio of investments.
¢    Treasury Inflation Protected Securities Risk—The value of TIPS generally fluctuates in response to inflationary concerns. As inflationary expectations increase, TIPS will become more attractive, because they protect future interest payments against inflation. Conversely, as inflationary concerns decrease, TIPS will become less attractive and less valuable. Although the principal value of TIPS declines in periods of deflation, holders at maturity receive no less than the par value of the bond. However, if the Fund purchases TIPS in the secondary market, where principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, the Fund may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation. If inflation is lower than expected during the period the Fund holds a TIPS, the Fund may earn less on the security than on a conventional bond. The U.S. Treasury only began issuing TIPS in 1997. As a result, the market for such securities may be less developed or liquid, and more volatile, than certain other securities markets. Although TIPS with different maturities may be issued in the future, the U.S. Treasury currently issues TIPS in five-year, ten-year and twenty-year maturities.
¢   

U.S. Government Securities Risk—The U.S. government may not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. Government Securities issued by those agencies, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises, including those issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks, are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that these issuers of U.S. Government Securities will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been operating under conservatorship, with the Federal Housing Finance Administration (“FHFA”) acting as their conservator, since September 2008. The entities are dependent upon the continued support of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and FHFA in order to continue their business operations. These factors, among others, could affect the future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie

 

13


 

Mac and the value of their securities and the securities which

they guarantee. Additionally, the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market values of their securities, which may fluctuate.

More information about the Fund’s portfolio securities and investment techniques, and their associated risks, is provided in Appendix A. You should consider the investment risks discussed in this section and in Appendix A. Both are important to your investment choice.

 

14


 

Service Providers

 

  INVESTMENT ADVISER     

 

Investment Adviser

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2012, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of approximately $742.4 billion.

The Investment Adviser provides day to day advice regarding the Fund’s portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Fund and places purchase and sale orders for the Fund’s portfolio transactions in U.S. and foreign markets. As permitted by applicable law, these orders may be directed to any brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants or derivatives clearing merchants including Goldman Sachs and its affiliates. While the Investment Adviser is ultimately responsible for the management of the Fund, it is able to draw upon the research and expertise of its asset management affiliates for portfolio decisions and management with respect to certain portfolio securities. In addition, the Investment Adviser has access to the research and certain proprietary technical models developed by Goldman Sachs, (subject to legal, internal, regulatory and Chinese Wall restrictions), and will apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in determining the appropriate allocations among categories of issuers and types of securities.

The Investment Adviser also performs the following additional services for the Fund:

  ¢    Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Fund
  ¢    Provides personnel to perform necessary executive, administrative and clerical services to the Fund
  ¢    Arranges for the preparation of all required tax returns, reports to shareholders, prospectuses and SAIs and other reports filed with the SEC and other regulatory authorities
  ¢    Maintains the records of the Fund
  ¢    Provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services

 

  MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER EXPENSES     

As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate listed below (as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets):

 

Fund        Contractual
Management Fee
Annual Rate
           

Average Daily

Net Assets

            Actual Rate For the
Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2012
    
Global Markets Navigator     0.79%      

First $1 Billion

      0.79%*  
    0.71%      

Next $1 Billion

       
    0.68%      

Next $3 Billion

       
    0.66%      

Next $3 Billion

       
      0.65%          

Over $8 Billion

               
                 

 

* The Investment Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of its management fee payable by the Fund in an amount equal to any management fees it earns as an investment adviser to any of the affiliated funds in which the Fund invests. The management fee waiver will remain in effect through at least October [    ], 2014, and prior to such date, the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees. The management fee waiver may be modified or terminated by the Investment Adviser at its discretion and without shareholder approval after such date, although the Investment Adviser does not presently intend to do so.

The Investment Adviser may waive a portion of its management fee from time to time, and may discontinue or modify any such waiver in the future, consistent with the terms of any fee waiver arrangements in place.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Management Agreement for the Fund in 2012 is available in the Fund’s Semi-Annual report dated June 30, 2012.

The Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce or limit “Other Expenses” (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, transfer agency fees and expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary expenses) to 0.004% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through at least October [    ], 2014, and prior to such date the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees. The expense limitation may be modified or terminated by the Investment Adviser at its discretion and without shareholder approval after such date, although the Investment Adviser does not presently intend to do so. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” may be further reduced by any custody and transfer agency fee credits received by the Fund.

The Investment Adviser, distributor, and/or their affiliates may, from time to time, pay compensation from their own assets (and not as an additional charge to the Fund) to participating insurance companies for administrative services that such companies provide to their variable annuity and variable life insurance contract owners who are invested in the Fund and for other purposes. In addition, the Investment Adviser, distributor, and/or their affiliates may pay compensation from their own assets (and not as an additional charge to the Fund) to various securities dealers (including affiliates of participating insurance companies) (“Intermediaries”) that

 

15


distribute variable annuity contracts and/or variable life insurance contracts of such companies in connection with the sale, distribution and/or servicing of such contracts. Such payments are intended to compensate Intermediaries for, among other things: marketing shares of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may consist of payments relating to funds included on preferred or recommended fund lists or in certain sales programs from time to time sponsored by the Intermediaries; access to the Intermediaries’ registered representatives or salespersons, including at conferences and other meetings; assistance in training and education of personnel; marketing support; and/or other specified services intended to assist in the distribution and marketing of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds. The payments may also, to the extent permitted by applicable regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions. The additional payments by the Investment Adviser, distributor and/or their affiliates may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, administrative and/or shareholder processing services that are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Fund. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the Intermediaries. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments.

The payments made by the Investment Adviser, distributor and/or their affiliates may differ for different participating insurance companies and Intermediaries. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an Intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular Intermediary, registered representative, salesperson or participating insurance company to highlight, feature, offer or recommend the Fund based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should contact your participating insurance company or Intermediary for more information about the payments they receive and any potential conflicts of interest.

 

  FUND MANAGERS     

Quantitative Investment Strategies Team

The Fund’s portfolio managers are all members of the Quantitative Investment Strategies (“QIS”) team. The QIS team is organized into four functional areas: (1) Alpha Strategies, which oversees the research, portfolio construction and implementation of our alpha models across all major asset classes, including global equities, fixed income, currencies, commodities, volatility and reinsurance; (2) Customized Beta Strategies, which focuses on solutions that encompass various beta and hedging capabilities; (3) Trading, which develops and implements both discretionary and algorithmic trading; and (4) Client Portfolio Management, which serves as the primary liaison between our clients and the portfolio management effort. A dedicated Information Technology group of over 30 professionals also supports the team. In addition, there are Senior Portfolio Managers who oversee all aspects of their product areas from research to implementation and are ultimately responsible for supervising and monitoring the process, implementation and controls.

  ¢    The QIS team consists of over 70 professionals, including 12 Ph.Ds, with extensive academic and practitioner experience
  ¢    Disciplined, quantitative models are used to determine the relative attractiveness of the world’s stock, bond and currency markets
  ¢    Theory and economic intuition guide the investment process

 

Name and Title   Fund Responsibility   Years
Primarily
Responsible
  Five Year Employment History

Gary Chropuvka, CFA

Managing Director and Head of Quantitative Investment Strategies—Customized Beta Strategies

 

Portfolio Manager—

Global Markets Navigator Fund

  Since

2013

 

Mr. Chropuvka is the head of Customized Beta Strategies business within GSAM’s Quantitative Investment Strategies (QIS) team, overseeing the team’s tax-efficient, rules-based and customized beta investment strategies. He also co-heads global client portfolio management for GSAM’s Quantitative and Fundamental Equities businesses. Previously, he was a Portfolio Manager for GSAM’s Quantitative Equity business, a position he held for seven years. Mr. Chropuvka originally joined GSAM in March 1998 as an analyst in the Private Equity Group and has been a member of the QIS team since 1999.

Amna Qaiser, CFA,

Vice President

 

Portfolio Manager—

Global Markets Navigator Fund

  Since

2012

  Amna Qaiser joined the Investment Adviser as a member of the Quantitative Investment Strategy (QIS) group in July 2003. She is a portfolio manager for QIS’s equity portfolios and focuses on research and product development in the Customized Beta Strategy (CBS) group.
     

 

16


SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Gary Chropuvka, CFA, Managing Director, is Head of Customized Beta Strategies for GSAM’s QIS team, Amna Qaiser, Vice President, is a Senior Portfolio Manager on the QIS Customized Beta Strategies team. They are responsible for the Fund’s investment process as well as the day-to-day management, implementation and execution process of the Fund’s portfolio.

For information about portfolio manager compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and portfolio manager ownership of securities in the Fund, see the SAI.

 

  DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT     

Goldman Sachs, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of the Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, also serves as the Fund’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) and, as such, performs various shareholder servicing functions.

For its transfer agency services, Goldman Sachs is entitled to receive a transfer agency fee equal, on an annualized basis, to 0.02% of average daily net assets with respect to the Institutional Shares.

 

  ACTIVITIES OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY GOLDMAN SACHS

The involvement of the Investment Adviser, Goldman Sachs and their affiliates in the management of, or their interest in, other accounts and other activities of Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with respect to the Fund or limit the Fund’s investment activities. Goldman Sachs is a worldwide full service investment banking, broker dealer, asset management and financial services organization and a major participant in global financial markets that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals. As such, it acts as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, financier, adviser, market maker, trader, prime broker, lender, agent and principal. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs advises clients in all markets and transactions and purchases, sells, holds and recommends a broad array of investments, including securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps, indices, baskets and other financial instruments and products for its own account or for the accounts of its customers, and has other direct and indirect interests in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equity and other markets in which the Fund directly and indirectly invests. Thus, it is likely that the Fund will have multiple business relationships with and will invest in, engage in transactions with, make voting decisions with respect to, or obtain services from entities for which Goldman Sachs performs or seeks to perform investment banking or other services. The Investment Adviser and/or certain of its affiliates are the managers of the Goldman Sachs Funds. The Investment Adviser and its affiliates earn fees from this and other relationships with the Funds. Although these fees are generally based on asset levels, the fees are not directly contingent on Fund performance, and Goldman Sachs would still receive significant compensation from the Funds even if shareholders lose money. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds which have investment objectives similar to those of the Fund and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Fund. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will not have any obligation to make available any information regarding their proprietary activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by them, for the benefit of the management of the Fund. The results of the Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that the Fund could sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and other accounts achieve significant profits on their trading for proprietary or other accounts. In addition, the Fund may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, the Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or Goldman Sachs advised clients may, individually or in the aggregate, adversely impact the Fund. Transactions by one or more Goldman Sachs advised clients or the Investment Adviser may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of the Fund. The Fund’s activities may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, and/or their internal policies designed to comply with such restrictions. As a global financial services firm, Goldman Sachs also provides a wide range of investment banking and financial services to issuers of securities and investors in securities. Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and others associated with it may create markets or specialize in, have positions in and affect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Fund, and may also perform or seek to perform investment banking and financial services for those issuers. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates may have business relationships with and purchase or distribute or sell services or products from or to distributors, consultants or others who recommend the Fund or who engage in transactions with or for the Fund. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the SAI.

 

17


The Fund’s Board of Trustees may approve a securities lending program where an affiliate of the Investment Adviser is retained to serve as a securities lending agent for the Fund to the extent that the Fund engages in the securities lending program. For these services, the lending agent may receive a fee from the Fund, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Fund’s investment of the cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews all portfolio securities loan transactions for which an affiliated lending agent has acted as lending agent. In addition, the Fund may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Fund’s portfolio investment transactions, in accordance with applicable law.

 

18


 

Distributions

 

Distributions from investment company taxable income and distributions from net realized capital gains (if any) are declared and paid by the Fund at least annually. Over the course of the year, accrued and paid distributions will equal all or substantially all of the Fund’s investment company taxable income and net realized capital gains. All distributions paid on Institutional Shares will be automatically reinvested in additional Institutional Shares of the Fund at the NAV of such shares on the payment date, unless an insurance company’s separate account is permitted to hold cash and elects to receive payment in cash. From time to time, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may constitute a return of capital for tax purposes, and/or may include amounts in excess of the Fund’s net investment income for the period in accordance with good accounting practice.

 

19


 

Shareholder Guide

 

The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Fund’s Institutional Shares.

How Can I Purchase Or Sell Institutional Shares Of The Fund?

Institutional Shares of the Fund are not sold directly to the public. Instead, Fund shares are sold to separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. You may purchase or sell (redeem) shares of the Fund through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts. The variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies are described in the separate prospectuses issued by the participating insurance companies. You should refer to those prospectuses for information on how to purchase a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy, how to select a specific Fund as an investment option for your contract or policy and how to redeem monies from the Fund.

The separate accounts of the participating insurance companies place orders to purchase and redeem shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and transfer requests (as defined in the prospectus describing the variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by the participating insurance companies) to be effected on that day pursuant to variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.

Shares of the Fund may be purchased by separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated participating insurance companies in order to fund both variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts, and also may be purchased by qualified plans. This may present certain conflicts of interests among variable annuity owners, variable life insurance policy owners and plan investors. The Trust’s Board of Trustees will monitor the Trust for the existence of any material irreconcilable conflict of interest. The Trust currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies arising from the fact that interests of the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies may differ due to differences of tax treatment or other considerations or due to conflicts among the participating insurance companies. If, however, a material irreconcilable conflict arises between the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies of participating insurance companies, a participating insurance company may be required to withdraw the assets allocable to some or all of the separate accounts from the Fund. Any such withdrawal could disrupt orderly portfolio management to the potential detriment of such holders.

Shares of the Fund (and other existing and new funds that might be added to the Trust) may also be offered to:

  ¢    Unregistered separate accounts of various participating insurance companies through which variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies are sold in non-public offerings.
  ¢    Unregistered separate accounts of various participating insurance companies through which variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies are offered exclusively to qualified pension and profit-sharing plans and/or certain governmental plans.
  ¢    Qualified pension and profit-sharing plans. The Trust does not currently anticipate offering shares directly to such plans.

How Are Shares Priced?

Institutional Shares of the Fund are purchased and sold at the Fund’s next determined NAV for its Institutional Share class after the Fund receives the order in proper form. The class calculates its NAV as follows:

 

NAV =   (Value of Assets of the Class)
– (Liabilities of the Class)
  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Class

The Fund’s investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at market value on the basis of quotations furnished by a pricing service or provided by securities dealers. If accurate quotations are not readily available, or if the Investment Adviser believes that such quotations do not accurately reflect fair value, the fair value of the Fund’s investments may be determined in good faith under valuation procedures established by the Board of Trustees. Cases where there is no clear indication of the value of the Fund’s investments include, among others, situations where a security or other asset or liability does not have a price source, or the secondary markets on which an investment has previously been traded are no longer viable.

To the extent that the Fund invests in foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices, if available, are provided by an independent fair value service in accordance with the fair value procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Fair value prices are used because many foreign markets operate at times that do not coincide with those of the major U.S. markets. Events that could affect the values of foreign portfolio holdings may occur between the close of the foreign market and the time of determining the NAV, and would not otherwise be reflected in the NAV. If the independent fair value service does not provide a fair value price for a particular security, or if the price provided does not meet the established criteria for the Fund, the Fund will

 

20


SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

 

price that security at the most recent closing price for that security on its principal exchange.

In addition, the Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) determine to make an adjustment to the previous closing prices of either domestic or foreign securities in light of significant events, to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities at the time of determining the Fund’s NAV. Significant events that could affect a large number of securities in a particular market may include, but are not limited to: situations relating to one or more single issuers in a market sector; significant fluctuations in U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or unscheduled market closings; equipment failures; natural or man made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; governmental actions or other developments; as well as the same or similar events which may affect specific issuers or the securities markets even though not tied directly to the securities markets. Other significant events that could relate to a single issuer may include, but are not limited to: corporate actions such as reorganizations, mergers and buy-outs; corporate announcements, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; ratings downgrades; bankruptcies; and trading suspensions.

One effect of using an independent fair value service and fair valuation may be to reduce stale pricing arbitrage opportunities presented by the pricing of Fund shares. However, it involves the risk that the values used by the Fund to price its investments may be different from those used by other investment companies and investors to price the same investments.

Investments in other open-end registered investment companies (if any), excluding investments in ETFs, are valued based on the NAV of those open-end registered investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectuses).

Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:

  ¢    NAV per share of each share class is generally calculated by the accounting agent on each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) or such other times as the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ market may officially close. Fund shares will generally not be priced on any day the New York Stock Exchange is closed.
  ¢    The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase (including dividend reinvestments), redemption and exchange transactions that were processed at a NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders accordingly based on the official closing NAV, as adjusted.
  ¢    The Trust reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC.

Consistent with industry practice, investment transactions not settling on the same day are recorded and factored into the Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1). The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.

Note: The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange is stopped at a time other than its regularly scheduled closing time. In the event the New York Stock Exchange does not open for business, the Trust may, but is not required to, open the Fund for purchase, redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire payment system is open. To learn whether the Fund is open for business during this situation, please call the appropriate phone number located on the back cover of this Prospectus.

Foreign securities may trade in their local markets on days the Fund is closed. As a result, if the Fund holds foreign securities, its NAV may be impacted on days when investors may not purchase or redeem Fund shares.

Do I Have To Pay Any Fees When Purchasing Or Selling Institutional Shares Of The Fund?

The Fund does not charge any fees when it sells or redeems its shares. Surrender charges, mortality and expense risk fees and other charges may be assessed by participating insurance companies under the variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies. These fees should be described in the participating insurance companies’ prospectuses.

What Else Should I Know About Institutional Share Purchases And Redemptions?

The Trust reserves the right to:

  ¢    Suspend the right of redemption under certain extraordinary circumstances in accordance with the rules of the SEC.
  ¢    Suspend the offering of shares for a period of time.
  ¢    Reject any purchase order.
  ¢    Close the Fund to new investors from time to time and reopen the Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.

Orders received by the Trust are effected on business days. The separate accounts purchase and redeem shares of the Fund at the Fund’s NAV per share calculated as of the day an order is received by the insurance company although such

 

21


purchases and redemptions may be executed the next morning. Redemption proceeds paid by wire transfer will normally be wired in federal funds on the next business day after the Trust receives actual notice of the redemption order (for a total of one business day delay), but may be paid up to three business days after receipt of actual notice of the order.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and Goldman Sachs reserve the right to reject or restrict purchase or exchange requests from any investor. The Trust and Goldman Sachs will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase or exchange orders.

What Types Of Reports Will I Be Sent Regarding Investments In The Fund?

As a holder of a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy, you will receive annual shareholder reports containing audited financial statements and semi-annual shareholder reports from your participating insurance company.

What Are The Fund’s Voting Procedures?

Participating insurance companies, not the owners of the variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies or participants therein, are shareholders of the Fund. To the extent required by law:

  ¢    The participating insurance companies will vote Fund shares held in the separate accounts in a manner consistent with timely voting instructions received from the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.
  ¢    The participating insurance companies will vote Fund shares held in the separate accounts for which no timely instructions are received from the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, as well as shares they own, in the same proportion as those shares for which voting instructions are received.

It is anticipated that Fund shares held by unregistered separate accounts or qualified plans generally will be voted for or against any proposition in the same proportion as all other Fund shares are voted unless the unregistered separate account’s participating insurance company or the plan makes other arrangements.

Additional information concerning voting rights of the participants in the separate accounts is more fully set forth in the prospectus relating to those accounts issued by the participating insurance companies.

 

  RESTRICTIONS ON EXCESSIVE TRADING PRACTICES     

Policies and Procedures on Excessive Trading Practices.  In accordance with the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees, the Trust discourages frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares and does not permit market timing or other excessive trading practices. Purchases and exchanges should be made with a view to longer-term investment purposes only that are consistent with the investment policies and practices of the Fund. Excessive, short-term (market timing) trading practices may disrupt portfolio management strategies, increase brokerage and administrative costs, harm Fund performance and result in dilution in the value of Fund shares held by longer-term shareholders. The Trust and Goldman Sachs reserve the right to reject or restrict purchase or exchange requests from any participating insurance company or other investor. The Trust and Goldman Sachs will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchases or exchange orders. To minimize harm to the Trust and its shareholders (or Goldman Sachs), the Trust (or Goldman Sachs) will exercise this right if, in the Trust’s (or Goldman Sachs’) judgment, an investor has a history of excessive trading or if an investor’s trading, in the judgment of the Trust (or Goldman Sachs), has been or may be disruptive to the Fund. In making this judgment, trades executed in multiple accounts under common ownership or control may be considered together to the extent they can be identified. No waivers of the provisions of the policy established to detect and deter market timing and other excessive trading activity are permitted that would harm the Trust or its shareholders or would subordinate the interests of the Trust or its shareholders to those of Goldman Sachs or any affiliated person or associated person of Goldman Sachs.

To deter excessive shareholder trading, certain Goldman Sachs Funds offered in other prospectuses impose a redemption fee on redemptions made within 30 or 60 days of purchase subject to certain exceptions as described in those Goldman Sachs Funds’ prospectuses. As a further deterrent to excessive trading, many foreign equity securities held by Goldman Sachs Funds are priced by an independent pricing service using fair valuation. For more information on fair valuation, please see “How Are Shares Priced?”

Pursuant to the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust, Goldman Sachs has developed criteria that it uses to identify trading activity that may be excessive. Excessive trading activity in the Fund is measured by the number of “round trip” transactions in a shareholder’s account. A

 

22


SHAREHOLDER GUIDE

 

“round trip” includes a purchase or exchange into a Fund followed or preceded by a redemption or exchange out of the same Fund. If a Fund detects that a shareholder has completed two or more round trip transactions in a single Fund within a rolling 90-day period, the Fund may reject or restrict subsequent purchase or exchange orders by that shareholder permanently. In addition, a Fund may, in its sole discretion, permanently reject or restrict purchase or exchange orders by a shareholder if the Fund detects other trading activity that is deemed to be disruptive to the management of the Fund or otherwise harmful to the Fund. For purposes of these transaction surveillance procedures, the Fund may consider trading activity in multiple accounts under common ownership, control, or influence. A shareholder that has been restricted from participation in a Fund pursuant to this policy will be allowed to apply for reentry after one year. A shareholder applying for re-entry must provide assurances acceptable to the Fund that the shareholder will not engage in excessive trading activities in the future.

Goldman Sachs may modify its surveillance procedures and criteria from time to time without prior notice regarding the detection of excessive trading or to address specific circumstances. Goldman Sachs will apply the criteria in a manner that, in Goldman Sachs’ judgment, will be uniform.

Fund shares are generally held through omnibus arrangements maintained by participating insurance companies or other intermediaries. Omnibus accounts include multiple investors and such accounts typically provide the Fund with a net purchase or redemption request on any given day where the purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by the investors shares are netted against one another. The identity of individual investors whose purchase and redemption orders are aggregated are ordinarily not tracked by the Fund on a regular basis. A number of these insurance companies or financial intermediaries may not have the capability or may not be willing or legally able to apply the Fund’s market timing policies. While Goldman Sachs may monitor share turnover at the omnibus account level, the Fund’s ability to monitor and detect market timing by investors in these omnibus accounts may be limited in certain circumstances, and certain of these insurance companies or financial intermediaries may charge the Fund a fee for providing certain shareholder financial information requested as part of the Fund’s surveillance process. The netting effect makes it more difficult to identify, locate and eliminate market timing activities. In addition, those investors who engage in market timing and other excessive trading activities may employ a variety of techniques to avoid detection. There can be no assurance that the Fund and Goldman Sachs will be able to identify all those who trade excessively or employ a market timing strategy, and curtail their trading in every instance. If necessary, the Trust may prohibit additional purchases of Fund shares by a participating insurance company or intermediary or by certain of their customers. Insurance companies and intermediaries may also monitor their customers’ trading activities in the Fund. The criteria used by insurance companies or intermediaries to monitor for excessive trading may differ from the criteria used by the Fund. If an insurance company or intermediary fails to cooperate in the implementation or enforcement of the Trust’s excessive trading policies, the Trust may take certain actions including terminating the relationship.

 

23


 

Taxation

 

The Fund is treated as a separate corporate entity for federal tax purposes. The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company and intends to qualify for such treatment for each taxable year under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In addition, the Fund intends to qualify under the Code with respect to the diversification requirements related to variable contracts. Provided that the Fund and a separate account investing in the Fund satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Fund will not be subject to federal tax and any distributions from the Fund to the separate account will be exempt from current federal income taxation to the extent that such distributions accumulate in a variable annuity contract or a variable life insurance contract.

Persons investing in variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts should refer to the prospectuses with respect to such contracts for further information regarding the tax treatment of the contracts and the separate accounts in which the contracts are invested.

 

24


 

Appendix A

Additional Information on Portfolio Risks,

Securities and Techniques

 

  A.    GENERAL PORTFOLIO RISKS     

Because the Fund invests in derivatives that provide exposure to equity investments, the Fund will be subject to the risks associated with such investments. “Equity investments” may include common stocks, preferred stocks, interests in REITS, equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and similar enterprises, other investment companies (including ETFs) and synthetic and derivative instruments (such as swaps and futures contracts) that have economic characteristics similar to equity securities. In general, the values of equity investments fluctuate in response to the activities of individual companies and in response to general market and economic conditions. Accordingly, the values of such investments may decline over short or extended periods. The stock markets tend to be cyclical, with periods when stock prices generally rise and periods when prices generally decline. This volatility means that the value of your investment in the Fund may increase or decrease. In recent years, certain stock markets have experienced substantial price volatility. To the extent the Fund’s net assets decrease or increase in the future due to price volatility or share redemption or purchase activity, the Fund’s expense ratio may correspondingly increase or decrease from the expense ratio disclosed in this Prospectus.

To the extent the Fund invests in pooled investment vehicles (including investment companies and ETFs), partnerships and REITs, the Fund will be affected by the investment policies, practices and performance of such entities in direct proportion to the amount of assets the Fund invests therein.

To the extent it invests in fixed income securities, the Fund will also be subject to the risks associated with fixed income securities. These risks include interest rate risk and credit/default risk. In general, interest rate risk involves the risk that when interest rates decline, the market value of fixed income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates increase, the market value of fixed income securities tends to decline. Credit/default risk involves the risk that an issuer or guarantor could default on its obligations, and the Fund will not recover its investment.

The Investment Adviser is expected to be subject to registration and regulation as a “commodity pool operator” under the Commodity Exchange Act with respect to its service as investment adviser to the Fund. However, as a result of proposed rulemaking by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) that has not yet been adopted, the Investment Adviser is not yet subject to CFTC recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure requirements with respect to the Fund, and therefore the impact of these requirements remains uncertain. When the Investment Adviser becomes subject to these requirements, as well as related National Futures Association rules, the Fund may incur additional compliance and other expenses.

The Fund may invest in non-investment grade fixed income securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”), which are rated below investment grade (or determined to be of comparable credit quality, if not rated) at the time of purchase and are therefore considered speculative. Because non-investment grade fixed income securities are issued by issuers with low credit ratings, they pose a greater risk of default than investment grade securities.

The Investment Adviser may use derivative instruments, including financial futures contracts and swap transactions, as well as other types of derivatives. The Fund’s investments in derivative instruments, including financial futures contracts and swaps, can be significant.

Interest rates, fixed income securities prices, the prices of futures and other derivatives, and currency exchange rates can be volatile, and a variance in the degree of volatility or in the direction of the market from the Investment Adviser’s expectations may produce significant losses in the Fund’s investments in derivatives.

Financial futures contracts used by the Fund include interest rate futures contracts including, among others, Eurodollar futures contracts. Eurodollar futures contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts that are based on the implied forward London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) of a three-month deposit. Further information is included in this Prospectus regarding futures contracts, swaps and other derivative instruments used by the Fund, including information on the risks presented by these instruments and purposes for which they may be used by the Fund.

The Investment Adviser will not consider the portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for the Fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater expenses which must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of the dollar amount of sales or purchases of portfolio securities by the average monthly value of the Fund’s portfolio securities, excluding securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or less.

The following sections provide further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Fund, including their associated risks. Additional

 

25


information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI describes certain fundamental investment restrictions that cannot be changed without shareholder approval. You should note, however, that all investment objectives, and all investment policies not specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. If there is a change in the Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs.

 

  B.    OTHER PORTFOLIO RISKS     

Principal Risks of the Fund

Index/Methodology Risk.  The Index Provider relies on third party data and a Methodology it believes to be reliable in constructing the Index, but it does not guarantee the accuracy of such third party data or the Methodology. There can be no assurance that the Methodology will correctly forecast the risk of particular instruments or asset classes or make effective tactical decisions. The Methodology may direct the Index’s allocations to an instrument or asset class that underperforms other instruments or asset classes. The Methodology may not achieve its goals of mitigating volatility and modulating risk. If the Index’s daily volatility control is triggered, the Methodology may reallocate the Index into lower-risk assets, such as cash. By seeking to track the Index when the daily volatility control is triggered, the Fund may underperform in comparison to the general securities markets and/or other asset classes.

On each monthly rebalancing date, the Methodology selects a combination of Underlying Index weightings, subject to constraints, based upon price momentum inputs including three-, six- and nine-month historical returns of the Underlying Indices. Many of the traits that are considered are derived through publicly available financial or accounting information. To the extent that inaccurate information is utilized, the Index will be rebalanced based on this incorrect data. As such, the weightings given to the Underlying Indices within the Index, and therefore the Fund’s allocations to the Underlying Indices, may not be the combination that would have provided the highest three-, six-, and nine-month historical returns, subject to the applicable constraints. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Calculation Agent will calculate the Index in an accurate or timely manner, which may adversely affect the Index and/or the Fund or cause the Fund’s return not to match or to vary substantially from the return of the Index.

There can be no assurance that any rebalancing will result in an optimal set of weights or that the dates on which rebalancings occur are the optimal dates to rebalance the Index. Further, there can be no assurance that the six-month historical return period used by the algorithm to calculate the weights of the Underlying Indices is the optimal period.

The Index is new and has a limited performance history. Any new index is subject to errors in its construction. The Index was designed based on historical performance of certain asset classes and there can be no assurance that the historical relationships underlying the Index’s construction will continue in the future. The committee that oversees the Index may substitute a new Underlying Index for the original one where, among other situations, (a) an Underlying Index has ceased to exist or is no longer tradable, or (b) another index is determined to better provide desired exposure. Any determinations made by the committee to change the composition of the Index could materially affect the performance of the Index, and therefore the performance of the Fund.

Risks of Derivative Investments.  The Fund may invest in derivative instruments including without limitation, options, futures, options on futures, forwards, swaps, structured securities and derivatives relating to foreign currency transactions. Investments in derivative instruments may be for both hedging and nonhedging purposes (that is, to seek to increase total return), although suitable derivative instruments may not always be available to the Investment Adviser for these purposes. Losses from investments in derivative instruments can result from a lack of correlation between changes in the value of derivative instruments and the portfolio assets (if any) being hedged, the potential illiquidity of the markets for derivative instruments, the failure of the counterparty to perform its contractual obligations, or the risks arising from margin requirements and related leverage factors associated with such transactions. Losses may also arise if the Fund receives cash collateral under the transactions and some or all of that collateral is invested in the market. To the extent that cash collateral is so invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation, and the Fund may be responsible for any loss that might result from its investment of the counterparty’s cash collateral. The use of these management techniques also involves the risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of the timing or level of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency prices. Investments in derivative instruments may be harder to value, subject to greater volatility and more likely subject to changes in tax treatment than other investments. For these

 

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reasons, the Investment Adviser’s attempts to hedge portfolio risks through the use of derivative instruments may not be successful, and the Investment Adviser may choose not to hedge certain portfolio risks. Investing for nonhedging purposes is considered a speculative practice and presents even greater risk of loss.

Risk of Equity Swap Transactions.  In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns, differentials in rates of return or some other amount earned or realized on a particular predetermined asset (or group of assets) which may be adjusted for transaction costs, interest payments, dividends paid on the reference asset or other factors. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” for example, the increase or decrease in value of a particular dollar amount invested in the asset.

Equity swaps may be structured in different ways. For example, when the Fund takes a long position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have increased in value had it been invested in a particular stock (or group of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on the stock. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty interest on the notional amount of the equity swap plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stock. Therefore, in this case the return to the Fund on the equity swap should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stock less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, when the Fund takes a short position, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap would have decreased in value had the Fund sold a particular stock (or group of stocks) short, less the dividend expense that the Fund would have paid on the stock, as adjusted for interest payments or other economic factors.

Under an equity swap, payments may be made at the conclusion of the equity swap or periodically during its term. Sometimes, however, the Investment Adviser may terminate a swap contract prior to its term, subject to any potential termination fee that is in addition to the Fund’s accrued obligations under the swap.

Equity swaps are derivatives and their value can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser does not accurately analyze and predict future market trends, the values of assets or economic factors, or the creditworthiness of the counterparty, the Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial.

Risks of Illiquid Securities.  The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities which cannot be disposed of in seven days in the ordinary course of business at fair value. Illiquid securities include:

  ¢    Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  ¢    Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  ¢    Certain over-the-counter options
  ¢    Certain structured securities and swap transactions
  ¢    Certain restricted securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid because it is so called “4(2) commercial paper” or is otherwise eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (“144A Securities”).

Investing in 144A Securities may decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities. The purchase price and subsequent valuation of restricted and illiquid securities normally reflect a discount, which may be significant, from the market price of comparable securities for which a liquid market exists.

Investments purchased by the Fund, particularly debt securities and over-the-counter traded instruments, that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, markets events, economic conditions or investor perceptions. Domestic and foreign markets are becoming more and more complex and interrelated, so that events in one sector of the market or the economy, or in one geographical region, can reverberate and have negative consequences for other market, economic or regional sectors in a manner that may not be reasonably foreseen. With respect to over-the-counter traded securities, the continued viability of any over-the-counter secondary market depends on the continued willingness of dealers and other participants to purchase the investments.

If one or more instruments in the Fund’s portfolio become illiquid, the Fund may exceed its 15% limitation in illiquid instruments. In the event that changes in the portfolio or other external events cause the investments in illiquid instruments to exceed 15% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund must take steps to bring the aggregate amount of illiquid instruments back within the prescribed limitations as soon as reasonably practicable. This requirement would not force the

 

27


Fund to liquidate any portfolio instrument where the Fund would suffer a loss on the sale of that instrument.

In cases where no clear indication of the value of the Fund’s portfolio instruments is available, the portfolio instruments will be valued at their fair value according to the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. These cases include, among others, situations where a security or other asset or liability does not have a price source, or the secondary markets on which an investment has previously been traded are no longer viable, due to its lack of liquidity. For more information on fair valuation, please see “Shareholder Guide—How Are Shares Priced?”

Credit/Default Risks.  Debt securities purchased by the Fund may include U.S. Government Securities (including zero coupon bonds) and securities issued by foreign governments, domestic and foreign corporations, banks and other issuers. Some of these fixed income securities are described in the next section below. Further information is provided in the SAI.

Debt securities rated BBB or higher by Standard & Poor’s or Baa or higher by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by

another NRSRO are considered “investment grade.” Securities rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken the issuers’ capacity to pay interest and repay principal. A security will be deemed to have met a rating requirement if it receives the minimum required rating from at least one such rating organization even though it has been rated below the minimum rating by one or more other rating organizations, or if unrated by such rating organizations, the security is determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality. A security satisfies the Fund’s minimum rating requirement regardless of its relative ranking (for example, plus or minus) within a designated major rating category (for example, BBB or Baa). If a security satisfies the Fund’s minimum rating requirement at the time of purchase and is subsequently downgraded below that rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of the security. If a downgrade occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider what action, including the sale of the security, is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

The Fund may invest in fixed income securities rated BB+ or Ba1 or below (or comparable unrated securities) which are commonly referred to as “junk bonds.” Junk bonds are considered speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments.

In some cases, junk bonds may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing and be in default. As a result, investment in such bonds will present greater speculative risks than those associated with investment in investment grade bonds. Also, to the extent that the rating assigned to a security in the Fund’s portfolio is downgraded by a rating organization, the market price and liquidity of such security may be adversely affected.

Risks of Foreign Investments.  The Fund will make foreign investments. Foreign investments involve special risks that are not typically associated with U.S. dollar denominated or quoted securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign investments may be affected by changes in currency rates, changes in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to such investments and changes in exchange control regulations (e.g., currency blockage). A decline in the exchange rate of the currency (i.e., weakening of the currency against the U.S. dollar) in which a portfolio security is quoted or denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would reduce the value of the portfolio security. In addition, if the currency in which the Fund receives dividends, interest or other payments declines in value against the U.S. dollar before such income is distributed as dividends to shareholders or converted to U.S. dollars, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to pay such dividends.

Brokerage commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the United States. In addition, clearance and settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, thus making it difficult to conduct such transactions.

Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to U.S. issuers. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign issuer than about a U.S. issuer. In addition, there is generally less government regulation of foreign markets, companies and securities dealers than in the United States, and the legal remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies available in the United States. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets and securities of many foreign issuers are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of withholding or other

 

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taxes on dividend or interest payments (or, in some cases, capital gains distributions), limitations on the removal of funds or other assets from such countries, and risks of political or social instability or diplomatic developments which could adversely affect investments in those countries.

The Fund may hold foreign securities and cash with foreign banks, agents, and securities depositories appointed by the Fund’s custodian (each a “Foreign Custodian”). Some Foreign Custodians may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. In some countries, Foreign Custodians may be subject to little or no regulatory oversight over or independent evaluation of their operations. Further, the laws of certain countries may place limitations on the Fund’s ability to recover assets if a Foreign Custodian enters bankruptcy. Investments in emerging market countries may be subject to even greater custody risks than investments in more developed markets. Custody services in emerging market countries are very often undeveloped and may be considerably less well regulated than in more developed countries, and thus may not afford the same level of investor protection as would apply in developed countries.

Concentration of the Fund’s assets in one or a few countries and currencies will subject the Fund to greater risks than if the Fund’s assets were not geographically concentrated.

Investments in foreign securities may take the form of sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts

(“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs represent the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a bank or other depository. ADRs and certain GDRs are traded in the United States. GDRs may be traded in either the United States or in foreign markets. EDRs are traded primarily outside of the United States. Prices of ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security.

Risks of Emerging Countries.  The Fund may invest in securities of issuers located in emerging countries. The risks of foreign investment are heightened when the issuer is located in an emerging country. Emerging countries are generally located in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Central and South America. The Fund’s purchase and sale of portfolio securities in certain emerging countries may be constrained by limitations relating to daily changes in the prices of listed securities, periodic trading or settlement volume and/or limitations on aggregate holdings of foreign investors. Such limitations may be computed based on the aggregate trading volume by or holdings of the Fund, the Investment Adviser, its affiliates and their respective clients and other service providers. The Fund may not be able to sell securities in circumstances where price, trading or settlement volume limitations have been reached.

Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees which may limit investment in such countries or increase the administrative costs of such investments. For example, certain Asian countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals. In addition, certain countries may restrict or prohibit investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests. Such restrictions may affect the market price, liquidity and rights of securities that may be purchased by the Fund. The repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain emerging countries is subject to restrictions such as the need for governmental consents. In situations where a country restricts direct investment in securities (which may occur in certain Asian and other countries), the Fund may invest in such countries through other investment funds in such countries.

Many emerging countries have experienced currency devaluations and substantial (and, in some cases, extremely high) rates of inflation. Other emerging countries have experienced economic recessions. These circumstances have had a negative effect on the economies and securities markets of such emerging countries. Economies in emerging countries generally are dependent heavily upon commodity prices and international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by the economies of their trading partners, trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade.

Many emerging countries are subject to a substantial degree of economic, political and social instability. Governments of some emerging countries are authoritarian in nature or have been installed or removed as a result of military coups, while governments in other emerging countries have periodically used force to suppress civil dissent. Disparities of wealth, the pace and success of democratization, and ethnic, religious and racial disaffection, among other factors, have also led to

 

29


social unrest, violence and/or labor unrest in some emerging countries. Unanticipated political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Investing in emerging countries involves greater risk of loss due to expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. As an example, in the past some Eastern European governments have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and many claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that similar expropriations will not occur in other countries.

The Fund’s investment in emerging countries may also be subject to withholding or other taxes, which may be significant and may reduce the return to the Fund from an investment in issuers in such countries.

Settlement procedures in emerging countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the United States and may involve the Fund’s delivery of securities before receipt of payment for their sale. In addition, significant delays may occur in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for the Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities, to have a portion of its assets uninvested or to incur losses due to the failure of a counterparty to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund’s inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons.

The creditworthiness of the local securities firms used by the Fund in emerging countries may not be as sound as the creditworthiness of firms used in more developed countries. As a result, the Fund may be subject to a greater risk of loss if a securities firm defaults in the performance of its responsibilities.

The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging countries and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may make the Fund’s investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the United States, Japan and most Western European countries). The Fund’s investments in emerging countries are subject to the risk that the liquidity of a particular investment, or investments generally, in such countries will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic, market or political conditions or adverse investor perceptions, whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, the Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Investments in emerging countries may be more difficult to value precisely because of the characteristics discussed above and lower trading volumes.

The Fund’s use of foreign currency management techniques in emerging countries may be limited. The Investment Adviser anticipates that all or a significant portion of the Fund’s currency exposure in emerging countries may not be covered by these techniques.

Risks of Sovereign Debt.  Investment in sovereign debt obligations by the Fund involves risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or pay interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and the Fund may have limited recourse to compel payment in the event of a default. Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of sovereign debt, and in turn the Fund’s NAV, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers.

A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward international lenders, and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.

Additional Risks of the Fund

Risks of Investing in Mid-Capitalization and Small-Capitalization Companies and REITs.  The Fund may invest in mid- and small-capitalization companies and REITs. Investments in mid- and small-capitalization companies and REITs involve greater risk and portfolio price volatility than investments in larger capitalization stocks. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility of these investments are the less certain growth prospects of smaller firms and the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities. Mid- and small-capitalization companies and REITs may be thinly traded and may have to be sold at a discount from current market prices or in small lots over an extended period of time. In addition, these securities are subject to the risk that during certain periods the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities in particular investment categories, will shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse economic or market

 

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APPENDIX A

 

conditions, or adverse investor perceptions whether or not accurate. Because of the lack of sufficient market liquidity, the Fund may incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and only then at a substantial drop in price. Mid- and small-capitalization companies and REITs include “unseasoned” issuers that do not have an established financial history; often have limited product lines, markets or financial resources; may depend on or use a few key personnel for management; and may be susceptible to losses and risks of bankruptcy. Mid- and small-capitalization companies may be operating at a loss or have significant variations in operating results; may be engaged in a rapidly changing business with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence; may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, to finance expansion or to maintain their competitive position; and may have substantial borrowings or may otherwise have a weak financial condition. In addition, these companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing, and other capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial and technical personnel. Transaction costs for these investments are often higher than those of larger capitalization companies. Investments in mid- and small-capitalization companies and REITs may be more difficult to price precisely than other types of securities because of their characteristics and lower trading volumes.

Temporary Investment Risks.  The Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest up to 100% of its total assets in:

  ¢    U.S. Government Securities
  ¢    Commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s, P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO (or, if unrated, determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality)
  ¢    Certificates of deposit
  ¢    Bankers’ acceptances
  ¢    Repurchase agreements
  ¢    Non-convertible preferred stocks with a remaining maturity of less than one year
  ¢    ETFs
  ¢    Other investment companies
  ¢    Cash items

When the Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments, the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.

Risks of Large Shareholder Redemptions.  Certain participating insurance companies, accounts, or Goldman Sachs affiliates may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of the Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these participating insurance companies or accounts of their holdings in the Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV. These redemptions may also force the Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage costs.

 

  C.    PORTFOLIO SECURITIES AND TECHNIQUES     

This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Fund, including their associated risks.

The Fund may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. Further information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request.

U.S. Government Securities.  The Fund may invest in U.S. Government Securities. U.S. Government Securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. U.S. Government Securities may be supported by (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) only the credit of the issuer. U.S. Government Securities also include Treasury receipts, zero coupon bonds and other stripped U.S. Government Securities, where the interest and principal components are traded independently. U.S. Government Securities may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.

U.S. Government Securities are deemed to include (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities; and (ii) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies that are so guaranteed. Certain of these participations may be regarded as illiquid.

U.S. Government Securities have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, no assurance can be given that loss of principal will not occur or that the U.S. government will provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law.

Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates.  The Fund may invest in custodial receipts and trust certificates

 

31


representing interests in securities held by a custodian or trustee. The securities so held may include U.S. Government Securities or other types of securities in which the Fund may invest. The custodial receipts or trust certificates may evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on the underlying securities, or, in some cases, the payment obligation of a third party that has entered into an interest rate swap or other arrangement with the custodian or trustee. For certain securities laws purposes, custodial receipts and trust certificates may not be considered obligations of the U.S. government or other issuer of the securities held by the custodian or trustee. If for tax purposes, the Fund is not considered to be the owner of the underlying securities held in the custodial or trust account, the Fund may suffer adverse tax consequences. As a holder of custodial receipts and trust certificates, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. The Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial receipts and trust certificates.

REITs.  The Fund may invest in REITs. REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest primarily in either real estate or real estate related loans. The value of a REIT is affected by changes in the value of the properties owned by the REIT or securing mortgage loans held by the REIT. REITs are dependent upon the ability of the REITs’ managers, and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers and the qualification of the REITs under applicable regulatory requirements for favorable income tax treatment. REITs are also subject to risks generally associated with investments in real estate including possible declines in the value of real estate, general and local economic conditions, environmental problems and changes in interest rates. To the extent that assets underlying a REIT are concentrated geographically, by property type or in certain other respects, these risks may be heightened. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses, including management fees, paid by a REIT in which it invests.

Preferred Stock.  Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing the holder with claims on the issuer’s earnings and assets before common stock owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the obligations of an issuer of preferred stock, including dividend and other payment obligations, may not typically be accelerated by the holders of such preferred stock on the occurrence of an event of default or other non-compliance by the issuer of the preferred stock.

Zero Coupon, Deferred Interest, Pay-In-Kind and Capital Appreciation Bonds.  The Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds, deferred interest, pay-in-kind and capital appreciation bonds. These bonds are issued at a discount from their face value because interest payments are typically postponed until maturity. Pay-in-kind securities are securities that have interest payable by the delivery of additional securities. The market prices of these securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

Structured Securities.  The Fund may invest in structured securities. Structured securities are securities whose value is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific currencies, securities, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators (the “Reference”) or the relative change in two or more References. Investments in structured securities may provide exposure to certain securities or markets in situations where regulatory or other restrictions prevent direct investments in such issuers or markets.

The interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference. Structured securities may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rates or the value of the security at maturity may be a multiple of changes in the value of the Reference, effectively leveraging the Fund’s investment so that small changes in the value of the Reference may result in disproportionate gains or losses to the Fund. Consequently, structured securities may present a greater degree of market risk than many types of securities and may be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities. Structured securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer of the structured securities may fail to perform its contractual obligations. Certain issuers of structured products may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the Investment Company Act. As a result, the Fund’s investments in structured securities may be subject to the limits applicable to investments in other investment companies.

Structured securities are considered hybrid instruments because they are derivative investments the value of which depends on, or is derived from or linked to, the value of an underlying asset, interest rate index or commodity. Commodity-linked notes are hybrid instruments because the principal and/or interest payments on these notes is linked to

 

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the value of individual commodities, futures contracts or the performance of one or more commodity indices.

Structured securities may also include equity linked notes. An equity linked note is a note whose performance is tied to a single stock, a stock index or a basket of stocks. Equity linked notes combine the principal protection normally associated with fixed income investments with the potential for capital appreciation normally associated with equity investments. Upon the maturity of the note, the holder generally receives a return of principal based on the capital appreciation of the linked securities. Depending on the terms of the note, equity linked notes may also have a “cap” or “floor” on the maximum principal amount to be repaid to holders, irrespective of the performance of the underlying linked securities. For example, a note may guarantee the repayment of the original principal amount invested (even if the underlying linked securities have negative performance during the note’s term), but may cap the maximum payment at maturity at a certain percentage of the issuance price or the return of the underlying linked securities. Alternatively, the note may not guarantee a full return on the original principal, but may offer a greater participation in any capital appreciation of the underlying linked securities. The terms of an equity linked note may also provide for periodic interest payments to holders at either a fixed or floating rate. The secondary market for equity linked notes may be limited, and the lack of liquidity in the secondary market may make these securities difficult to dispose of and to value. Equity linked notes will be considered equity securities for purposes of the Fund’s investment objective and policies.

Foreign Currency Transactions.  The Fund may, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a cash basis or through forward contracts. A forward contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract.

The Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, the Fund may enter into foreign currency transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of the Fund’s performance benchmark. The Fund may also enter into such transactions to seek to increase total return, which is considered a speculative practice.

The Fund may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in a currency different from that in which the hedged security is denominated or quoted. The Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection with investments in foreign securities when, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. dollars at a later date (e.g., the Investment Adviser may anticipate that the foreign currency will appreciate against the U.S. dollar).

Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time causing, along with other factors, the Fund’s NAV to fluctuate (when the Fund’s NAV fluctuates, the value of your shares may go up or down). Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad.

The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations. Because these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on a contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or could force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.

As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in forward currency contracts.

Options on Securities, Securities Indices and Foreign Currencies.  A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer (seller) of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying instrument during the option period. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying instrument during the option period. The Fund may write (sell) covered call and put options and purchase put and call options on any securities in which the Fund may invest or on any securities index consisting of securities in which it may invest. The Fund may also, to the extent consistent with its investment policies, purchase and sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies.

The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves special investment risks. Options

 

33


may be used for either hedging or cross-hedging purposes, or to seek to increase total return (which is considered a speculative activity). The successful use of options depends in part on the ability of the Investment Adviser to anticipate future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities (or currency) markets. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of changes in market prices or determination of the correlation between the instruments or indices on which options are written and purchased and the instruments in the Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The use of options can also increase the Fund’s transaction costs. Options written or purchased by the Fund may be traded on either U.S. or foreign exchanges or over-the-counter. Foreign and over-the-counter options will present greater possibility of loss because of their greater illiquidity and credit risks. When writing an option, the Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligation under the option contract.

Futures Contracts and Options and Swaps on Futures Contracts.  Futures contracts are standardized, exchange-traded contracts that provide for the sale or purchase of a specified financial instrument or currency at a future time at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right (and the writer of the option the obligation) to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price within a specified period of time. A swap on a futures contract provides an investor with the ability to gain economic exposure to a particular futures market; however, unlike a futures contract that is exchange traded, a swap on a futures contract is an over-the-counter transaction. A futures contract may be based on particular securities, foreign currencies, securities indices and other financial instruments and indices. The Fund may engage in futures transactions on both U.S. and foreign exchanges.

The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts, purchase and write call and put options on futures contracts, and enter into swaps on futures contracts, in order to seek to increase total return or to hedge against changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selection and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. The Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such contracts and options.

Futures contracts and related options and swaps present the following risks:

  ¢    While the Fund may benefit from the use of futures and options and swaps on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance than if the Fund had not entered into any futures contracts, options transactions or swaps.
  ¢    Because perfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to additional risk of loss.
  ¢    The loss incurred by the Fund in entering into futures contracts and in writing call options and entering into swaps on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received.
  ¢    Futures markets are highly volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of the Fund’s NAV.
  ¢    As a result of the low margin deposits normally required in futures trading, a relatively small price movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund.
  ¢    Futures contracts and options and swaps on futures may be illiquid, and exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single day.
  ¢    Foreign exchanges may not provide the same protection as U.S. exchanges.

The Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in futures contracts and options and swaps on futures contracts. In the case of futures contracts that do not cash settle, for example, the Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the futures contracts while the positions are open. With respect to futures contracts that do cash settle, however, the Fund may set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Fund’s daily net liability) under the futures contracts, if any, rather than their full notional value. The Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future in its discretion. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled futures contracts, the Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the futures contracts.

Other Investment Companies.  The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, including ETFs, subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment

 

34


APPENDIX A

 

Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on the Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds to invest in the ETFs’ shares beyond these statutory limitations, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to a contractual arrangement between the ETFs and the investing funds. The Fund may rely on these exemptive orders to invest in unaffiliated ETFs.

The use of ETFs is intended to help the Fund match the total return of the particular market segments or indices represented by those ETFs, although that may not be the result. Most ETFs are passively managed investment companies whose shares are purchased and sold on a securities exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objectives, strategies and policies. In addition, an ETF may fail to accurately track the market segment or index that underlies its investment objective. The price of an ETF can fluctuate, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF. Moreover, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or a discount to their net asset value; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of an ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged.

Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, the Fund may invest in certain other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.

The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies, in addition to the fees and expenses regularly borne by the Fund. Although the Fund does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, the Fund is authorized to invest substantially all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof that has substantially the same investment objective, policies and fundamental restrictions as the Fund.

Equity Swaps.  The Fund may invest in equity swaps. Equity swaps allow the parties to a swap agreement to exchange the dividend income or other components of return on an equity investment (for example, a group of equity securities or an index) for another payment stream. An equity swap may be used by the Fund to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in circumstances in which direct investment may be restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise deemed impractical or disadvantageous.

The value of swaps can be very volatile. To the extent that the Investment Adviser does not accurately analyze and predict the potential relative fluctuation of the components swapped with another party, or creditworthiness of the counterparty, the Fund may suffer a loss, which may be substantial. The value of some components of a swap (such as the dividends on a common stock) may also be sensitive to changes in interest rates. Furthermore, swaps may be illiquid, and the Fund may be unable to terminate its obligations when desired.

Currently, certain standardized swap transactions are subject to mandatory central clearing. Although central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to bilaterally negotiated swaps, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely.

As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC or SEC-staff approved measures to “cover” open positions with respect to certain kinds of derivative instruments. In the case of swaps that do not cash settle, for example, the Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the swaps while the positions are open. With respect to swaps that are required to cash settle, however, the Fund may set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e. the Fund’s daily net liability) under the swaps, if any, rather than their full notional value. The Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future in its discretion. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash settled swaps, the Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the swaps.

 

35


Interest Rate Swaps, Credit Swaps, Currency Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars.  Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses on an underlying security. Credit swaps give one party to a transaction (the buyer of the credit swap) the right to dispose of or acquire an asset (or group of assets or exposure to the performance of an index), or the right to receive a payment from the other party, upon the occurrence of specified credit events. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties’ respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies. Total return swaps give the Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee paid to the counterparty, which will typically be based on an agreed upon interest rate. If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term of the swap, the Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline to the counterparty. The Fund may also purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions. A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a nonrefundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap or to modify the terms of an existing swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into or modify an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms, which generally entails a greater risk of loss than the Fund incurs in buying a swaption.

The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.

The Fund may enter into swap transactions for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As an example, when the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap (commonly known as buying protection), it may make periodic payments to the seller of the credit default swap to obtain protection against a credit default on a specified underlying asset (or group of assets). If a default occurs, the seller of a credit default swap may be required to pay the Fund the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities). On the other hand, when the Fund is a seller of a credit default swap (commonly known as selling protection), in addition to the credit exposure the Fund has on the other assets held in its portfolio, the Fund is also subject to the credit exposure on the notional amount of the swap since, in the event of a credit default, the Fund may be required to pay the “notional value” of the credit default swap on a specified security (or group of securities) to the buyer of the credit default swap. The Fund will be the seller of a credit default swap only when the credit of the underlying asset is deemed by the Investment Adviser to meet the Fund’s minimum credit criteria at the time the swap is first entered into.

When the Fund writes (sells) credit swaps on individual securities or instruments, the Fund must set aside assets equal to the full notional value of the swaps while the positions are open.

The use of interest rate, credit, currency and total return swaps, options on swaps, and interest rate caps, floors and collars, is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, or in its evaluation of the creditworthiness of swap counterparties and the issuers of the underlying assets, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if these investment techniques were not used.

Currently, certain standardized swap transactions are subject to mandatory central clearing. Although central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to bilaterally negotiated swaps, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely.

As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund must “set aside” (often referred to as “asset segregation”) liquid assets, or engage in other SEC or SEC-staff approved measures to “cover” open positions with respect to certain kinds of derivative instruments. In the case of swaps that do not cash settle, for example, the Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value of the swaps while the positions are open. With respect to swaps that are required to cash settle, however, the Fund may set aside liquid assets in

 

36


APPENDIX A

 

an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e. the Fund’s daily net liability) under the swaps, if any, rather than their full notional value. The Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future in its discretion. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under cash settled swaps, the Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full notional amount of the swaps.

Commodity-linked Instruments.  The Fund may invest in commodity-linked instruments such as commodity-linked total return swaps, commodity index-linked structured notes and other derivative instruments that provide exposure to the investment returns of the commodity markets without direct investment in physical commodities or commodities futures contracts, only to the extent permissible under applicable law then in effect, or in reliance upon a private letter ruling from the IRS, or other applicable guidance or relief provided by the IRS or other agencies. Commodity-linked total return swaps are derivative instruments whereby the cash flows agreed upon between counterparties are dependant upon the price of the underlying commodity or commodity index over the life of the swap. The value of the swap will rise and fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or commodity index. These swaps expose the Fund economically to movements in commodity prices. The Fund may also invest in commodity-linked notes that pay a return linked to the performance of a commodities index or basket of futures contracts with respect to all of the commodities in an index. In some cases, the return is based on a multiple of the performance of the relevant index or basket. Structured notes may be structured by the issuer or the purchaser of the note. Structured notes are derivative debt instruments with principal payments generally linked to the value of commodities, commodity futures contracts or the performance of commodity indices and interest and coupon payments pegged to a market-based interest rate, such as LIBOR or a bank’s prime rate. The value of these notes will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying commodity or related index or investment. The Fund may also take long and/or short positions in commodities by investing in other investment companies, ETFs or other pooled investment vehicles, such as commodity pools. Certain of these other investment vehicles may seek to provide exposure to commodities without actually owning physical commodities, and may therefore produce different results than they would through ownership of the commodities. The Fund does not directly invest in commodities.

Commodities are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments. In choosing investments, the Investment Adviser seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodity sectors. The value of commodity-linked instruments may be affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments.

The prices of commodity-linked instruments may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked investments may move in tandem with those of debt and equity securities.

Under favorable economic conditions, the Fund’s investments in commodity-linked instruments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities. Over the long term, the returns on such investments are expected to exhibit low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds and thus may not provide overall portfolio diversification benefits.

Non-Investment Grade Fixed Income Securities.  Non-investment grade fixed-income securities and unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative. In some cases, these obligations may be highly speculative and have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing. Non-investment grade fixed income securities are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest obligations. These securities, also referred to as high yield securities, may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific government or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market liquidity.

Non-investment grade securities may be issued by governmental bodies that may have difficulty in making all

 

37


scheduled interest and principal payments. The market value of non-investment grade fixed income securities tends to reflect individual government or municipal developments to a greater extent than that of higher rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. As a result, the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives may depend to a greater extent on the Investment Adviser’s judgment concerning the creditworthiness of issuers than funds which invest in higher-rated securities. Issuers of non-investment grade fixed income securities may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of financing and their ability to service debt obligations may be affected more adversely than issuers of higher-rated securities by economic downturns, specific corporate or financial developments or the issuer’s inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. Negative publicity about the junk bond market and investor perceptions regarding lower rated securities, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.

A holder’s risk of loss from default is significantly greater for non-investment grade fixed income securities than is the case for holders of other debt securities because such non-investment grade securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities. Investment by the Fund in defaulted securities poses additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity, recovery by the Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or appreciation is uncertain.

The secondary market for non-investment grade fixed income securities is concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher-rated securities. In addition, market trading volume for high yield fixed income securities is generally lower and the secondary market for such securities could shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning as a result of adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. The lack of sufficient market liquidity may cause the Fund to incur losses because it will be required to effect sales at a disadvantageous time and then only at a substantial drop in price. These factors may have an adverse effect on the market price and the Fund’s ability to dispose of particular portfolio investments. A less liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.

Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality.

Lending of Portfolio Securities.  The Fund may engage in securities lending. Securities lending involves the lending of securities owned by the Fund to financial institutions such as certain broker-dealers, including, as permitted by the SEC, Goldman Sachs. The borrowers are required to secure their loans continuously with cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government Securities or letters of credit in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral may be invested by the Fund in short-term investments, including registered and unregistered investment pools managed by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates and from which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees. To the extent that cash collateral is so invested, such collateral will be subject to market depreciation or appreciation, and the Fund will be responsible for any loss that might result from its investment of the borrowers’ collateral. If the Investment Adviser determines to make securities loans, the value of the securities loaned may not exceed 33 13% of the value of the total assets of the Fund (including the loan collateral). Loan collateral (including any investment of that collateral) is not subject to the percentage limitations regarding the Fund’s investments described elsewhere in this Prospectus.

The Fund may lend its securities to increase its income. The Fund may, however, experience delay in the recovery of its securities or incur a loss if the institution with which it has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its agreement with the Fund or becomes insolvent.

Repurchase Agreements.  Repurchase agreements involve the purchase of securities subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with securities dealers and banks which furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of its repurchase obligation.

 

38


APPENDIX A

 

If the other party or “seller” defaults, the Fund might suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund are less than the repurchase price and the Fund’s costs associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller, the Fund could suffer additional losses if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.

The Fund, together with other registered investment companies having advisory agreements with the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.

Borrowings and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.  The Fund can borrow money from banks and other financial institutions, and may enter into reverse repurchase agreements in amounts not exceeding one-third of the Fund’s total assets. The Fund generally may not make additional investments if borrowings exceed 5% of its net assets.

Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund subject to the Fund’s agreement to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price (including interest). These transactions may be entered into as a temporary measure for emergency purposes or to meet redemption requests. Reverse repurchase agreements may also be entered into when the Investment Adviser expects that the interest income to be earned from the investment of the transaction proceeds will be greater than the related interest expense.

Borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements involve leveraging. If the securities held by the Fund decline in value while these transactions are outstanding, the NAV of the Fund’s outstanding shares will decline in value by proportionately more than the decline in value of the securities. In addition, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the investment return earned by the Fund (from the investment of the proceeds) will be less than the interest expense of the transaction, that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund will decline below the price the Fund is obligated to pay to repurchase the securities, and that the securities may not be returned to the Fund. The Fund must “set aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in reverse repurchase agreements.

 

39


 

Appendix B

Financial Highlights

 

Because Institutional Shares have not yet commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, financial highlights are not available.

 

40


 

Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust –

Global Markets Navigator Fund Prospectus

(Institutional Shares)

 

  FOR MORE INFORMATION     

Annual/Semi-annual Report

Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In the Fund’s annual reports, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund’s performance during its last fiscal year.

Your insurance company will provide you with annual and semi-annual reports if the Fund serves as an investment option through your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy.

Statement of Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund and its policies is also available in the Fund’s SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).

The Fund’s annual and semi-annual report, and the SAI are available free upon request by calling Goldman Sachs at 1-800-621-2550. You can also access and download the annual and semi-annual reports and the SAI at the Fund’s website: http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com/summaries.

From time to time, certain announcements and other information regarding the Fund may be found at http://www.gs.com/gsam/redirect/announcements/individuals for

individual investors, http://www.gs.com/gsam/redirect/ announcements/institutions for institutional investors or http://www.gs.com/gsam/redirect/announcements/advisors for advisers.

To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

  ¢    By telephone – 1-800-621-2550
  ¢    By mail – Goldman Sachs Funds

P.O. Box 06050

Chicago, IL 60606-6306

  ¢    On the Internet – SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov

You may review and obtain copies of Trust documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Trust documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520 or by electronic request to: publicinfo@sec.gov. Information on the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

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The Trust’s investment company registration number is 811-08361.

GSAM® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

[Code]


 

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Prospectus   

Institutional
Shares

 

October [    ], 2013

GOLDMAN SACHS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST

 

¢    Goldman Sachs Money Market Fund

 

Shares of the Trust are offered to separate accounts of participating life insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Shares of the Trust are not offered directly to the general public.
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, AND YOU MAY LOSE MONEY IN THE FUND.

 

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Table of Contents

 

    Page  
GOLDMAN SACHS MONEY MARKET
FUND—SUMMARY
    1   
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH     5   
RISKS OF THE FUND     8   
SERVICE PROVIDERS     11   
DISTRIBUTIONS     14   
SHAREHOLDER GUIDE     15   
TAXATION     17   
APPENDIX A—ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PORTFOLIO RISKS, SECURITIES AND TECHNIQUES     18   
APPENDIX B—FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS     24   


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Goldman Sachs Money Market Fund—Summary

 

Investment Objective

The Goldman Sachs Money Market Fund (the “Fund”) seeks to maximize current income to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity by investing exclusively in high quality money market instruments.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold Institutional Shares of the Fund. This table does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Fund as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, overall fees and expenses would be higher.

 

 

Annual Fund Operating Expenses

 
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment):  

Management Fees

    0.21

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

    None   

Other Expenses1

    0.07

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

    0.28

Expense Limitation2

    (0.05 )% 

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Expense Limitation

    0.23

 

1  The Fund’s “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
2  The Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce or limit “Other Expenses” (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, transfer agency fees and expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary expenses) equal on an annualized basis to 0.004% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through at least October [    ], 2014, and prior to such date the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” may be further reduced by any custody and transfer agency fee credits received by the Fund.

Expense Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. This Example does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Fund as an investment option. Had those fees and expenses been included, the costs shown below would be higher.

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in Institutional Shares of the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your Institutional Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same (except that the Example incorporates the expense limitation arrangement for only the first year). Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

Institutional Shares

   $ 24       $ 85       $ 152       $ 351   
           

Principal Strategy

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises (“U.S. Government Securities”), obligations of banks (which must normally exceed 25% of its total assets), commercial paper and other short-term obligations of U.S. companies, states, municipalities and other entities and repurchase agreements. The Fund may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks, foreign companies and foreign governments. The Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of any one foreign government.

The Fund’s securities are valued using the amortized cost method as permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). Under Rule 2a-7, the Fund may invest only in U.S. dollar-denominated securities that are determined to present minimal credit risk and meet certain other criteria, including conditions relating to maturity, portfolio diversification, portfolio liquidity and credit quality. The Fund seeks to maintain a stable net asset value (“NAV”) of $1.00 per share.

 

1


Principal Risks of the Fund

An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any government agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

Banking Industry Risk.  An adverse development in the banking industry may affect the value of the Fund’s investments more than if the Fund were not invested to such a degree in the banking industry. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal, regulatory and monetary policy and general economic cycles.

Credit/Default Risk.  An issuer or guarantor of a security held by the Fund, or a bank or other financial institution that has entered into a repurchase agreement with the Fund, may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal or default on any other obligation. Additionally, the credit quality of securities may deteriorate rapidly, which may impair the Fund’s liquidity and cause significant NAV deterioration.

Foreign Risk.  Foreign securities may be subject to risk of loss because of more or less foreign government regulation, less public information and less economic, political and social stability in the countries in which the Fund invests. Loss may also result from the imposition of confiscations and other government restrictions, or from problems in registration, settlement or custody.

Interest Rate Risk.  When interest rates increase, the Fund’s yield will tend to be lower than prevailing market rates, and the market value of its securities or instruments may also be adversely affected. A low interest rate environment poses additional risks to the Fund, because low yields on the Fund’s portfolio holdings may have an adverse impact on the Fund’s ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders, pay expenses out of Fund assets, or, at times, maintain a stable $1.00 share price.

Liquidity Risk.  The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. Illiquid investments may be more difficult to value. The liquidity of portfolio securities can deteriorate rapidly due to credit events affecting issuers or guarantors, such as a credit rating downgrade, or due to general market conditions or a lack of willing buyers. An inability to sell one or more portfolio positions, or selling such positions at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions, can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to maintain a stable $1.00 share price. Liquidity risk may also refer to the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the allowable time period because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests, or other reasons. Certain shareholders may own or control a significant percentage of the Fund’s shares, and redemptions by these shareholder of their Fund shares may further increase the Fund’s liquidity risk and may adversely impact the Fund’s NAV.

Market Risk.  The market value of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies, particular sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions throughout the world due to increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets.

Regulatory Risk.  The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and other government agencies continue to review the regulation of money market funds, and may take additional regulatory action in the future. These changes may affect the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategies, operations and/or return potential.

Stable NAV Risk.  The Fund may not be able to maintain a stable $1.00 share price at all times. If any money market fund fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), other money market funds, including the Fund, could be subject to increased redemption activity, which could adversely affect the Fund’s NAV. Shareholders of the Fund should not rely on or expect the Investment Adviser or an affiliate to purchase distressed assets from the Fund, make capital infusions into the Fund, enter into capital support agreements with the Fund or take other actions to help the Fund maintain a stable $1.00 share price.

U.S. Government Securities Risk.  The U.S. government may not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. Government Securities issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federal Home Loan Banks are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that issuers of U.S. Government Securities will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

 

2


Performance

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing: (a) changes in the performance of the Fund’s Service Shares from year to year; and (b) the average annual total returns of the Fund’s Service Shares. The Fund’s past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future. Performance reflects applicable fee waivers and/or expense limitations in effect during the periods shown. In addition, performance reflects Fund level expenses but does not reflect the fees and expenses associated with any variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy that uses the Fund as an investment option for any contract or policy. Had performance reflected all of those fees and expenses, performance would have been reduced. Updated performance information is available at no cost at www.goldmansachsfunds.com/vit or by calling the phone number on the back cover of this Prospectus.

 

TOTAL RETURN

(Service Shares)*

  

CALENDAR YEAR

(Service Shares)*

 

The total return for Service Shares* for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 was [    ]%

 

Best Quarter

Q3 ’07            +1.25%

 

Worst Quarter

Q1 ’12            +0.00%

   LOGO
  

 

  AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN     

 

For the period ended December 31, 2012   1 Year     5 Years    

Since

Inception

 

Service Shares (Inception 1/9/06)*

    0.01%        0.48%        1.69%   

 

  * Because Institutional Shares have not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, the figures shown above provide performance for Service Shares of the Fund (which are not offered in this Prospectus); Institutional Shares would have similar returns (because these share classes represent interests in the same portfolio of securities) that would differ only to the extent that they have different expenses.  

Portfolio Management

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. is the investment adviser for the Fund (the “Investment Adviser” or “GSAM”).

Buying and Selling Fund Shares

Fund shares are not sold directly to the public. Fund shares may be purchased and redeemed by separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. Orders received from separate accounts to purchase or redeem Fund shares are effected on business days. Individual investors may purchase or redeem Fund shares indirectly through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts.

 

3


Tax Information

Provided that the Fund and separate accounts investing in the Fund satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Fund will not be subject to federal tax. Special tax rules apply to life insurance companies, variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance contracts. For information on federal income taxation of owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts, see the prospectus for the applicable contract.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

The Fund and/or its related companies may pay participating insurance companies and securities dealers for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the insurance company and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your insurance company’s website for more information.

 

4


 

Investment Management Approach

 

  INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES     

The Fund seeks to maximize current income to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity by investing exclusively in high quality money market instruments. The Fund’s investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days notice.

 

  PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES     

The Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in U.S. Government Securities, obligations of banks (which must normally exceed 25% of its total assets), commercial paper and other short-term obligations of U.S. companies, states, municipalities and other entities and repurchase agreements. The Fund may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign banks, foreign companies and foreign governments. The Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of any one foreign government.

In order to maintain a rating from a rating organization, the Money Market Fund may be subject to additional investment restrictions.

Due to adverse market conditions or the prevailing interest rate environment, or when the Investment Adviser believes there is an insufficient supply of appropriate money market instruments in which to invest, the Fund may hold uninvested cash in lieu of such instruments. Cash assets are not income-generating and, as a result, the Fund’s current yield may be adversely affected during periods when such positions are held. Cash positions may also subject the Fund to additional risks and costs, such as increased exposure to the custodian bank holding the assets and any fees imposed for large cash balances.

Goldman Sachs’ Money Market Investment Philosophy:

The Fund is managed to seek preservation of capital, daily liquidity and maximum current income. With the Fund, the Investment Adviser follows a conservative, risk-managed investment process that seeks to:

  ¢    Manage credit risk
  ¢    Manage interest rate risk
  ¢    Manage liquidity

Investment Process

1.  Managing Credit Risk

The Investment Adviser’s process for managing credit risk emphasizes:

  ¢    Intensive research—The Credit Department, a separate operating entity of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”), approves all money market fund eligible securities for the Fund. Sources for the Credit Department’s analysis include third-party inputs, such as financial statements and media sources, ratings releases and company meetings, as well as the Investment Research, Legal and Compliance departments of Goldman Sachs.
  ¢    Timely updates—A Credit Department-approved list of securities is continuously communicated on a “real-time” basis to the portfolio management team via computer link.

The Result:  An “approved” list of high-quality credits—The Investment Adviser’s portfolio management team uses this approved list to construct portfolios which offer the best available risk-return trade-off within the “approved” credit universe. If a security is removed from the “approved” list, the Investment Adviser may not purchase that security for the Fund, although it is not required to sell that security.

2.  Managing Interest Rate Risk

Three main steps are followed in seeking to manage interest rate risk:

  ¢    Establish weighted average maturity (“WAM”) and weighted average life (“WAL”) targets—WAM (the weighted average time until the yield of a portfolio reflects any changes in the current interest rate environment) and WAL (designed to more accurately measure “spread risk”) are constantly revisited and adjusted as market conditions change. An overall strategy is developed by the Investment Adviser based on insights gained from weekly meetings with both Goldman Sachs economists and economists from outside the firm.
  ¢    Implement optimum portfolio structure—Proprietary models that seek the optimum balance of risk and return, in conjunction with the Investment Adviser’s analysis of factors such as market events, short-term interest rates and the Fund’s asset volatility, are used to identify the most effective portfolio structure.
  ¢    Conduct rigorous analysis of new securities—The Investment Adviser’s five-step process includes legal, credit, historical index and liquidity analysis, as well as price stress testing to determine the suitability of potential investments for the Fund.

 

5


3.  Managing Liquidity

Factors that the Investment Adviser’s portfolio managers continuously monitor and that affect liquidity of a money market portfolio include:

  ¢    The Fund’s investors and other factors that influence the asset volatility of the Fund;
  ¢    Technical events that influence the trading range of federal funds and other short-term fixed income markets; and
  ¢    Bid-ask spreads associated with securities in the portfolios.

Additional Fund Characteristics and Restrictions

  ¢    The Fund:  The Fund’s securities are valued using the amortized cost method as permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act. Under Rule 2a-7, the Fund may invest only in U.S. dollar-denominated securities that are determined to present minimal credit risk and meet certain other criteria including conditions relating to maturity, portfolio diversification, portfolio liquidity and credit quality. These operating policies may be more restrictive than the fundamental policies set forth in the Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”).
  ¢    The Investors:  The Fund is designed for investors seeking a high rate of return, a stable NAV and convenient liquidation privileges.
  ¢    NAV:  The Fund seeks to maintain a stable NAV of $1.00 per share. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able at all times to maintain a NAV of $1.00 per share.
  ¢    Maximum Remaining Maturity of Portfolio Investments:  13 months (as determined pursuant to Rule 2a-7) at the time of purchase.
  ¢    Dollar-Weighted Average Portfolio Maturity:  Not more than 60 days (as required by Rule 2a-7).
  ¢    Dollar-Weighted Average Portfolio Life:  Not more than 120 days (as required by Rule 2a-7).
  ¢    Investment Restrictions:  The Fund is subject to certain investment restrictions that are described in detail under “Investment Restrictions” in the SAI. Fundamental investment restrictions of the Fund cannot be changed without approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. All investment objectives and policies not specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
  ¢    Diversification:  Diversification can help the Fund reduce the risks of investing. In accordance with current regulations of the SEC, the Fund may not invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets at the time of purchase in the securities of any single issuer. However, the Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in the securities of a single issuer for up to three business days. This limitation does not apply to cash, certain repurchase agreements, U.S. Government Securities or securities of other investment companies. In addition, securities subject to certain unconditional guarantees are subject to different diversification requirements as described in the SAI.
  ¢    Portfolio Liquidity:  The Fund is required to maintain a sufficient degree of liquidity necessary to meet reasonably foreseeable redemption requests. In addition, the Fund must hold at least 10% of its total assets in “daily liquid assets” and 30% of its total assets in “weekly liquid assets” (each as defined by Rule 2a-7). The Fund may not acquire an illiquid security if, after the purchase, more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would consist of illiquid assets.

 

  SHARE OFFERING     

Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (the “Trust”) offers shares of the Fund to separate accounts of participating insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Institutional Shares of the Fund are not offered directly to the public. The participating insurance companies, not the owners of the variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies or participants therein, are shareholders of the Fund. The Fund pools the monies of these separate accounts and invests these monies in portfolios of securities pursuant to the Fund’s stated investment objective.

The investment objective and policies of the Fund are similar to the investment objectives and policies of other mutual funds that the Investment Adviser manages. Although the objectives and policies may be similar, the investment results of the Fund may be higher or lower than the results of such other mutual funds. The Investment Adviser cannot guarantee, and makes no representation, that the investment results of similar funds will be comparable even though the funds have the same Investment Adviser.

 

  ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION     

Note that the “Best Quarter” and “Worst Quarter” figures shown in the “Performance” section of the Fund’s Summary section are applicable only to the time period covered by the bar chart.

The Fund first began operations as the Allmerica Money Market Fund (the “Predecessor AIT Fund”) of the Allmerica Investment Trust. In January 2006, the Predecessor AIT Fund was reorganized as a new portfolio of the Trust. Performance of the Predecessor AIT Fund prior to the reorganization is not shown because as part of the reorganization the Predecessor AIT Fund changed its investment adviser to GSAM. In addition, the Fund has an investment objective and/or policies which are not identical to those of the Predecessor AIT Fund.

 

6


INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT APPROACH

 

 

  OTHER INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND SECURITIES     

The table below identifies some of the investment techniques that may (but are not required to) be used by the Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objective. Numbers in this table show allowable usage only; for actual usage, consult the Fund’s annual/semi-annual reports. For more information about these and other investment practices and securities, see Appendix A. The Fund publishes on its website (http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com) a schedule of its portfolio holdings (and certain related information as required by Rule 2a-7) as of the last business day of each month, no later than five business days after the end of the prior month. This information is available on the Fund’s website for at least six months. In addition, the Fund files more detailed portfolio holdings information with the SEC on Form N-MFP no later than five business days after the end of each month, which is publicly available on the SEC’s website 60 days after the end of the month to which the information pertains. The Fund’s website contains a link to an SEC website where the Fund’s most recent 12 months of publicly available information may be obtained. Finally, notwithstanding its use of the amortized cost method of valuation, the Fund publishes on its website on each business day its market-based NAV per share for the prior business day, which is calculated based on available market quotations of the Fund’s securities as provided by a third party pricing vendor or broker as of 3:00 Eastern Time on the date stated (this valuation methodology also includes marking to market those securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less).

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings is available in the Fund’s SAI.

Investment Policies Matrix

    

Money

Market

Fund

U.S. Treasury Obligations1

  ¢

U.S. Government Securities

  ¢

Bank Obligations

 

¢

Over 25% of total assets must be

invested in U.S. and foreign (US$) banks2

Commercial Paper

 

¢

U.S. and foreign (US$) commercial paper

Short-Term Obligations of Corporations and Other Entities

 

¢

U.S. and foreign (US$) entities

Repurchase Agreements

  ¢

Asset-Backed and Receivables-Backed Securities

  ¢

Foreign Government Obligations (US$)3

  ¢

Municipals4

  ¢
 
 

Custodial Receipts

  ¢

Unrated Securities5

  ¢

Investment Companies

 

¢

Up to 10% of total assets in other

investment companies6

Private Activity Bonds

  ¢

Credit Quality5

  First Tier7

Miscellaneous

  May invest in obligations of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Reverse repurchase agreements not permitted.
 

 

Note: See Appendix A for a description of, and certain criteria applicable to, each of these categories of investments.

 

1.  Issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury.
2.  If adverse economic conditions prevail in the banking industry (such as substantial losses on loans, increases in non-performing assets and charge-offs and declines in total deposits) the Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest less than 25% of its total assets in bank obligations.
3.  The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations (limited to commercial paper and other notes) issued or guaranteed by a foreign government. The Fund may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by any entity located or organized in a foreign country that maintains a short-term foreign currency rating in the highest short-term ratings category by the requisite number of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”). The Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of any one foreign government.
4.  Will only make such investments when yields on such securities are attractive compared to other taxable investments.
5.  To the extent permitted by Rule 2a-7, securities without short-term ratings may be purchased if they are deemed to be of comparable quality by the Investment Adviser to First Tier Securities. In addition, the Fund may rely on the credit quality of the guarantee or demand feature in determining the credit quality of a security supported by a guarantee or demand feature.
6.  This percentage limitation does not apply to the Fund’s investments in investment companies (including exchange-traded funds) where a higher percentage limitation is permitted under the terms of an SEC exemptive order or SEC exemptive rule.
7.  First Tier Securities are (a) rated in the highest short-term rating category by at least two NRSROs, or if only one NRSRO has assigned a rating, by that NRSRO; or (b) issued or guaranteed by, or otherwise allow the Fund under certain conditions to demand payment from, an entity with such ratings. U.S. Government Securities are considered First Tier Securities.

 

7


 

Risks of the Fund

 

 

Loss of money is a risk of investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other governmental agency. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund. The principal risks of the Fund are discussed in the Summary section of this Prospectus. The following section provides additional information on the risks that apply to the Fund, which may result in a loss of your investment. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

 

  ü  PRINCIPAL  RISK        ADDITIONAL RISK     

 

Fund  

Banking

Industry

 

Credit/

Default

  Foreign  

Interest

Rate

  Liquidity   Management   Market  

Municipal

Securities

  Regulatory  

Stable

Net

Asset

Value

(“NAV”)

 

U.S.

Government

Securities

Money Market

  ü   ü   ü   ü   ü     ü     ü   ü   ü
                     

 

¢    Banking Industry Risk—An adverse development in the banking industry may affect the value of the Fund’s investments more than if the Fund were not invested to such a degree in the banking industry. Normally, the Fund intends to invest more than 25% of its total assets in bank obligations. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles. For example, deteriorating economic and business conditions can disproportionately impact companies in the banking industry due to increased defaults on payments by borrowers. Moreover, political and regulatory changes can affect the operations and financial results of companies in the banking industry, potentially imposing additional costs and expenses or restricting the types of business activities of these companies.
¢    Credit/Default Risk—An issuer or guarantor of a security or instrument held by the Fund, or a bank or other financial institution that has entered into a repurchase agreement with the Fund, may default on its obligation to pay interest and repay principal or default on any other obligation. Even if such an entity does not default on a payment, an instrument’s value may decline if the market believes that the entity has become less able or willing to make timely payments.

The credit quality of the Fund’s portfolio securities or instruments may meet the Fund’s credit quality requirements at the time of purchase but then deteriorate thereafter, and such deterioration can occur rapidly. In certain instances, the downgrading or default of a single holding or guarantor of the Fund’s holding may impair the Fund’s liquidity and have the potential to cause significant NAV deterioration.

¢    Foreign Risk—The Fund’s investments in foreign securities may be subject to risk of loss not typically associated with domestic issuers. Loss may result because of more or less foreign government regulation, less public information and less economic, political and social stability in the countries in which the Fund invests. Loss may also result from, among other things, deteriorating economic and business conditions in other countries, including the United States, regional and global conflicts, confiscations and other government restrictions, or from problems in registration, settlement or custody. The Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of any one foreign government.
¢    Interest Rate Risk—During periods of rising interest rates, the Fund’s yield (and the market value of its securities) will tend to be lower than prevailing market rates; in periods of falling interest rates, the Fund’s yield will tend to be higher. A low interest rate environment poses additional risks to the Fund. Low yields on the Fund’s portfolio holdings may have an adverse impact on the Fund’s ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders, pay expenses out of Fund assets, or at times, or maintain a stable $1.00 share price.
¢    Liquidity Risk—The Fund may make investments that are illiquid or that may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions. While the Fund endeavors to maintain a high level of liquidity in its portfolio, the liquidity of portfolio securities can deteriorate rapidly due to credit events affecting issuers or guarantors, such as credit rating downgrade, or due to general market conditions and a lack of willing buyers. When there is no willing buyer and investments cannot be readily sold at the desired time or price, the Fund may have to accept a lower price or may not be able to sell the instrument at all. An inability to sell one or more portfolio positions can adversely affect the Fund’s ability to maintain a stable $1.00 share price or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Investments that are illiquid or that trade in lower volumes may be more difficult to value.

 

8


RISKS OF THE FUND

 

Liquidity risk may also refer to the risk that the Fund will not be able to pay redemption proceeds within the time period stated in the Prospectus because of unusual market conditions, an unusually high volume of redemption requests or other reasons. While the Fund reserves the right to meet redemption requests through in-kind distributions, the Fund may instead choose to raise cash to meet redemption requests through sales of portfolio securities or permissible borrowings. If the Fund is forced to sell securities at an unfavorable time and/or under unfavorable conditions, such sales may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to maintain a stable $1.00 share price.

Certain shareholders, including clients or affiliates of the Investment Adviser, may from time to time own or control a significant percentage of the Fund’s shares. These shareholders may include, for example, certain participating insurance companies, accounts, or Goldman Sachs affiliates, whose buy-sell decisions are controlled by a single decision-maker. Redemptions by these shareholders of their shares of the Fund may further increase the Fund’s liquidity risk and may impact the Fund’s NAV.

¢    Management Risk—A strategy used by the Investment Adviser may fail to produce the intended results.
¢    Market Risk—The market value of the securities in which the Fund invests may go up or down in response to the prospects of individual companies, particular sectors or governments and/or general economic conditions throughout the world due to increasingly interconnected global economies and financial markets. Price changes may be temporary or last for extended periods. The Fund’s investments may be overweighted from time to time in one or more sectors, which will increase the Fund’s exposure to risk of loss from adverse developments affecting those sectors.
¢    Municipal Securities Risk—Municipal securities are subject to certain additional risks. The Fund may be more sensitive to adverse economic, business or political developments if it invests a substantial portion of its assets in the debt securities of similar projects (such as those relating to education, health care, housing, transportation, and utilities), industrial development bonds, or in particular types of municipal securities (such as general obligation bonds, private activity bonds and moral obligation bonds). Specific risks are associated with different types of municipal securities. With respect to general obligation bonds, the full faith, credit and taxing power of the municipality that issues a general obligation bond secures payment of interest and repayment of principal. Timely payments depend on the issuer’s credit quality, ability to raise tax revenues and ability to maintain an adequate tax base. With respect to revenue bonds, payments of interest and principal are made only from the revenues generated by a particular facility, class of facilities or the proceeds of a special tax, or other revenue source, and depends on the money earned by that source. Private activity bonds are issued by municipalities and other public authorities to finance development of industrial facilities for use by a private enterprise. The private enterprise pays the principal and interest on the bond, and the issuer does not pledge its full faith, credit and taxing power for repayment. If the private enterprise defaults on its payments, the Fund may not receive any income or get its money back from the investment. Moral obligation bonds are generally issued by special purpose public authorities of a state or municipality. If the issuer is unable to meet its obligations, repayment of these bonds becomes a moral commitment, but not a legal obligation, of the state or municipality. Municipal notes are shorter term municipal debt obligations. They may provide interim financing in anticipation of, and are secured by, tax collection, bond sales or revenue receipts. If there is a shortfall in the anticipated proceeds, the notes may not be fully repaid and the Fund may lose money. In a municipal lease obligation, the issuer agrees to make payments when due on the lease obligation. The issuer will generally appropriate municipal funds for that purpose, but is not obligated to do so. Although the issuer does not pledge its unlimited taxing power for payment of the lease obligation, the lease obligation is secured by the leased property. However, if the issuer does not fulfill its payment obligation it may be difficult to sell the property and the proceeds of a sale may not cover the Fund’s loss. Municipalities continue to experience difficulties in the current economic and political environment.

In addition, third party credit quality or liquidity enhancements are frequently a characteristic of the structure of municipal securities purchased by money market funds. Problems encountered by such third parties (such as municipal security insurers or banks issuing a liquidity enhancement facility), including credit rating downgrades or changes in the market’s perception of creditworthiness, may negatively impact a municipal security even though the related municipal issuer is not experiencing problems.

¢    Regulatory Risk—The SEC and other government agencies continue to review the regulation of money market funds and may take additional regulatory action in the future. These or any other legal or regulatory changes may affect the Fund’s ability to implement its investment strategies operations and/or return potential.
¢   

Stable NAV Risk—The Fund may not be able to maintain a stable $1.00 share price at all times. If any money market fund fails to maintain a stable NAV (or if there is a perceived threat of such a failure), other money market funds, including the Fund, could be subject to increased redemption activity, which could adversely affect the Fund’s NAV. Shareholders of the Fund should not rely on or expect the Investment Adviser or an affiliate to purchase distressed assets from the

 

9


 

Fund, make capital infusions into the Fund, enter into capital support agreements with the Fund or take other actions to help the Fund maintain a stable $1.00 share price.

¢    U.S. Government Securities Risk—The U.S. government may not provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. U.S. Government Securities issued by those agencies, instrumentalities and sponsored enterprises, including those issued by the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Federal Home Loan Banks, are neither issued nor guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The maximum potential liability of the issuers of some U.S. Government Securities held by the Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury. It is possible that issuers of U.S. Government Securities will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been operating under conservatorship, with the Federal Housing Finance Administration (“FHFA”) acting as their conservator, since September 2008. The entities are dependent upon the continued support of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and FHFA in order to continue their business operations. These factors, among others, could affect the future status and role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the value of their securities and the securities which they guarantee. Additionally, the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities do not guarantee the market values of their securities, which may fluctuate.

More information about the Fund’s portfolio securities and investment techniques, and their associated risks, is provided in Appendix A. You should consider the investment risks discussed in this section and in Appendix A. Both are important to your investment choice.

 

 

10


 

Service Providers

 

  INVESTMENT ADVISER     

 

Investment Advisor

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

200 West Street

New York, New York 10282

GSAM has been registered as an investment adviser with the SEC since 1990 and is an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”). As of December 31, 2012, GSAM, including its investment advisory affiliates, had assets under management of approximately $742.4 billion.

The Investment Adviser provides day-to-day advice regarding the Fund’s portfolio transactions. The Investment Adviser makes the investment decisions for the Fund and places purchase and sale orders for the Fund’s portfolio transactions in U.S. and foreign markets. As permitted by applicable law, these orders may be directed to any brokers or dealers, including Goldman Sachs and its affiliates. While the Investment Adviser is ultimately responsible for the management of the Fund, it is able to draw upon the research and expertise of its asset management affiliates for portfolio decisions and management with respect to certain portfolio securities. In addition, the Investment Adviser has access to the research and certain proprietary technical models developed by Goldman Sachs, (subject to legal, internal, regulatory and Chinese Wall restrictions), and will apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in determining the appropriate allocations among categories of issuers and types of securities.

The Investment Adviser also performs the following additional services for the Fund:

  ¢    Supervises all non-advisory operations of the Fund
  ¢    Provides personnel to perform necessary executive, administrative and clerical services to the Fund
  ¢    Arranges for the preparation of all required tax returns, reports to shareholders, prospectuses and SAIs and other reports filed with the SEC and other regulatory authorities
  ¢    Maintains the records of the Fund
  ¢    Provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services

 

  MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER EXPENSES     

As compensation for its services and its assumption of certain expenses, the Investment Adviser is entitled to a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an annual rate listed below (as a percentage of the Fund’s average daily net assets):

 

Fund  

Contractual
Management Fee

Annual Rate

 

Actual Rate For the

Fiscal Year Ended

December 31, 2012

Money Market   0.205%  

0.205%

   

The Investment Adviser may waive a portion of its management fees from time to time, and may discontinue or modify any such waiver in the future, consistent with the terms of any fee waiver arrangement in place.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees’ approval of the Management Agreement for the Fund in 2012 is available in the Fund’s Semi-Annual report dated June 30, 2012.

The Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce or limit “Other Expenses” (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, transfer agency fees and expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary expenses) to 0.004% of the Fund’s average daily net assets through at least October [    ], 2014, and prior to such date the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangement without the approval of the Board of Trustees. The expense limitation may be modified or terminated by the Investment Adviser at its discretion and without shareholder approval after such date, although the Investment Adviser does not presently intend to do so. The Fund’s “Other Expenses” may be further reduced by any custody and transfer agency fee credits received by the Fund.

The Investment Adviser, distributor, and/or their affiliates may, from time to time, pay compensation from their own assets (and not as an additional charge to the Fund) to participating insurance companies for administrative services that such companies provide to their variable annuity and variable life insurance contract owners who are invested in the Fund and for other purposes. In addition, the Investment Adviser, distributor, and/or their affiliates may pay compensation from their own assets (and not as an additional charge to the Fund) to various securities dealers (including affiliates of participating insurance companies) (“Intermediaries”) that distribute variable annuity contracts and/or variable life insurance contracts of such companies in connection with the sale, distribution and/or servicing of such contracts. Such payments are intended to compensate Intermediaries for, among other things: marketing shares of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds, which may consist of payments

 

11


relating to funds included on preferred or recommended fund lists or in certain sales programs from time to time sponsored by the Intermediaries; access to the Intermediaries’ registered representatives or salespersons, including at conferences and other meetings; assistance in training and education of personnel; marketing support; and/or other specified services intended to assist in the distribution and marketing of the Fund and other Goldman Sachs Funds. The payments may also, to the extent permitted by applicable regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions. The additional payments by the Investment Adviser, distributor and/or their affiliates may also compensate Intermediaries for subaccounting, administrative and/or shareholder processing services that are in addition to the fees paid for these services by the Fund. The amount of these additional payments is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through the Intermediaries. Please refer to the “Payments to Intermediaries” section of the SAI for more information about these payments.

The payments made by the Investment Adviser, distributor and/or their affiliates may differ for different participating insurance companies and Intermediaries. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an Intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular Intermediary, registered representative, salesperson or participating insurance company to highlight, feature, offer or recommend the Fund based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. You should contact your participating insurance company or Intermediary for more information about the payments they receive and any potential conflicts of interest.

 

  DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT     

Goldman Sachs, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, serves as the exclusive distributor (the “Distributor”) of the Fund’s shares. Goldman Sachs, 71 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, also serves as the Fund’s transfer agent (the “Transfer Agent”) and, as such, performs various shareholder servicing functions.

For its transfer agency services, Goldman Sachs is entitled to receive a transfer agency fee equal, on an annualized basis, to 0.02% of average daily net assets with respect to the Institutional Shares. Due to the current low yield environment, Goldman Sachs may voluntarily agree to waive a portion of the Fund’s transfer agency fees. This temporary waiver may be modified or terminated at any time at the option of Goldman Sachs, without shareholder approval.

 

 

ACTIVITIES OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND

OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY GOLDMAN SACHS

    

The involvement of the Investment Adviser, Goldman Sachs and their affiliates in the management of, or their interest in, other accounts and other activities of Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with respect to the Fund or limit the Fund’s investment activities. Goldman Sachs is a worldwide, full service investment banking, broker dealer, asset management and financial services organization and a major participant in global financial markets that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and high-net-worth individuals. As such, it acts as an investor, investment banker, research provider, investment manager, financier, adviser, market maker, trader, prime broker, lender, agent and principal. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs advises clients in all markets and transactions and purchases, sells, holds and recommends a broad array of investments, including securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps, indices, baskets and other financial instruments and products for its own account or for the accounts of its customers and has other direct and indirect interests, in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equity and other markets in which the Fund directly and indirectly invests. Thus, it is likely that the Fund will have multiple business relationships with and will invest in, engage in transactions with, make voting decisions with respect to, or obtain services from entities for which Goldman Sachs performs or seeks to perform investment banking or other services. The Investment Adviser and/or certain of its affiliates are the managers of the Goldman Sachs Funds. The Investment Adviser and its affiliates earn fees from this and other relationships with the Funds. Although these fees are generally based on asset levels, the fees are not directly contingent on Fund performance, and Goldman Sachs would still receive significant compensation from the Funds even if shareholders lose money. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds which have investment objectives similar to those of the Fund and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Fund. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will not have any obligation to make available any information regarding their proprietary activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by them, for the benefit of the management of the Fund. The results of the Fund’s investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and other accounts managed by Goldman Sachs, and it is possible that the Fund could sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and other accounts achieve significant profits on

 

12


SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

their trading for proprietary or other accounts. In addition, the Fund may enter into transactions in which Goldman Sachs or its other clients have an adverse interest. For example, the Fund may take a long position in a security at the same time that Goldman Sachs or other accounts managed by the Investment Adviser take a short position in the same security (or vice versa). These and other transactions undertaken by Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or Goldman Sachs-advised clients may, individually or in the aggregate, adversely impact the Fund. Transactions by one or more Goldman Sachs-advised clients or the Investment Adviser may have the effect of diluting or otherwise disadvantaging the values, prices or investment strategies of the Fund. The Fund’s activities may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, and/or their internal policies designed

to comply with such restrictions. As a global financial services firm, Goldman Sachs also provides a wide range of investment banking and financial services to issuers of securities and investors in securities. Goldman Sachs, its affiliates and others associated with it may create markets or specialize in, have positions in and affect transactions in, securities of issuers held by the Fund, and may also perform or seek to perform investment banking and financial services for those issuers. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates may have business relationships with and purchase or distribute or sell services or products from or to distributors, consultants or others who recommend the Fund or who engage in transactions with or for the Fund. For more information about conflicts of interest, see the SAI.

 

13


 

Distributions

 

All or substantially all of the Fund’s net investment income will be declared as a dividend daily. Dividends will normally be declared daily as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern as a dividend and distributed monthly.

All distributions paid on Institutional Shares will be automatically reinvested in additional Institutional Shares as of the last calendar day of each month. Cash distributions normally will be paid on or about the first business day of each month. Net short-term capital gains, if any, will be distributed in accordance with federal income tax requirements and may be reflected in the Fund’s daily distributions.

The Fund may distribute at least annually other realized capital gains, if any, after reduction by available capital losses. In order to avoid excessive fluctuations in the amount of monthly capital gains distributions, a portion of any net capital gains realized on the disposition of securities during the months of November and December may be distributed during the subsequent calendar year. The realized gains and losses are not expected to be of an amount which would affect the Fund’s NAV of $1.00 per share.

 

14


 

Shareholder Guide

 

The following section will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding buying and selling the Fund’s Institutional Shares.

How Can I Purchase Or Sell Institutional Shares Of The Fund?

Institutional Shares of the Fund are not sold directly to the public. Instead, Fund shares are sold to separate accounts that fund variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by participating insurance companies. You may purchase or sell (redeem) shares of the Fund through variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies offered through the separate accounts. The variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies are described in the separate prospectuses issued by the participating insurance companies. You should refer to those prospectuses for information on how to purchase a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy, how to select a specific Fund as an investment option for your contract or policy and how to redeem monies from the Fund.

The separate accounts of the participating insurance companies place orders to purchase and redeem shares of the Fund based on, among other things, the amount of premium payments to be invested and the amount of surrender and transfer requests (as defined in the prospectus describing the variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued by the participating insurance companies) to be effected on that day pursuant to variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.

Shares of the Fund may be purchased by separate accounts of both affiliated and unaffiliated participating insurance companies in order to fund both variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts, and also may be purchased by qualified plans. This may present certain conflicts of interests among variable annuity owners, variable life insurance policy owners and plan investors. The Trust’s Board of Trustees will monitor the Trust for the existence of any material irreconcilable conflict of interest. The Trust currently does not foresee any disadvantages to the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies arising from the fact that interests of the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies may differ due to differences of tax treatment or other considerations or due to conflicts among the participating insurance companies. If, however, a material irreconcilable conflict arises between the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies of participating insurance companies, a participating insurance company may be required to withdraw the assets allocable to some or all of the separate accounts from the Fund. Any such withdrawal could disrupt orderly portfolio management to the potential detriment of such holders.

Shares of the Fund (and other existing and new funds that might be added to the Trust) may also be offered to:

  ¢    Unregistered separate accounts of various participating insurance companies through which variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies are sold in non-public offerings.
  ¢    Unregistered separate accounts of various participating insurance companies through which variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies are offered exclusively to qualified pension and profit-sharing plans and/or certain governmental plans.
  ¢    Qualified pension and profit-sharing plans. The Trust does not currently anticipate offering shares directly to such plans.

How Are Shares Priced?

Institutional Shares of the Fund are purchased and sold at the Fund’s next determined NAV for its Institutional Share class after the Fund receives the order in proper form. The class calculates its NAV as follows:

 

NAV  =  

(Value of Assets of the Class)

–  (Liabilities of the Class)

  Number of Outstanding Shares of the Class

Please note the following with respect to the price at which your transactions are processed:

  ¢    NAV per share of each share class is generally calculated by the accounting agent on each business day as of 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Shares may also be priced periodically throughout the day by the accounting agent. Fund shares will be priced on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open, except for days on which the Federal Reserve Bank is closed for local holidays. Fund shares will generally not be priced on any day the New York Stock Exchange is closed although Fund shares may be priced on days when the New York Stock Exchange is closed if the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) recommends that the bond markets remain open for all or part of the day.
  ¢    On any business day when the SIFMA recommends that the bond markets close early, the Fund reserves the right to close at or prior to the SIFMA recommended closing time. If the Fund does so, it will cease granting same business day credit for purchase and redemption orders received after the Fund’s closing time and credit will be given to the next business day.
  ¢    The Trust reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC.

Although most money market securities settle on the same day as they are traded, investment transactions not settling on

 

15


the same day are recorded and factored into the Fund’s NAV on the business day following trade date (T+1), consistent with industry practice. The use of T+1 accounting generally does not, but may, result in a NAV that differs materially from the NAV that would result if all transactions were reflected on their trade dates.

Note: The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange and/or the bond market is stopped at a time other than its regularly scheduled closing time. In the event the New York Stock Exchange and/or the bond market do not open for business, the Trust may, but is not required to, open the Fund for purchase, redemption and exchange transactions if the Federal Reserve wire payment system is open. To learn whether the Fund is open for business during this situation, please call the appropriate phone number located on the back cover of this Prospectus.

To help the Fund maintain its $1.00 share price, portfolio securities are valued at amortized cost in accordance with SEC regulations. Amortized cost will normally approximate market value. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able at all times to maintain a NAV of $1.00 per share.

In addition, if an event that affects the value of a security occurs after the publication of market quotations used by the Fund to price its securities but before the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the Trust in its discretion and consistent with applicable regulatory guidance may determine whether to make an adjustment in light of the nature and significance of the event.

Do I Have To Pay Any Fees When Purchasing Or Selling Institutional Shares Of The Fund?

The Fund does not charge any fees when it sells or redeems its shares. Surrender charges, mortality and expense risk fees and other charges may be assessed by participating insurance companies under the variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies. These fees should be described in the participating insurance companies’ prospectuses.

What Else Should I Know About Institutional Share Purchases And Redemptions?

The Trust reserves the right to:

  ¢    Suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment under certain extraordinary circumstances in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
  ¢    Suspend the offering of shares for a period of time.
  ¢    Reject any purchase order.
  ¢    Close the Fund to new investors from time to time and reopen the Fund whenever it is deemed appropriate by the Fund’s Investment Adviser.

Orders received by the Trust are effected on business days. The separate accounts purchase and redeem shares of the Fund at the Fund’s NAV per share calculated as of the day an order is received by the Fund although such purchases and redemptions may be executed the next morning. Redemption proceeds paid by wire transfer will normally be wired in federal funds on the next business day after the Trust receives actual notice of the redemption order (for a total of one business day delay), but may be paid up to three business days after receipt of actual notice of the order.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trust and Goldman Sachs reserve the right to reject or restrict purchase or exchange requests from any investor. The Trust and Goldman Sachs will not be liable for any loss resulting from rejected purchase or exchange orders.

What Types Of Reports Will I Be Sent Regarding Investments In The Fund?

As a holder of a variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy, you will receive annual shareholder reports containing audited financial statements and semi-annual shareholder reports from your participating insurance company.

What Are The Fund’s Voting Procedures?

Participating insurance companies, not the owners of the variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies or participants therein, are shareholders of the Fund. To the extent required by law:

  ¢    The participating insurance companies will vote Fund shares held in the separate accounts in a manner consistent with timely voting instructions received from the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies.
  ¢    The participating insurance companies will vote Fund shares held in the separate accounts for which no timely instructions are received from the holders of variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, as well as shares they own, in the same proportion as those shares for which voting instructions are received.

It is anticipated that Fund shares held by unregistered separate accounts or qualified plans generally will be voted for or against any proposition in the same proportion as all other Fund shares are voted unless the unregistered separate account’s participating insurance company or the plan makes other arrangements.

Additional information concerning voting rights of the participants in the separate accounts is more fully set forth in the prospectus relating to those accounts issued by the participating insurance companies.

 

16


 

Taxation

 

The Fund is treated as a separate corporate entity for federal tax purposes. The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company and intends to qualify for such treatment for each taxable year under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In addition, the Fund intends to qualify under the Code with respect to the diversification requirements related to variable contracts. Provided that the Fund and a separate account investing in the Fund satisfy applicable tax requirements, the Fund will not be subject to federal tax and any distributions from the Fund to the separate account will be exempt from current federal income taxation to the extent that such distributions accumulate in a variable annuity contract or a variable life insurance contract.

Persons investing in variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts should refer to the prospectuses with respect to such contracts for further information regarding the tax treatment of the contracts and the separate accounts in which the contracts are invested.

 

17


 

Appendix A

Additional Information on Portfolio Risks, Securities and Techniques

 

This section provides further information on certain types of securities and investment techniques that may be used by the Fund, including their associated risks. Additional information is provided in the SAI, which is available upon request. Among other things, the SAI describes certain fundamental policies and investment restrictions that cannot be changed without shareholder approval. You should note, however, that all investment policies not specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval. If there is a change in the Fund’s investment objective, you should consider whether that Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of your then current financial position and needs. The Fund may purchase other types of securities or instruments similar to those described in this section if otherwise consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.

To the extent the Fund’s net assets decrease or increase due to share redemption or purchase activity, the Fund’s expense ratio may correspondingly increase or decrease from the expense ratio disclosed in this Prospectus.

U.S. Treasury Obligations and U.S. Government Securities.  The Fund may invest in U.S. Treasury Obligations, which include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury (“U.S. Treasury Obligations”). Payment of principal and interest on these obligations is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury Obligations include, among other things, the separately traded principal and interest components of securities guaranteed or issued by the U.S. Treasury if such components are traded independently under the Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities program (“STRIPS”). U.S. Treasury Obligations may also include Treasury inflation-protected securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation.

The Fund may invest in U.S. Government Securities. Unlike U.S. Treasury Obligations, U.S. Government Securities can be supported by either (i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)); (ii) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; (iii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer; or (iv) only the credit of the issuer.

U.S. Government Securities are deemed to include (i) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities; and (ii) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies that are so guaranteed. Certain of these participations may be regarded as illiquid. U.S. Government Securities also include zero coupon bonds.

The Fund invests in U.S. Treasury Obligations and certain U.S. Government Securities, the interest from which is generally exempt from state income taxation. Securities generally eligible for this exemption include those issued by the U.S. Treasury and certain agencies, authorities or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, including the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit Banks and Tennessee Valley Authority.

U.S. Government Securities have historically involved little risk of loss of principal if held to maturity. However, no assurance can be given that loss of principal will not occur or that the U.S. government will provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law.

Bank Obligations.  The Fund may invest in bank obligations, which include certificates of deposit, commercial paper, unsecured bank promissory notes, bankers’ acceptances, time deposits and other debt obligations. The Fund may invest in obligations issued or backed by U.S. or foreign banks when a bank has more than $1 billion in total assets at the time of purchase or is a branch or subsidiary of such a bank. In addition, the Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign banks that have more than $1 billion in total assets at the time of purchase, U.S. branches of such foreign banks (Yankee obligations), foreign branches of such foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks having more than $1 billion in total assets at the time of purchase. Bank obligations may be general obligations of the parent bank or may be limited to the issuing branch by the terms of the specific obligation or by government regulation.

Because the Fund typically invests more than 25% of its total assets in bank obligations (whether foreign or domestic), it may be especially affected by favorable and adverse developments in or related to the banking industry. The activities of U.S. and most foreign banks are subject to comprehensive regulations which, in the case of U.S. regulations, have undergone substantial changes in the past decade. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of domestic and foreign banks. Significant developments in the U.S. banking industry have included increased competition from other types of financial institutions, increased acquisition activity and geographic expansion. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as

 

18


APPENDIX A

 

interest rate changes and adverse developments in the real estate markets. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

Commercial Paper.  The Fund may invest in commercial paper, including variable amount master demand notes and asset-backed commercial paper. Commercial paper normally represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies, corporations, finance companies and other issuers. The commercial paper that may be purchased by the Fund consists of direct U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of domestic or foreign issuers. Asset-backed commercial paper is issued by a special purpose entity that is organized to issue the commercial paper and to purchase trade receivables or other financial assets. The credit quality of asset-backed commercial paper depends primarily on the quality of these assets and the level of any additional credit support.

Short-Term Obligations of Corporations or Other Entities.  The Fund may invest in other short-term obligations, including master demand notes and short-term funding agreements payable in U.S. dollars and issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations, foreign corporations or other entities. A master demand note permits the investment of varying amounts by the Fund under an agreement between the Fund and an issuer. The principal amount of a master demand note may be increased from time to time by the parties (subject to specified maximums) or decreased by the Fund or the issuer. A funding agreement is a contract between an issuer and a purchaser that obligates the issuer to pay a guaranteed rate of interest on a principal sum deposited by the purchaser. Funding agreements will also guarantee a stream of payments over time. A funding agreement has a fixed maturity date and may have either a fixed rate or variable interest rate that is based on an index and guaranteed for a set time period. Because there is normally no secondary market for these investments, funding agreements purchased by the Fund may be regarded as illiquid.

Repurchase Agreements.  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with securities dealers and banks. Repurchase agreements are similar to collateralized loans, but are structured as a purchase of securities by the Fund, subject to the seller’s agreement to repurchase the securities at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The difference between the original purchase price and the repurchase price is normally based on prevailing short-term interest rates. Under a repurchase agreement, the seller is required to furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of the seller’s repurchase obligation.

If the seller under a repurchase agreement defaults, the Fund could suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund are less than the repurchase price and the Fund’s cost associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings concerning the seller, the Fund could suffer additional losses if the collateral held by the Fund is subject to a court “stay” that prevents the Fund from promptly selling the collateral. If this occurs, the Fund will bear the risk that the value of the collateral will decline below the repurchase price. Furthermore, the Fund could experience a loss if a court determines that the Fund’s interest in the collateral is not enforceable.

In evaluating whether to enter into a repurchase agreement, the Investment Adviser will carefully consider the creditworthiness of the seller. Distributions of the income from repurchase agreements will be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders. In addition, the Fund, together with certain other registered investment companies having advisory agreements with the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.

Asset-Backed and Receivables-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest in asset-backed and receivables-backed securities whose principal and interest payments are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables, leases, mortgages, installment contracts and personal property. Asset-backed securities may also include home equity line of credit loans and other second-lien mortgages. Asset-backed and receivables-backed securities are often subject to more rapid repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying loans. During periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying asset-backed and receivables-backed securities can be expected to accelerate. Accordingly, the Fund’s ability to maintain positions in such securities will be affected by reductions in the principal amount of such securities resulting from prepayments, and its ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to generally prevailing interest rates at that time. In addition, securities that are backed by credit card, automobile and similar types of receivables generally do not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable in

 

19


quality to mortgage assets. There is no guarantee that private guarantors, or insurers of an asset-backed security, if any, will meet their obligations. The value of some asset-backed securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates. If the issuer of an asset-backed security defaults on its payment obligation, there is the possibility that, in some cases, the Fund will be unable to possess and sell the underlying collateral and that the Fund’s recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on the securities. In the event of a default, the Fund may suffer a loss if it cannot sell collateral quickly and receive the amount it is owed. Some asset-backed securities have only a subordinated claim or security interest in collateral. Asset-backed securities may also be subject to increased volatility and may become illiquid and more difficult to value even when there is no default or threat of default due to the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuers and market conditions impacting asset-backed securities more generally. Certain mortgage -backed securities (especially those backed by sub-prime and second-lien loans) have declined in value in light of recent market and economic developments, and such developments have led to reduced demand and limited liquidity for certain mortgage-related securities. Unexpected increases in default rates with regard to the underlying mortgages and increased price volatility, in addition to liquidity constraints, may make these securities more difficult to value or dispose of than may have been the case previously. These events may have an adverse effect on the Fund to the extent it invests in mortgage-backed and other fixed income securities or investments affected by the volatility in the fixed income markets.

Foreign Government Obligations and Foreign Risks. The Fund may invest in foreign government obligations. Foreign government obligations that the Fund invests in are U.S. dollar-denominated obligations (limited to commercial paper and other notes) issued or guaranteed by a foreign government or other entity located or organized in a foreign country that maintains a short-term foreign currency rating in the highest short-term ratings category by the requisite number of NRSROs.

Investments by the Fund in foreign securities, whether issued by a foreign government, bank, corporation or other issuer, may present a greater degree of risk than investments in securities of domestic issuers because of less publicly-available financial and other information, more or less securities regulation, potential imposition of foreign withholding and other taxes, war, expropriation or other adverse governmental actions. Foreign banks and their foreign branches are not regulated by U.S. banking authorities, and generally are not bound by the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. banks. The legal remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies available in the United States. In addition, changes in the exchange rate of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar (e.g., weakening of the currency against the U.S. dollar) may adversely affect the ability of a foreign issuer to pay interest and repay principal on an obligation.

Municipal Obligations.  The Fund may invest in municipal obligations. Municipal obligations are issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities, and the District of Columbia. Municipal obligations in which the Fund may invest include fixed rate notes and similar debt instruments; variable and floating rate demand instruments; tax-exempt commercial paper; municipal bonds; and unrated notes, paper or other instruments. Municipal securities are generally subject to those risks associated with debt securities generally. In addition, the Fund may be more sensitive to adverse economic, business or political developments if it invests a substantial portion of its assets in the debt securities of similar projects (such as those relating to education, health care, housing, transportation, and utilities), industrial development bonds, or in particular types of municipal securities (such as general obligation bonds, private activity bonds and moral obligation bonds). Municipalities continue to experience difficulties in the current economic and political environment.

Municipal Notes and Bonds.  Municipal notes include tax anticipation notes (“TANs”), revenue anticipation notes (“RANs”), bond anticipation notes (“BANs”), tax and revenue anticipation notes (“TRANs”) and construction loan notes. Municipal bonds include general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing municipality and are considered the safest type of municipal obligation. Revenue bonds are backed by the revenues of a project or facility such as the tolls from a government-owned toll bridge. Revenue bonds also include lease rental revenue bonds which are issued by a state or local authority for capital projects and are secured by annual lease payments from the state or locality sufficient to cover debt service on the authority’s obligations. Municipal bonds may be issued in a variety of forms, including commercial paper, tender option bonds and variable and floating rate securities.

 

20


APPENDIX A

 

Tender Option Bonds.  A tender option bond is a municipal obligation (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate higher than prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rates. The bond is typically issued in conjunction with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which the institution grants the security holder the option, at periodic intervals, to tender its securities to the institution. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the bond’s fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. An institution will normally not be obligated to accept tendered bonds in the event of certain defaults or a significant downgrading in the credit rating assigned to the issuer of the bond. The tender option will be taken into account in determining the maturity of the tender option bonds and the Fund’s average portfolio maturity and average portfolio life. There is a risk that the Fund will not be considered the owner of a tender option bond for federal income tax purposes, and thus will not be entitled to treat such interest as exempt from federal income tax. Certain tender option bonds may be illiquid or may become illiquid as a result of a credit rating downgrade, a payment default or a disqualification from tax-exempt status.

Revenue Anticipation Warrants.  Revenue Anticipation Warrants (“RAWs”) are issued in anticipation of the issuer’s receipt of revenues and present the risk that such revenues will be insufficient to satisfy the issuer’s payment obligations. The entire amount of principal and interest on RAWs is due at maturity. RAWs, including those with a maturity of more than 397 days, may also be repackaged as instruments which include a demand feature that permits the holder to sell the RAWs to a bank or other financial institution at a purchase price equal to par plus accrued interest on each interest rate reset date.

Industrial Development Bonds.  The Fund may invest in industrial development bonds (private activity bonds). Industrial development bonds are a specific type of revenue bond backed by the credit and security of a private user and therefore have more potential risk. The interest from industrial development bonds would be an item of tax preference when distributed by the Fund as “exempt-interest dividends” to shareholders under the AMT.

Other Municipal Obligation Policies.  Municipal obligations may include municipal leases, certificates of participation and “moral obligation” bonds. A municipal lease is an obligation issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment or facilities. Certificates of participation represent interests in municipal leases or other instruments, such as installment contracts. Moral obligation bonds are supported by the moral commitment but not the legal obligation of a state or municipality. Municipal leases, certificates of participation and moral obligation bonds present the risk that the state or municipality involved will not appropriate the monies to meet scheduled payments under these instruments.

Municipal obligations may be backed by letters of credit or other forms of credit enhancement issued by domestic banks or foreign banks which have a branch, agency or subsidiary in the United States or by other financial institutions such as insurance companies which may issue insurance policies with respect to municipal obligations. The credit quality of these banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions could, therefore, cause a loss to the Fund that invests in municipal obligations. The insurance companies’ exposure to securities involving sub-prime mortgages may cause insurer rating downgrade or insolvency, which may affect the prices and liquidity of municipal obligations insured by the insurance company. Letters of credit and other obligations of foreign banks and financial institutions may involve risks in addition to those of domestic obligations because of less publicly available financial and other information, less securities regulation, potential imposition of foreign withholding and other taxes, war, expropriation or other adverse governmental actions. Foreign banks and their foreign branches are not regulated by U.S. banking authorities and generally are not bound by the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards applicable to U.S. banks.

In order to enhance the liquidity, stability or quality of a municipal obligation, the Fund may acquire the right to sell the obligation to another party at a guaranteed price and date.

In purchasing municipal obligations, the Fund intends to rely on opinions of bond counsel or counsel to the issuers for each issue as to the excludability of interest on such obligations from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Fund will not undertake independent investigations concerning the tax-exempt status of such obligations, nor does it guarantee or represent that bond counsels’ opinions are correct. Bond counsels’ opinions will generally be based in part upon covenants by the issuers and related parties regarding continuing compliance with federal tax requirements. Tax laws contain numerous and complex requirements that must

 

21


be satisfied on a continuing basis in order for bonds to be and remain tax-exempt. If the issuer of a bond or a user of a bond-financed facility fails to comply with such requirements at any time, interest on the bond could become taxable, retroactive to the date the obligation was issued. In that event, a portion of the Fund’s distributions attributable to interest the Fund received on such bond for the current year and for prior years could be characterized or recharacterized as taxable income.

Custodial Receipts.  The Fund may invest in custodial receipts (including tender option bonds, see above for more information) representing interests in U.S. Government Securities, municipal obligations or other debt instruments held by a custodian or trustee. Custodial receipts evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on notes or bonds issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government, its agencies, instrumentalities, political subdivisions or authorities, or by a state or local governmental body or authority, or by other types of issuers. For certain securities law purposes, custodial receipts are not considered obligations of the underlying issuers. In addition, if for tax purposes the Fund is not considered to be the owner of the underlying securities held in the custodial account, the Fund may suffer adverse tax consequences. As a holder of custodial receipts, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account.

Other Investment Companies.  The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies, subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Investment Company Act. These limitations include in certain circumstances a prohibition on the Fund acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies.

Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, the Fund may invest in certain other investment companies and money market funds beyond the statutory limits described above. Some of those investment companies and money market funds may be funds for which the Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator or distributor.

The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies, in addition to the fees and expenses regularly borne by the Fund. Although the Fund does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, the Fund is authorized to invest substantially all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof that has substantially the same investment objective, policies and fundamental restrictions as the Fund.

Floating and Variable Rate Obligations.  The Fund may purchase various floating and variable rate obligations, including tender option bonds. The value of these obligations is generally more stable than that of a fixed rate obligation in response to changes in interest rate levels. Subject to the conditions for using amortized cost valuation under the Investment Company Act, the Fund may consider the maturity of a variable or floating rate obligation to be shorter than its ultimate stated maturity if the obligation is a U.S. Treasury Obligation or U.S. Government Security, if the obligation has a remaining maturity of 397 calendar days or less, or if the obligation has a demand feature that permits the Fund to receive payment at any time or at specified intervals not exceeding 397 calendar days. The issuers or financial intermediaries providing demand features may support their ability to purchase the obligations by obtaining credit with liquidity supports. These may include lines of credit, which are conditional commitments to lend, and letters of credit, which will ordinarily be irrevocable, both of which may be issued by domestic banks or foreign banks. The Fund may purchase variable or floating rate obligations from the issuers or may purchase certificates of participation, a type of floating or variable rate obligation, which are interests in a pool of debt obligations held by a bank or other financial institution.

When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments. The Fund may purchase when-issued securities and make contracts to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time. When-issued securities are securities that have been authorized, but not yet issued. When-issued securities are purchased in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price or yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. A forward commitment involves entering into a contract to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond the customary settlement period.

The purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines before the settlement date. Conversely, the sale of securities on a forward commitment basis involves the risk that the value of the securities sold may increase before the settlement date. Although the Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued or

 

22


APPENDIX A

 

forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring the securities for its portfolio, the Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate. When purchasing a security on a when-issued basis or entering into a forward commitment, the Fund must “set-aside” liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures to “cover” its obligations.

Illiquid Securities.  The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets (measured at the time of purchase) in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the value ascribed to them by the Fund). Illiquid securities in which the Fund may invest include:

  ¢    Both domestic and foreign securities that are not readily marketable
  ¢    Certain municipal leases and participation interests
  ¢    Certain stripped mortgage-backed securities
  ¢    Repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days
  ¢    Certain restricted securities, unless it is determined, based upon a review of the trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted security is liquid because it is so-called “4(2) commercial paper” or is otherwise eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Investing in restricted securities may decrease the liquidity of the Fund’s portfolio. Securities purchased by the Fund that are liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid due to events relating to the issuer of the securities, market events, economic conditions or investor perception.

Borrowings.  The Fund may borrow up to 33 13% of its total assets from banks for temporary or emergency purposes. The Fund generally may not make additional investments if borrowings exceed 5% of its net assets. For more information, see the SAI.

Downgraded Securities.  After its purchase, a portfolio security may be assigned a lower rating or cease to be rated. If this occurs, the Fund may continue to hold the security if the Investment Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

Risks of Large Shareholder Redemptions.  Certain participating insurance companies, accounts or Goldman Sachs affiliates may from time to time own (beneficially or of record) or control a significant percentage of the Fund’s shares. Redemptions by these participating insurance companies or accounts of their holdings in the Fund may impact the Fund’s liquidity and NAV. These redemptions may also force the Fund to sell securities, which may negatively impact the Fund’s brokerage costs.

 

23


 

Appendix B

Financial Highlights

 

Because Institutional Shares have not yet commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus, financial highlights are not available.

 

24


 

Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust –

Money Market Fund Prospectus (Institutional Shares)

 

  FOR MORE INFORMATION     

Annual/Semi-annual Report

Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

Your insurance company will provide you with annual and semi-annual reports if the Fund serves as an investment option through your variable annuity contract or variable life insurance policy.

Statement of Additional Information

Additional information about the Fund and its policies is also available in the Fund’s SAI. The SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus (is legally considered part of this Prospectus).

The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports, and the SAI, are available free upon request by calling Goldman Sachs at 1-800-621-2550. You can also access and download the annual and semi-annual reports and the SAI at the Fund’s website: http://www.goldmansachsfunds.com/summaries.

From time to time, certain announcements and other information regarding the Fund may be found at http://www.gs.com /gsam/redirect/announcements/individuals for individual investors, http://www.gs.com/gsam/redirect/announcements/institutions for institutional investors or http://www.gs.com/gsam/redirect/announcements/advisors for advisers.

To obtain other information and for shareholder inquiries:

  ¢    By telephone – 1-800-621-2550
  ¢    By mail – Goldman Sachs Funds

P.O. Box 06050

Chicago, IL 60606-6306

  ¢    On the Internet – SEC EDGAR database – http://www.sec.gov

You may review and obtain copies of Trust documents (including the SAI) by visiting the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C. You may also obtain copies of Trust documents, after paying a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520 or by electronic request to: publicinfo@sec.gov. Information on the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

 

LOGO

The Trust’s investment company registration number is 811-08361.

GSAM® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.

 

[CODE]


PART B

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DATED OCTOBER [    ], 2013

INSTITUTIONAL SHARES

GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL MARKETS NAVIGATOR FUND

GOLDMAN SACHS MONEY MARKET FUND

(PORTFOLIOS OF GOLDMAN SACHS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST)

Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60606

This Statement of Additional Information (the “SAI”) is not a Prospectus. This SAI should be read in conjunction with the Prospectuses for Institutional Shares of the Goldman Sachs Global Markets Navigator Fund and Goldman Sachs Money Market Fund (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) dated October [    ], 2013 (collectively, the “Prospectuses”), as they each may be further amended and/or supplemented from time to time. The Prospectuses may be obtained without charge from Goldman, Sachs & Co. by calling the telephone number, or writing to one of the addresses, listed below.

The audited financial statements and related reports of [            ], independent registered public accounting firm for each Fund, contained in each Fund’s 2012 Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference in the section “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.” The financial statements contained in each Fund’s Semi-Annual Report dated June 30, 2013 are also incorporated by reference in the section “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.” No other parts of any Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. A Fund’s Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report may be obtained upon request and without charge by writing Goldman, Sachs & Co., P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or by calling Goldman, Sachs & Co., at the telephone number on the back cover of the Funds’ Prospectuses.

GSAM® is a registered service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

INTRODUCTION

     B-1   

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

     B-2   

DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES AND PRACTICES

     B-4   

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     B-39   

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

     B-43   

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

     B-57   

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

     B-64   

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

     B-72   

NET ASSET VALUE

     B-74   

SHARES OF THE TRUST

     B-77   

TAXATION

     B-80   

PROXY VOTING

     B-82   

PAYMENTS TO INTERMEDIARIES

     B-84   

OTHER INFORMATION

     B-89   

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     B-91   

APPENDIX A DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

     1-A   

APPENDIX B GSAM PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES SUMMARY

     1-B   

The date of this SAI is October [    ], 2013.

 

-i-


GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT, L.P.

Investment Adviser

200 West Street

New York, New York 10282

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

Distributor

200 West Street

New York, New York10282

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

Transfer Agent

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

Toll free (in U.S.)        800-621-2550

 

-ii-


INTRODUCTION

Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (the “Trust”) is an open-end, management investment company. Service Shares and Institutional Shares of the Trust may be purchased and held by the separate accounts (“Separate Accounts”) of participating life insurance companies (“Participating Insurance Companies”) for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies. Service Shares and Institutional Shares of the Trust are not offered directly to the general public. The following series of the Trust are described in this SAI: Goldman Sachs Global Markets Navigator Fund (“Global Markets Navigator Fund”) and Goldman Sachs Money Market Fund (“Money Market Fund”) (each a “Fund,” and collectively, the “Funds”; as the context requires, references herein to “a Fund,” “the Fund” or “the Funds” may refer to the specific Fund or Funds first named in a particular paragraph or section within this SAI).

The Money Market Fund was created to acquire the assets and liabilities of the Allmerica Money Market Fund of Allmerica Investment Trust (the “Predecessor Allmerica Fund”). On January 9, 2006, the Predecessor Allmerica Fund was reorganized into the Money Market Fund. The Predecessor Allmerica Fund, for purposes of the reorganization, is considered to be the accounting survivor.

Each Fund is a series of Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, which was formed under the laws of the State of Delaware on September 16, 1997. The Trustees of the Trust have authority under the Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares of beneficial interest into separate series and to classify and reclassify any series or portfolio of shares into one or more classes without further action by shareholders. Pursuant thereto, the Trustees have created the Funds. Additional series and classes may be added in the future from time to time. Each Fund currently offers Service Shares and Institutional Shares. See “SHARES OF THE TRUST.”

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM” or the “Investment Adviser”), an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”), serves as the investment adviser to each Fund. In addition, Goldman Sachs serves as each Fund’s distributor and transfer agent. The Global Markets Navigator Fund’s custodian is JPMorganChase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorganChase”). The Bank of New York Mellon (“BNYM”) is the custodian for the Money Market Fund.

The following information relates to and supplements the description of each Fund’s investment policies contained in the Prospectuses. See the Prospectuses for more complete descriptions of the Funds’ investment objectives and policies. Investing in the Funds entails certain risks, and there is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its objective. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the same meaning as in the Prospectuses.

 

B-1


INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

Each Fund has a distinct investment objective and policies. There can be no assurance that a Fund’s objective will be achieved. The Money Market Fund is a diversified open-end management company as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”). The Global Markets Navigator Fund is a non-diversified Fund. The investment objective and policies of each Fund, and the associated risks of each Fund, are discussed in the Funds’ Prospectuses, which should be read carefully before an investment is made. All investment objectives and investment policies not specifically designated as fundamental may be changed without shareholder approval. Additional information about the Funds, their policies, and the investment instruments they may hold is provided below.

Each Fund’s share price will fluctuate with market, economic and, to the extent applicable, foreign exchange conditions, so that an investment in any of the Funds may be worth more or less when redeemed than when purchased (although the Money Market Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the Fund). None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program.

GSAM is expected to be subject to registration and regulation as a “commodity pool operator” (“CPO”) under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) with respect to its service as investment adviser to Global Markets Navigator Fund.

The following discussion supplements the information in the Funds’ Prospectuses.

Information About the Global Markets Navigator Fund

The Investment Adviser may purchase for the Global Markets Navigator Fund common stocks, preferred stocks, interests in REITs, equity interests in trusts, partnerships, joint ventures, limited liability companies and similar enterprises, other investment companies (including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) and synthetic and derivative instruments that have economic characteristics similar to equity securities (“equity investments”).

The Fund seeks to achieve investment results that approximate the performance of the GS Global Markets Navigator Index (the “Index”).1 The Index is comprised of, and allocates exposure to, underlying indices representing various global asset classes including, but not limited to, global equity and global fixed income (the “Underlying Indices”). Using a proprietary methodology (the “Methodology”) developed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. (the “Index Provider”), the Index seeks to provide exposure to price momentum of these global assets, or Underlying Indices, by reflecting a combination of index weightings that is determined in part by the respective three-, six- and nine-month historical returns of these global assets. Momentum investing seeks growth of capital by investing in assets that have exhibited trends in price performance over recent selected time periods. The Methodology also considers maximum and minimum weightings requirements and volatility controls. The Index is generally rebalanced monthly but may be rebalanced as frequently as daily if certain volatility controls are triggered, as discussed below. The Index Provider may, in its discretion, make changes to the Index, its methodology or quantitative techniques, or use other methodologies or quantitative techniques that are based on the Index Provider’s proprietary research.

From time to time, the Investment Adviser will monitor, and may make changes to, the selection or weight of individual or groups of securities, currencies or markets in the Fund. Such changes (which may be the result of changes in the Fund’s Methodology, the manner of applying the Methodology or the judgment of the Investment Adviser) may include: (i) evolutionary changes to the structure of the Methodology (e.g., changing the calculation of the algorithm, adding or removing asset classes); (ii) changes in trading procedures (e.g., trading frequency or the manner in which the Fund uses futures); or (iii) changes to the weight of individual or groups of securities, currencies or markets in the Fund based on the Investment Adviser’s judgment. Any such changes will preserve the Fund’s basic investment philosophy of combining qualitative and quantitative methods of selecting investments using a disciplined investment process.

 

1  “GS Global Markets Navigator Index” is a trademark or service mark of Goldman, Sachs & Co. and has been licensed for use by the Investment Adviser in connection with the Fund. As the licensor of this trademark or service mark, Goldman, Sachs & Co. does not make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Fund.

 

B-2


The Index implements two levels of volatility control. The monthly volatility control is performed on each monthly rebalancing date and sets a maximum limit on the overall forecasted volatility of any selected combination of index weights (the “Monthly Rebalanced Index”). This overall volatility forecast is determined by observing the realized three-, six- and nine-month returns, volatilities and correlations of the global asset classes that comprise the Index. The daily volatility control feature rebalances a portion or all of the current Index components into Underlying Indices tracking short-term fixed income investments in order to reduce volatility when the annualized historic three-month volatility of the latest Monthly Rebalanced Index exceeds a predetermined level. The Index is rebalanced partially or completely into its prior composition (based on the asset class weightings of the latest Monthly Rebalanced Index) when the annualized historic three-month volatility of such composition declines below the predetermined level.

The Index is calculated on a total return basis, with dividends reinvested.

The Index is sponsored by the Index Provider, an affiliate of the Fund’s Investment Adviser, and calculated by Structured Solutions AG (the “Calculation Agent”). The Underlying Indices are subject to revision from time to time by a committee established by the Index Provider. Information is published regarding the components and weightings of the components of the Index as well as its value.

Given the Fund’s objective of attempting to track the Index, the Fund does not follow traditional methods of active investment management, which may involve buying and selling securities based upon analysis of economic and market factors. Instead, the Fund will invest in securities and other financial instruments that provide exposure to the Underlying Indices in approximately the same weighting that such Underlying Indices have within the Index at the applicable time. The Investment Adviser will, however, be responsible for, among other things, investment selection, timing of trading and counterparty selection.

The Fund’s portfolio of investments may include, among other instruments, futures (including index futures), swaps, structured notes, other derivatives and investment companies (including ETFs) that provide exposure to a broad spectrum of asset classes, including but not limited to, equities (US and non-US companies) and fixed income (US and non-US developed country government and government agency securities). The Fund may also invest directly in equity securities and high quality US and non-US developed country government and government agency fixed income securities. The percentage of the portfolio exposed to any asset class or geographic region will vary from time to time as the weightings of the Underlying Indices within the Index change, and the Fund may not be invested in each asset class at all times. Moreover, the Fund may at times be more heavily invested in certain asset classes, such as U.S. equity or U.S. fixed income. As a result of the Fund’s use of derivatives, and/or in an effort to mitigate portfolio volatility, as discussed above, the Fund may also hold significant amounts of U.S. Treasury, short-term, or other fixed income investments, including money market funds and repurchase agreements, or cash, and at times may invest up to 100% of its assets in such investments. The Fund may also engage in foreign currency transactions (including forward contracts) for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. To the extent the Index allocates exposure to commodity-related Underlying Indices in the future, the Fund may invest in instruments that provide exposure to commodities. Although it does not currently intend to do so, the Fund may also invest through a wholly-owned subsidiary, which would be advised by the Investment Adviser and would seek to gain commodities exposure.

The Fund will not invest more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry, except that, to the extent that an industry represents 20% or more of the Fund’s index (currently the Index) at the time of investment, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in that industry.

 

B-3


DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES AND PRACTICES

Commodity-Linked Securities

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may seek to provide exposure to the investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through investments in commodity-linked derivative securities, such as structured notes, discussed below, which are designed to provide this exposure without direct investment in physical commodities or commodities futures contracts, only to the extent permissible under applicable law then in effect, or in reliance upon a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), or other applicable guidance or relief provided by the IRS or other agencies. Real assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock, and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments. In choosing investments, the Investment Adviser seeks to provide exposure to various commodities and commodity sectors. The value of commodity-linked derivative securities held by the Fund may be affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and regulatory developments.

The prices of commodity-linked derivative securities may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked instruments have been parallel to those of debt and equity securities. Commodities have historically tended to increase and decrease in value during different parts of the business cycle than financial assets. Nevertheless, at various times, commodities prices may move in tandem with the prices of financial assets and thus may not provide overall portfolio diversification benefits. Under favorable economic conditions, the Fund’s investments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities. Over the long term, the returns on the Fund’s investments are expected to exhibit low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds.

Because commodity-linked derivative securities are available from a relatively small number of issuers, the Fund’s investments in commodity-linked derivative securities are particularly subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the commodity-linked derivative (which issuer may also serve as counterparty to a substantial number of the Fund’s commodity-linked and other derivative investments) will not fulfill its contractual obligations.

Corporate Debt Obligations

The Money Market Fund may invest in corporate debt obligations to the extent described in its Prospectuses and as permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the Act. The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in corporate debt obligations, including obligations of industrial, utility and financial issuers. Corporate debt obligations include bonds, notes, debentures and other obligations of corporations to pay interest and repay principal. Corporate debt obligations are subject to the risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligations and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as market interest rates, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity.

Corporate debt obligations rated BBB or Baa are considered medium grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken their issuers’ capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Medium to lower rated and comparable non-rated securities tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the historical financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have been as strong as that of other issuers. The price of corporate debt obligations will generally fluctuate in response to fluctuations in supply and demand for similarly rated securities. In addition, the price of corporate debt obligations will generally fluctuate in response to interest rate levels. Fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities

 

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subsequent to their acquisition will not affect cash income from such securities but will be reflected in a Fund’s NAV. Because medium to lower rated securities generally involve greater risks of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities, investors should consider carefully the relative risks associated with investment in securities which carry medium to lower ratings and in comparable unrated securities. In addition to the risk of default, there are the related costs of recovery on defaulted issues. The Investment Adviser will attempt to reduce these risks through portfolio diversification and by analysis of each issuer and its ability to make timely payments of income and principal, as well as broad economic trends and corporate developments.

The Investment Adviser employs its own credit research and analysis, which includes a study of an issuer’s existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt and pay dividends, sensitivity to economic conditions, operating history and current earnings trend. The Investment Adviser continually monitors the investments in a Fund’s portfolio and evaluates whether to dispose of or to retain corporate debt obligations whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed. If after its purchase, a portfolio security is assigned a lower rating or ceases to be rated, a Fund may continue to hold the security if the Investment Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

High Yield (Non-Investment Grade) Securities

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in bonds rated BB+ or below by Standard & Poor’s or Ba1 or below by Moody’s or comparable rated and unrated securities. These bonds are commonly referred to as “junk bonds,” are non-investment grade, and are considered speculative. The ability of issuers of high yield securities to make principal and interest payments may be questionable because such issuers are often less creditworthy or are highly leveraged. High yield securities are also issued by governmental issuers that may have difficulty in making all scheduled interest and principal payments. In some cases, high yield securities may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing and be in default. As a result, investment in such bonds will entail greater risks than those associated with investment in investment grade bonds (i.e., bonds rated AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard & Poor’s or Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody’s). Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high yield securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities, and the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective may, to the extent of its investments in high yield securities, be more dependent upon such creditworthiness analysis than would be the case if the Fund were investing in higher quality securities. See Appendix A for a description of the corporate bond and preferred stock ratings by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”) and Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (“DBRS”).

The market values of high yield securities tend to reflect individual corporate or municipal developments to a greater extent than do those of higher rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Issuers of high yield securities that are highly leveraged may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of financing. Their ability to service debt obligations may be more adversely affected by economic downturns or their inability to meet specific projected business forecasts than would be the case for issuers of high rated securities. Negative publicity about the junk bond market and investor perceptions regarding lower-rated securities, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such high yield securities. In the lower quality segments of the fixed income securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers’ creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality segments of the fixed income securities market, resulting in greater yield and price volatility. Another factor which causes fluctuations in the prices of high yield securities is the supply and demand for similarly rated securities. In addition, the prices of investments fluctuate in response to the general level of interest rates. Fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities subsequent to their acquisition will not affect cash income from such securities but will be reflected in the Fund’s NAV.

The risk of loss from default for the holders of high yield securities is significantly greater than is the case for holders of other debt securities because such high yield securities are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the issuers of such securities. Investment by the Fund in already defaulted securities poses an additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity, recovery by the Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or appreciation is

 

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uncertain. In addition, the Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery relating to the default in the payment of principal or interest on such securities or otherwise protect its interests. The Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to satisfy annual distribution obligations of the Fund in respect of accrued interest income on securities which are subsequently written off, even though the Fund has not received any cash payments of such interest.

The secondary market for high yield securities is concentrated in relatively few markets and is dominated by institutional investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities may not be as liquid as and may be more volatile than the secondary market for higher-rated securities. In addition, the trading volume for high yield securities is generally lower than that of higher rated securities and the secondary market for high yield securities could contract under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. These factors may have an adverse effect on the ability of the Fund to dispose of particular portfolio investments when needed to meet its redemption requests or other liquidity needs. The Investment Adviser could find it difficult to sell these investments or may be able to sell the investments only at prices lower than if such investments were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the NAV of the Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield securities in their portfolios.

The adoption of new legislation could adversely affect the secondary market for high yield securities and the financial condition of issuers of these securities. The form of any future legislation, and the probability of such legislation being enacted, is uncertain.

Non-investment grade or high yield securities also present risks based on payment expectations. High yield securities frequently contain “call” or buy-back features which permit the issuer to call or repurchase the security from its holder. If an issuer exercises such a “call option” and redeems the security, the Fund may have to replace such security with a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. In addition, if the Fund experiences net redemptions of its shares, it may be forced to sell its higher-rated securities, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of its portfolio and increasing its exposure to the risks of high yield securities.

Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not, however, evaluate the market value risk of high yield securities and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality. Investments in non-investment grade and comparable unrated obligations will be more dependent on the Investment Adviser’s credit analysis than would be the case with investments in investment-grade debt obligations. The Investment Adviser employs its own credit research and analysis, which includes a study of an issuer’s existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt and to pay dividends, sensitivity to economic conditions, operating history and current earnings trend. The Investment Adviser continually monitors the investments in the Fund’s portfolio and evaluates whether to dispose of or to retain non-investment grade and comparable unrated securities whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed. If after its purchase, a portfolio security is assigned a lower rating or ceases to be rated, the Fund may continue to hold the security if the Investment Adviser believes it is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.

An economic downturn could severely affect the ability of highly leveraged issuers of junk bond investments to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of junk bonds will have an adverse effect on the Fund’s NAV to the extent it invests in such investments. In addition, the Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.

 

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Commercial Paper and Other Short-Term Corporate Obligations

The Money Market Fund may invest in commercial paper, including variable amount master demand notes and asset-backed commercial paper. The commercial paper purchased by the Money Market Fund consists of direct U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of domestic or foreign issuers.

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in commercial paper and other short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations, non-U.S. corporations or other entities. Commercial paper represents short-term unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies, corporations and finance companies.

The Money Market Fund may invest in other short-term obligations, including short-term funding agreements payable in U.S. dollars and issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations, foreign corporations or other entities. A funding agreement is a contract between an issuer and a purchaser that obligates the issuer to pay a guaranteed rate of interest on a principal sum deposited by the purchaser. Funding agreements will also guarantee a stream of payments over time. A funding agreement has a fixed maturity date and may have either a fixed or variable interest rate that is based on an index and guaranteed for a set time period. Because there is generally no secondary market for these investments, funding agreements purchased by the Money Market Fund may be regarded as illiquid.

U.S. Government Securities

Each Fund may invest in U.S. Government Securities. Some U.S. Government Securities (such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance) are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Others, such as obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises, are supported either by (i) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, (ii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer or (iii) only the credit of the issuer. The U.S. government is under no legal obligation, in general, to purchase the obligations of its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises in the future.

U.S. Government Securities include (to the extent consistent with the Act) securities for which the payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government, or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. U.S. Government Securities may also include (to the extent consistent with the Act) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their agencies that are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The secondary market for certain of these participations is extremely limited. In the absence of a suitable secondary market, such participations are regarded as illiquid.

Each Fund may also purchase U.S. Government Securities in private placements and may also invest in separately traded principal and interest components of securities guaranteed or issued by the U.S. Treasury that are traded independently under the separate trading of registered interest and principal of securities program (“STRIPS”). The Global Markets Navigator Fund may also invest in zero coupon U.S. Treasury Securities and in zero coupon securities issued by financial institutions which represent a proportionate interest in underlying U.S. Treasury Securities.

Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. The Funds may invest in Treasury inflation-protected securities or “TIPS,” which are U.S. Government securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. The interest rate on TIPS is fixed at issuance, but over the life of the bond this interest may be paid on an increasing or decreasing principal value that has been adjusted for inflation. Although repayment of the original bond principal upon maturity is guaranteed, the market value of TIPS is not guaranteed, and will fluctuate.

 

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The values of TIPS generally fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates, which are in turn tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in the value of TIPS. In contrast, if nominal interest rates were to increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in the value of TIPS. If inflation is lower than expected during the period a Fund holds TIPS, a Fund may earn less on the TIPS than on a conventional bond. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in the currency exchange rates), investors in TIPS may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bonds’ inflation measure. There can be no assurance that the inflation index for TIPS will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services.

Any increase in principal value of TIPS caused by an increase in the consumer price index is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though a Fund holding TIPS will not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements as a regulated investment company.

If a Fund invests in TIPS, it will be required to treat as original issue discount any increase in the principal amount of the securities that occurs during the course of its taxable year. If a Fund purchases such inflation protected securities that are issued in stripped form either as stripped bonds or coupons, it will be treated as if it had purchased a newly issued debt instrument having original issue discount.

Because a Fund is required to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including accrued original issue discount), a Fund’s investment in either zero coupon bonds or TIPS may require a Fund to distribute to shareholders an amount greater than the total cash income it actually receives. Accordingly, in order to make the required distributions, a Fund may be required to borrow or liquidate securities.

Bank Obligations

Bank obligations in which each Fund may invest include certificates of deposit, unsecured bank promissory notes, bankers’ acceptances, fixed time deposits and other debt obligations. Bank obligations may be issued or guaranteed by U.S. banks or foreign banks. Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a specified return.

Bankers’ acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of exchange, normally 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. Fixed time deposits are bank obligations payable at a stated maturity date and bearing interest at a fixed rate. Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. There are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a fixed time deposit to a third party, although there is no market for such deposits. Bank notes and bankers’ acceptances rank junior to domestic deposit liabilities of the bank and pari passu with other senior, unsecured obligations of the bank. Bank notes are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other insurer. Deposit notes are generally insured by the FDIC only to the extent of $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category.

The Money Market Fund will invest more than 25% of its total assets in bank obligations (whether foreign or domestic), including bank commercial paper. However, if adverse economic conditions prevail in the banking industry (such as substantial losses on loans, increases in non-performing assets and charge-offs and declines in total deposits) the Fund may, for defensive purposes, temporarily invest less than 25% of its total assets in bank obligations. As a result, the Fund may be especially affected by favorable and adverse developments in or related to the banking industry. The activities of U.S. banks and most foreign banks are subject to comprehensive regulations which, in the case of U.S. regulations, have undergone substantial changes in the past decade. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of

 

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domestic and foreign banks. Significant developments in the U.S. banking industry have included increased competition from other types of financial institutions, increased acquisition activity and geographic expansion. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the market for real estate. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

Banks are subject to extensive but different governmental regulations which may limit both the amount and types of loans which may be made and interest rates which may be charged. In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon the availability and cost of funds for the purpose of financing lending operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial difficulties of borrowers play an important part in the operation of this industry.

Certificates of deposit are certificates evidencing the obligation of a bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period of time at a specified rate. Certificates of deposit are negotiable instruments and are similar to saving deposits but have a definite maturity and are evidenced by a certificate instead of a passbook entry. Banks are required to keep reserves against all certificates of deposit. Fixed time deposits are bank obligations payable at a stated maturity date and bearing interest at a fixed rate. Fixed time deposits may be withdrawn on the demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. The Funds may invest in deposits in U.S. and European banks satisfying the standards set forth above.

Zero Coupon, Deferred Interest, Pay-in-Kind and Capital Appreciation Bonds

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds and deferred interest, pay-in-kind (“PIK”) and capital appreciation bonds. Zero coupon, deferred interest and capital appreciation bonds are debt securities issued or sold at a discount from their face value and which do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date. The original issue discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. These securities also may take the form of debt securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves or receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations or coupons. The market prices of zero coupon, deferred interest, capital appreciation bonds and PIK securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest rates than interest bearing securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

PIK securities may be debt obligations or preferred shares that provide the issuer with the option of paying interest or dividends on such obligations in cash or in the form of additional securities rather than cash. Similar to zero coupon bonds and deferred interest bonds, PIK securities are designed to give an issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. PIK securities that are debt securities can be either senior or subordinated debt and generally trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest). The trading price of PIK debt securities generally reflects the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount representing accrued interest since the last interest payment.

Zero coupon, deferred interest, capital appreciation and PIK securities involve the additional risk that, unlike securities that periodically pay interest to maturity, the Fund will realize no cash until a specified future payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer of such securities defaults, the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment. In addition, even though such securities do not provide for the payment of current interest in cash, the Fund is nonetheless required to accrue income on such investments for each taxable year and generally are required to distribute such accrued amounts (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject to tax. Because no cash is generally received at the time of the accrual, the Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the Fund. A portion of the discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may be taxable. See “TAXATION.”

 

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Variable Rate Demand Obligations

The Money Market Fund may purchase variable rate demand obligations. These obligations permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangements between the Money Market Fund, as lender, and the borrower. Variable rate demand obligations are not generally transferable, and are not ordinarily rated. The Money Market Fund may invest in them only if the Investment Adviser believes that the notes are of comparable quality to the other obligations in which the Money Market Fund may invest.

Variable and Floating Rate Securities

The interest rates payable on certain debt securities in which a Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. Variable and floating rate obligations are debt instruments issued by companies or other entities with interest rates that reset periodically (typically, daily, monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually) in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate is based. Moreover, such obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons. The value of these obligations is generally more stable than that of a fixed rate obligation in response to changes in interest rate levels, but they may decline in value if their interest rates do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Conversely, floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline.

Money Market Fund’s Instruments. The Money Market Fund may purchase variable and floating rate demand instruments that are municipal obligations or other debt securities issued by corporations and other non-governmental issuers that possess a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula. These instruments permit the Fund to demand payment of the principal balance plus unpaid accrued interest upon a specified number of days notice to the issuer or its agent. The demand feature may be backed by a bank letter of credit or guarantee, or the credit enhancement issued with respect to such instrument.

The terms of the variable or floating rate demand instruments that the Fund may purchase provide that interest rates are adjustable at intervals ranging from daily up to 397 calendar days, and the adjustments are based upon current market levels, the prime rate of a bank or other appropriate interest rate adjustment index as provided in the respective instruments. Some of these instruments are payable on demand on a daily basis or on not more than seven days notice. Others, such as instruments with quarterly or semi-annual interest rate adjustments, may be put back to the issuer on designated days, usually on not more than thirty days notice. Still others are automatically called by the issuer unless the Fund instructs otherwise. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, intends to exercise the demand only (i) upon a default under the terms of the debt security; (ii) as needed to provide liquidity to the Fund; (iii) to maintain the respective quality standards of the Fund’s investment portfolio; or (iv) to attain a more optimal portfolio structure. The Fund will determine the variable or floating rate demand instruments that it will purchase in accordance with procedures approved by the Trustees to minimize credit risks. To be eligible for purchase by the Fund, a variable or floating rate demand instrument which is unrated must have high quality characteristics similar to other obligations in which the Fund may invest. The Investment Adviser may determine that an unrated variable or floating rate demand instrument meets the Fund’s quality criteria by reason of being backed by a letter of credit, guarantee, or demand feature issued by an entity that meets the quality criteria for the Fund. Thus, either the credit of the issuer of the obligation or the provider of the credit support or both will meet the quality standards of the Fund.

As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund may consider the maturity of a long-term variable or floating rate demand instrument to be shorter than its ultimate stated maturity under specified conditions. The acquisition of variable or floating rate demand notes for the Fund must also meet the requirements of rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) applicable to the use of the amortized cost method of securities valuation. The Fund will also consider the liquidity of the market for variable and floating rate instruments, and in the event that such instruments are illiquid, the Fund’s investments in such instruments will be subject to the limitation on illiquid investments.

 

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The Fund may invest in variable or floating rate participation interests in municipal obligations held by financial institutions (usually commercial banks). Such participation interests provide the Fund with a specific undivided interest (up to 100%) in the underlying obligation and the right to demand payment of its proportional interest in the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest from the financial institution upon a specific number of days notice. In addition, the participation interest may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee from the institution. The financial institution usually is entitled to a fee for servicing the obligation and providing the letter of credit.

Custodial Receipts and Trust Certificates

The Money Market Fund may acquire U.S. Government Securities, municipal obligations or other debt instruments in the form of custodial receipts that evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain U.S. Government Securities, municipal obligations or other debt instruments. Such securities are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the owners. These custodial receipts are known by various names, including “Treasury Receipts,” “Treasury Investors Growth Receipts” (“TIGRs”), and “Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities” (“CATS”). Although custodial receipts involving U.S. Government Securities are not considered U.S. Government Securities for certain securities law purposes, the securities underlying such receipts are issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities.

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in custodial receipts and trust certificates (which may be underwritten by securities dealers or banks), representing interests in securities held by a custodian or trustee. The securities so held may include U.S. Government Securities, municipal securities or other types of securities in which the Fund may invest. The custodial receipts or trust certificates are underwritten by securities dealers or banks and may evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on the underlying securities, or, in some cases, the payment obligation of a third party that has entered into an interest rate swap or other arrangement with the custodian or trustee. For certain securities laws purposes, custodial receipts and trust certificates may not be considered obligations of the U.S. Government or other issuer of the securities held by the custodian or trustee. As a holder of custodial receipts and trust certificates, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses charged to the custodial account or trust. The Fund may also invest in separately issued interests in custodial receipts and trust certificates.

Although under the terms of a custodial receipt or trust certificate the Fund would typically be authorized to assert its rights directly against the issuer of the underlying obligation, the Fund could be required to assert through the custodian bank or trustee those rights as may exist against the underlying issuers. Thus, in the event an underlying issuer fails to pay principal and/or interest when due, the Fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a direct obligation of the issuer. In addition, in the event that the trust or custodial account in which the underlying securities have been deposited is determined to be an association taxable as a corporation, instead of a non-taxable entity, the yield on the underlying securities would be reduced in recognition of any taxes paid.

Certain custodial receipts and trust certificates may be synthetic or derivative instruments that have interest rates that reset inversely to changing short-term rates and/or have embedded interest rate floors and caps that require the issuer to pay an adjusted interest rate if market rates fall below or rise above a specified rate. Because some of these instruments represent relatively recent innovations, and the trading market for these instruments is less developed than the markets for traditional types of instruments, it is uncertain how these instruments will perform under different economic and interest-rate scenarios. Also, because these instruments may be leveraged, their market values may be more volatile than other types of fixed income instruments and may present greater potential for capital gain or loss. The possibility of default by an issuer or the issuer’s credit provider may be greater for these derivative instruments than for other types of instruments. In some cases, it may be difficult to determine the fair value of a derivative instrument because of a lack of reliable objective information and an established secondary market for some instruments may not exist. In many cases, the IRS has not ruled on the tax treatment of the interest or payments received on the derivative instruments and, accordingly, purchases of such instruments are based on the opinion of counsel to the sponsors of the instruments.

 

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Asset-Backed and Receivables-Backed Securities

The Money Market Fund may invest in asset-backed and receivables-backed securities. Asset-backed and receivables-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets such as mortgages, motor vehicle installment sale contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of various types of real and personal property, receivables from revolving credit (credit card) agreements, corporate receivables and other categories of receivables. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of privately-formed trusts or special purpose vehicles. Payments or distributions of principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit or a pool insurance policy issued by a financial institution or other credit enhancements may be present. The value of the Fund’s investments in asset-backed and receivables-backed securities may be adversely affected by prepayment of the underlying obligations. In addition, the risk of prepayment may cause the value of these investments to be more volatile than the Fund’s other investments.

Through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations, various types of assets, including automobile loans, computer leases, trade receivables and credit card receivables, are being securitized in pass-through structures similar to the mortgage pass-through structures. Consistent with their respective investment objectives and policies, the Fund may invest in these and other types of asset-backed securities that may be developed. This SAI may be amended or supplemented as necessary to reflect the intention of the Money Market Fund to invest in asset-backed securities with characteristics that are materially different from the securities described above. However, the Fund will generally not invest in an asset-backed security if the income received with respect to its investment constitutes rental income or other income not treated as qualifying income under the 90% test described in “Taxation” below.

As set forth below, several types of asset-backed and receivables-backed securities are offered to investors, including for example, Certificates for Automobile ReceivablesSM (“CARS”) and interests in pools of credit card receivables. CARS represent undivided fractional interests in a trust (“CAR Trust”) whose assets consist of a pool of motor vehicle retail installment sales contracts and security interests in the vehicles securing the contracts. Payments of principal and interest on CARS are passed through monthly to certificate holders, and are guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution unaffiliated with the trustee or originator of the CAR Trust. An investor’s return on CARS may be affected by early prepayment of principal on the underlying vehicle sales contracts. If the letter of credit is exhausted, the CAR Trust may be prevented from realizing the full amount due on a sales contract because of state law requirements and restrictions relating to foreclosure sales of vehicles and the obtaining of deficiency judgments following such sales or because of depreciation, damage or loss of a vehicle, the application of federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, or other factors. As a result, certificate holders may experience delays in payments or losses if the letter of credit is exhausted.

Asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not presented by mortgage-backed securities. Primarily, these securities may not have the benefit of any security interest in the related assets. Credit card receivables are generally unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. There is the possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities.

Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. To lessen the effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, the securities may contain elements of credit support which fall into two categories: (i) liquidity protection, and (ii) protection against losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor or servicer. Liquidity protection refers to the provision of advances, generally by the entity administering the pool of assets, the provision of a reserve fund, or a combination thereof to ensure, subject to certain limitations, that scheduled payments on the underlying pool are made in a timely fashion. Protection against losses resulting from default ensures ultimate payment of the obligations on at least a portion of the assets in the pool. This protection may be provided through guarantees, policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from third parties, through various means of structuring the transactions or through a combination of such

 

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approaches. The degree of credit support provided for each issue is generally based on historical information reflecting the level of credit risk associated with the underlying assets. Delinquency or loss in excess of that anticipated or failure of the credit support could adversely affect the value of or return on an investment in such a security.

The availability of asset-backed securities may be affected by legislative or regulatory developments. It is possible that such developments could require the Money Market Fund to dispose of any then-existing holdings of such securities.

To the extent consistent with its investment objectives and policies, the Money Market Fund may invest in new types of mortgage-related securities and in other asset-backed securities that may be developed in the future.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts and may also purchase and write call and put options on futures contracts. The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts based on various securities, securities indices, foreign currencies and other financial instruments and indices. Financial futures contracts used by the Fund include interest rate futures contracts including, among others, Eurodollar futures contracts. Eurodollar futures contracts are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts that are based on the implied forward LIBOR of a three-month deposit. The Fund may engage in futures and related options transactions in order to seek to increase total return or to hedge against changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates, or to otherwise manage its term structure, sector selection and duration in accordance with its investment objective and policies. The Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to such contracts and options.

Futures contracts utilized by mutual funds have historically been traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) or with respect to certain funds, on foreign exchanges. More recently, certain futures may also be traded either over-the-counter or on trading facilities such as derivatives transaction execution facilities, exempt boards of trade or electronic trading facilities that are licensed and/or regulated to varying degrees by the CFTC. Also, certain single stock futures and narrow based security index futures may be traded either over-the-counter or on trading facilities such as contract markets, derivatives transaction execution facilities and electronic trading facilities that are licensed and/or regulated to varying degrees by both the CFTC and the SEC, or on foreign exchanges.

Neither the CFTC, NFA, SEC nor any domestic exchange regulates activities of any foreign exchange or boards of trade, including the execution, delivery and clearing of transactions, or has the power to compel enforcement of the rules of a foreign exchange or board of trade or any applicable foreign law. This is true even if the exchange is formally linked to a domestic market so that a position taken on the market may be liquidated by a transaction on another market. Moreover, such laws or regulations will vary depending on the foreign country in which the foreign futures or foreign options transaction occurs. For these reasons, the Fund’s investments in foreign futures or foreign options transactions may not be provided the same protections in respect of transactions on United States exchanges. In particular, persons who trade foreign futures or foreign options contracts may not be afforded certain of the protective measures provided by the CEA, the CFTC’s regulations and the rules of the NFA and any domestic exchange, including the right to use reparations proceedings before the CFTC and arbitration proceedings provided by the NFA or any domestic futures exchange. Similarly, those persons may not have the protection of the United States securities laws.

Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract).

When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the Fund can seek through the sale of futures contracts to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities. When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, the Fund, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be

 

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available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases. Similarly, the Fund can purchase and sell futures contracts on a specified currency in order to seek to increase total return or to protect against changes in currency exchange rates. For example, the Fund can purchase futures contracts on foreign currency to establish the price in U.S. dollars of a security quoted or denominated in such currency that the Fund has acquired or expects to acquire, or to seek to affect anticipated changes in the value of a currency in which the Fund’s portfolio securities, or securities that it intends to purchase, are quoted or denominated. In addition, the Fund may enter into futures transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of the Fund’s performance benchmark.

Positions taken in the futures market are not normally held to maturity, but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a profit or a loss. While the Fund will usually liquidate futures contracts on securities or currency in this manner, the Fund may instead make or take delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous for the Fund to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.

Hedging Strategies Using Futures Contracts. When the Fund uses futures for hedging purposes, the Fund often seeks to establish with more certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price or rate of return on portfolio securities (or securities that the Fund proposes to acquire) or the exchange rate of currencies in which portfolio securities are quoted or denominated. The Fund may, for example, take a “short” position in the futures market by selling futures contracts to seek to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign currency rates that would adversely affect the dollar value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by the Fund or securities with characteristics similar to those of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Similarly, the Fund may sell futures contracts on a currency in which its portfolio securities are quoted or denominated, or sell futures contracts on one currency to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities quoted or denominated in a different currency if there is an established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies. If, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for the Fund’s portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in the Fund’s portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, the Investment Adviser will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having the Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the Fund’s portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.

On other occasions, the Fund may take a “long” position by purchasing such futures contracts. This may be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices or rates that are currently available.

Options on Futures Contracts. The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts will give the Fund the right (but not the obligation), for a specified price, to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, the Fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.

The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund’s assets. By writing a call option, the Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium, to sell a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value higher than the exercise price. The writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium, which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. However, the Fund becomes obligated (upon the exercise of the option) to purchase a futures contract

 

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if the option is exercised, which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by the Fund in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The Fund will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.

The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same financial instrument. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The Fund’s ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.

Other Considerations. The Fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts and related options transactions only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for maintaining its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in certain cases, require the Fund to identify on its books cash or liquid assets. The Fund may cover its transactions in futures contracts and related options by identifying on its books cash or liquid assets or by other means, in any manner permitted by applicable law.

While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. When futures contracts and options are used for hedging purposes, perfect correlation between the Fund’s futures positions and portfolio positions may be impossible to achieve, particularly where futures contracts based on individual equity or corporate fixed income securities are currently not available. In the event of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the Fund may be exposed to risk of loss.

In addition, it is not possible for the Fund to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities quoted or denominated in foreign currencies because the value of such securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of independent factors unrelated to currency fluctuations. The profitability of the Fund’s trading in futures depends upon the ability of the Investment Adviser to analyze correctly the futures markets.

Options on Securities, Securities Indices and Foreign Currencies

Writing Covered Options. The Global Markets Navigator Fund may write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities in which it may invest or on any securities index composed of securities in which it may invest. The Fund may write such options on securities that are listed on national domestic securities exchanges or foreign securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market. A call option written by the Fund obligates the Fund to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised on or before the expiration date. Depending upon the type of call option, the purchaser of a call option either (i) has the right to any appreciation in the value of the security over a fixed price (the “exercise price”) on a certain date in the future (the “expiration date”) or (ii) has the right to any appreciation in the value of the security over the exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. If the purchaser does not exercise the option, the Fund pays the purchaser the difference between the price of the security and the exercise price of the option. The premium, the exercise price and the market value of the security determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund as the seller of the call option. The Fund can also repurchase the call option prior to the expiration date, ending its obligation. In this case, the cost of entering into closing purchase transactions will determine the gain or loss realized by the Fund. All call options written by the Fund are covered, which means that the Fund will own the securities subject to the option as long as the option is outstanding or the Fund will use the other methods described below. The Fund’s purpose in writing covered call options is to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. However, the Fund may forego the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security.

 

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A put option written by the Fund would obligate the Fund to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if, depending upon the type of put option, either (i) the option is exercised at any time on or before the expiration date or (ii) the option is exercised on the expiration date. All put options written by the Fund would be covered, which means that the Fund will identify on its books cash or liquid assets with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the put option (less any margin on deposit) or will use the other methods described below. The purpose of writing such options is to generate additional income for the Fund. However, in return for the option premium, the Fund accepts the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying securities at a price in excess of the securities’ market value at the time of purchase.

In the case of a call option, the option is “covered” if the Fund owns the instrument underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that instrument without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, liquid assets in such amount are identified on the Fund’s books) upon conversion or exchange of other instruments held by it. A call option is also covered if the Fund holds a call on the same instrument as the option written where the exercise price of the option held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the option written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the option written provided the Fund identifies liquid assets in the amount of the difference. A put option is also covered if the Fund holds a put on the same instrument as the option written where the exercise price of the option held is (i) equal to or higher than the exercise price of the option written, or (ii) less than the exercise price of the option written provided the Fund identifies liquid assets in the amount of the difference. The Fund may also cover options on securities by identifying cash or liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, with a value when added to any margin on deposit that is equal to the market value of the securities in the case of a call option.

The Fund may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any securities index comprised of securities in which it may invest. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

The Fund may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index, or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional consideration which has been identified by the Fund on its books) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. The Fund may also cover call and put options on a securities index by identifying cash or liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, with a value, when added to any margin on deposit, that is equal to the market value of the underlying securities in the case of a call option or the exercise price in the case of a put option or by owning offsetting options as described above.

The Fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option. Such purchases are referred to as “closing purchase transactions.”

Purchasing Options. The Global Markets Navigator Fund may purchase put and call options on any securities in which it may invest or any securities index comprised of securities in which it may invest. The Fund may also enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options it had purchased.

The Fund may purchase call options in anticipation of an increase, or put options in anticipation of a decrease (“protective puts”) in the market value of securities or other instruments of the type in which it may invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities or other instruments at a specified price during the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of a call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities or other instruments exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise such the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option.

 

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The purchase of a put option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified securities or other instruments at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of the Fund’s securities or other instruments. Put options may also be purchased by the Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities or other instruments which it does not own. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying securities or other instruments decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the underlying portfolio securities.

The Fund would purchase put and call options on securities indices for the same purposes as it would purchase options on individual securities. For a description of options on securities indices, see “Writing Covered Options” above.

Risks Associated with Options Transactions. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular exchange–traded option or at any particular time. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options it has written, the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of the assets identified on its books to cover the position until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it will have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities.

Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

There can be no assurance that higher trading activity, order flow or other unforeseen events will not, at times, render certain of the facilities of the Options Clearing Corporation or various exchanges inadequate. Such events have, in the past, resulted in the institution by an exchange of special procedures, such as trading rotations, restrictions on certain types of order or trading halts or suspensions with respect to one or more options. These special procedures may limit liquidity.

The Fund may purchase and sell both options that are traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges and options traded over-the-counter with broker-dealers who make markets in these options. The ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations.

Transactions by the Fund in options will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such options are traded governing the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facility or are held in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of the Investment Adviser. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.

 

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The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of options to seek to increase total return involves the risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of fluctuations in securities prices or interest rates. The successful use of options for hedging purposes also depends in part on the ability of the Investment Adviser to manage future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities (or currency) markets. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of changes in securities prices or determination of the correlation between the securities or securities indices on which options are written and purchased and the securities in the Fund’s investment portfolio, the Fund may incur losses that it would not otherwise incur. The writing of options could increase the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate and, therefore, associated brokerage commissions or spreads.

Preferred Stock

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing the holder with claims on the issuer’s earnings and assets before common stock owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the obligations of an issuer of preferred stock, including dividend and other payment obligations, may not typically be accelerated by the holders of such preferred stock on the occurrence of an event of default (such as a covenant default or filing of a bankruptcy petition) or other non-compliance by the issuer with the terms of the preferred stock. Often, however, on the occurrence of any such event of default or non-compliance by the issuer, preferred stockholders will be entitled to gain representation on the issuer’s board of directors or increase their existing board representation. In addition, preferred stockholders may be granted voting rights with respect to certain issues on the occurrence of any event of default.

Foreign Investments

Global Markets Navigator Fund. The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers, including securities quoted or denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars.

Investments in foreign securities may offer potential benefits not available from investments solely in U.S. dollar-denominated or quoted securities of domestic issuers. Such benefits may include the opportunity to invest in foreign issuers that appear, in the opinion of the applicable Investment Adviser, to offer the potential for better long-term growth of capital and income than investments in U.S. securities, the opportunity to invest in foreign countries with economic policies or business cycles different from those of the United States and the opportunity to reduce fluctuations in portfolio value by taking advantage of foreign securities markets that do not necessarily move in a manner parallel to U.S. markets. Investing in the securities of foreign issuers also involves, however, certain special risks, including those discussed in the Fund’s Prospectuses and those set forth below, which are not typically associated with investing in U.S. dollar-denominated securities or quoted securities of U.S. issuers. Many of these risks are more pronounced for investments in emerging countries.

With respect to investments in certain foreign countries, there exist certain economic, political and social risks, including the risk of adverse political developments, nationalization, military unrest, social instability, war and terrorism, confiscation without fair compensation, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the movement of funds and other assets between different countries, or diplomatic developments, any of which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments in those countries. Governments in certain foreign countries continue to participate to a significant degree, through ownership interest or regulation, in their respective economies. Action by these governments could have a significant effect on market prices of securities and dividend payments.

Many countries throughout the world are dependent on a healthy U.S. economy and are adversely affected when the U.S. economy weakens or its markets decline. Additionally, many foreign country economies are heavily dependent on international trade and are adversely affected by protective trade barriers and economic conditions of their trading partners. Protectionist trade legislation enacted by those trading partners could have a significant adverse affect on the securities markets of those countries. Individual 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.

 

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Investments in foreign securities often involve currencies of foreign countries. Accordingly, the Fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency rates and in exchange control regulations and may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The Fund may be subject to currency exposure independent of their securities positions. To the extent that the Fund is fully invested in foreign securities while also maintaining net currency positions, it may be exposed to greater combined risk. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. They generally are determined by the forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments in different countries, actual or anticipated changes in interest rates and other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective. Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by intervention (or failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks or the failure to intervene or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. To the extent that a portion of the Fund’s total assets, adjusted to reflect the Fund’s net position after giving effect to currency transactions, is denominated or quoted in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments within those countries. The Fund’s net currency positions may expose it to risks independent of its securities positions.

Because foreign issuers generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a U.S. company. Volume and liquidity in most foreign securities markets are less than in the United States markets and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. The securities of foreign issuers may be listed on foreign securities exchanges or traded in foreign over-the-counter markets. Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed and unlisted companies than in the United States, and the legal remedies for investors may be more limited than the remedies available in the United States. For example, there may be no comparable provisions under certain foreign laws to insider trading and similar investor protections that apply with respect to securities transactions consummated in the United States. Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlement of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities.

Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when some of the Fund’s assets are uninvested and no return is earned on such assets. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio securities, or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, in possible liability to the purchaser.

The Fund may invest in foreign securities which take the form of sponsored and unsponsored ADRs, Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”) and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”) or other similar instruments representing securities of foreign issuers (together, “Depositary Receipts”). ADRs represent the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a domestic bank or a correspondent bank. ADRs are traded on domestic exchanges or in the U.S. over-the-counter market and, generally, are in registered form. EDRs and GDRs are receipts evidencing an arrangement with a non-U.S. bank similar to that for ADRs and are designed for use in the non-U.S. securities markets. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily quoted in the same currency as the underlying security. To the extent the Fund acquires Depositary Receipts through banks which do not have a contractual relationship with the foreign issuer of the security underlying the Depositary Receipts to issue and service such unsponsored Depositary Receipts, there is an increased possibility that the Fund will not become aware of and be able to respond to corporate actions such as stock splits or rights

 

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offerings involving the foreign issuer in a timely manner. In addition, the lack of information may result in inefficiencies in the valuation of such instruments. Investment in Depositary Receipts does not eliminate all the risks inherent in investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers. The market value of Depositary Receipts is dependent upon the market value of the underlying securities and fluctuations in the relative value of the currencies in which the Depositary Receipts and the underlying securities are quoted. However, by investing in Depositary Receipts, such as ADRs, which are quoted in U.S. dollars, the Fund may avoid currency risks during the settlement period for purchases and sales.

As described more fully below, the Fund may invest in countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Political and economic structures in many of such countries may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. Certain of such countries have in the past failed to recognize private property rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the assets of private companies. As a result, the risks described above, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets, may be heightened. See “Investing in Emerging Countries” below.

Investing in Europe. The Fund may operate in euros and/ or may hold euros and/or euro-denominated bonds and other obligations. The euro requires participation of multiple sovereign states forming the Euro zone and is therefore sensitive to the credit, general economic and political position of each such state, including each state’s actual and intended ongoing engagement with and/or support for the other sovereign states then forming the European Union, in particular those within the Euro zone. Changes in these factors might materially adversely impact the value of securities the Fund has invested in.

European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”) imposes for membership. Europe’s economies are diverse, its governments are decentralized, and its cultures vary widely. Several EU countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal, have faced budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among EMU member countries. Member countries are required to maintain tight control over inflation, public debt, and budget deficit to qualify for membership in the EMU. These requirements can severely limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions.

Investing in Emerging Countries. The securities markets of emerging countries are less liquid and subject to greater price volatility and have a smaller market capitalization, than the U.S. securities markets. In certain countries, there may be fewer publicly traded securities and the market may be dominated by a few issues or sectors. Issuers and securities markets in such countries are not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements or as comprehensive government regulations as are issuers and securities markets in the U.S. In particular, the assets and profits appearing on the financial statements of emerging country issuers may not reflect their financial position or results of operations in the same manner as financial statements for U.S. issuers. Substantially less information may be publicly available about emerging country issuers than is available about issuers in the United States.

Emerging country securities markets are typically marked by a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of ownership of such securities by a limited number of investors. The markets for securities in certain emerging countries are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in emerging countries may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the securities markets of developed countries. The limited size of many of these securities markets can cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the soundness and competitiveness of the securities issuers. For example, prices may be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions in these markets. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity of such markets. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities may also affect the Fund’s ability to accurately value its portfolio securities or to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so or in order to meet redemption requests.

 

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With respect to investments in certain emerging market countries, antiquated legal systems may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder’s investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain emerging market countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in emerging market companies may be more limited than those of shareholders of U.S. corporations.

Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups, in emerging countries may be higher than in the United States and other developed securities markets. In addition, existing laws and regulations are often inconsistently applied. As legal systems in emerging countries develop, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In circumstances where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable enforcement of the law.

Custodial and/or settlement systems in emerging markets countries may not be fully developed. To the extent the Fund invests in emerging markets, Fund assets that are traded in such markets and which have been entrusted to such sub-custodians in those markets may be exposed to risks for which the sub-custodian will have no liability.

Foreign investment in the securities markets of certain emerging countries is restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the Fund’s investment in certain emerging countries and may increase the expenses of the Fund. Certain emerging countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit investment by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer’s outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the company available for purchase by nationals. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from emerging countries may be subject to restrictions which require governmental consents or prohibit repatriation entirely for a period of time. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the operation of the Fund. The Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before investing in certain emerging countries.

Emerging countries may be subject to a substantially greater degree of economic, political and social instability and disruption than is the case in the United States, Japan and most Western European countries. This instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making, including changes or attempted changes in governments through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic or social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection or conflict; and (vi) the absence of developed legal structures governing foreign private investments and private property. Such economic, political and social instability could disrupt the principal financial markets in which the Fund may invest and adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s investments can also be adversely affected by any increase in taxes or by political, economic or diplomatic developments.

The economies of emerging countries may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments. Many emerging countries have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of inflation. In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries. Other emerging countries, on the other hand, have recently experienced deflationary pressures and are in economic recessions. The economies of many emerging countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners. In addition, the economies of some emerging countries are vulnerable to weakness in world prices for their commodity exports.

 

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The Fund’s income and, in some cases, capital gains from foreign stocks and securities will be subject to applicable taxation in certain of the countries in which it invests, and treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available in some cases to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates. See “TAXATION.”

From time to time, certain of the companies in which the Fund may invest may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions or embargos imposed by the U.S. Government and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. A company may suffer damage to its reputation if it is identified as a company which operates in, or has dealings with, countries subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. Government as state sponsors of terrorism. As an investor in such companies, the Fund would be indirectly subject to those risks.

Money Market Fund. The Money Market Fund may invest in certificates of deposit, commercial paper, unsecured bank promissory notes, bankers’ acceptances, fixed time deposits and other debt obligations issued or guaranteed by major foreign banks which have more than $1 billion in total assets at the time of purchase, U.S. branches of such foreign banks (Yankee obligations), foreign branches of such foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks. Under current SEC rules relating to the use of the amortized cost method of portfolio securities valuation, the Fund is restricted to purchasing U.S. dollar-denominated securities, but is not otherwise precluded from purchasing eligible securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations (limited to commercial paper and other notes) issued or guaranteed by a foreign government, its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. The Fund may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations issued or guaranteed by any entity located or organized in a foreign country that maintains a short-term foreign currency rating in the highest short-term ratings category by the requisite number of NRSROs. The Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of any one foreign government. While the Fund may invest only in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations, the prices of certain of the Fund’s holdings may nevertheless be sensitive to changes in value of the euro and the underlying events that affect its value.

Brady Bonds. Certain foreign debt obligations, customarily referred to as “Brady Bonds,” are created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new obligations in connection with debt restructuring under a plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the “Brady Plan”). Brady Bonds may be fully or partially collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various currencies (although most are U.S. dollar denominated). In the event of a default on collateralized Brady Bonds for which obligations are accelerated, the collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors, nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments which would have then been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In light of the residual risk of the Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of default with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds may be speculative.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging purposes, to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates and to seek to increase total return. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which 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 between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are generally charged at any stage for trades.

At the maturity of a forward contract the Fund may either accept or make delivery of the currency specified in the contract or, at or prior to maturity, enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing transactions with respect to forward contracts are often, but not always, effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward contract.

 

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The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in several circumstances. First, when the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated or quoted in a foreign currency, or when the Fund anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments on such a security which it holds, the Fund may desire to “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying transactions, the Fund will attempt to protect itself against an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are made or received.

Additionally, when the Investment Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund’s portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Using forward contracts to protect the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange, which the Fund can achieve at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the Fund’s foreign assets.

The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities quoted or denominated in a different currency. In addition, the Fund may enter into foreign currency transactions to seek a closer correlation between the Fund’s overall currency exposures and the currency exposures of the Fund’s performance benchmark.

The Fund may, from time to time and consistent with their investment policies, engage in non-deliverable forward transactions to manage currency risk or to gain exposure to a currency without purchasing securities denominated in that currency. A non-deliverable forward is a transaction that represents an agreement between the Fund and a counterparty (usually a commercial bank) to buy or sell a specified (notional) amount of a particular currency at an agreed upon foreign exchange rate on an agreed upon future date. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreement related to the transaction, but the Fund may be delayed or prevented from obtaining payments owed to it pursuant to non-deliverable forward transactions.

As an investment company registered with the SEC, the Fund must identify on its books liquid assets, or engage in other appropriate measures, to “cover” open positions with respect to its transactions in forward contracts. In the case of forward contracts that do not cash settle, for example, the Fund must identify on its books liquid assets equal to the full notional amount of the forward contracts while the positions are open. With respect to forward contracts that do cash settle, however, the Fund is permitted to identify liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund’s daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Fund’s daily net liability) under the forward contracts, if any, rather than their full notional amount. The Fund reserves the right to modify its asset segregation policies in the future in its discretion. By identifying assets equal to only its net obligations under cash-settled forward contracts, the Fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the Fund were required to identify assets equal to the full notional amount of the forward contracts.

While the Fund may enter into forward contracts to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the Fund’s portfolio holdings of securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the Fund to sustain losses which will prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge or expose the Fund to risk of foreign exchange loss.

 

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Markets for trading foreign forward currency contracts offer less protection against defaults than is available when trading in currency instruments on an exchange. Forward contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to such contract will default on its obligations. Because a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price. In addition, the institutions that deal in forward currency contracts are not required to continue to make markets in the currencies they trade and these markets can experience periods of illiquidity. The Fund will not enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps or other privately negotiated currency instruments unless the credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the counterparty is considered to be investment grade by the Investment Adviser. To the extent that a portion of the Fund’s total assets, adjusted to reflect the Fund’s net position after giving effect to currency transactions, is denominated or quoted in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments within those countries.

Writing and Purchasing Currency Call and Put Options. The Fund may write and purchase put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting against declines in the U.S. dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities to be acquired. As with other kinds of option transactions, however, the writing of an option on foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium received. If an option that the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The purchase of an option on foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge against exchange rate fluctuations; however, in the event of exchange rate movements adverse to the Fund’s position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction costs. Options on foreign currencies may be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.

Options on currency may also be used for cross–hedging purposes, which involves writing or purchasing options on one currency to seek to hedge against changes in exchange rates for a different currency with a pattern of correlation, or to seek to increase total return when the Investment Adviser anticipates that the currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but the securities quoted or denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not included in the Fund’s portfolio.

A currency call option written by the Fund obligates the Fund to sell a specified currency to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. A currency put option written by the Fund obligates the Fund to purchase a specified currency from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised before the expiration date. The writing of currency options involves a risk that the Fund will, upon exercise of the option, be required to sell currency subject to a call at a price that is less than the currency’s market value or be required to purchase currency subject to a put at a price that exceeds the currency’s market value. Written put and call options on foreign currencies may be covered in a manner similar to written put and call options on securities and securities indices described under “Options on Securities and Securities Indices—Writing Covered Options” above.

The Fund may terminate its obligations under a call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Such purchases are referred to as “closing purchase transactions.” The Fund may enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options purchased by the Fund.

The Fund may purchase call options on foreign currency in anticipation of an increase in the U.S. dollar value of currency in which securities to be acquired by the Fund are quoted or denominated. The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified currency at a specified price during the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of such currency exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option.

 

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The Fund may purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in the U.S. dollar value of currency in which securities in its portfolio are quoted or denominated (“protective puts”). The purchase of a put option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified currency at a specified price during the option period. The purchase of protective puts is usually designed to offset or hedge against a decline in the dollar value of the Fund’s portfolio securities due to currency exchange rate fluctuations. A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying currency decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of protective put options would tend to be offset by countervailing changes in the value of underlying currency.

As noted, in addition to using options for the hedging purposes described above, the Fund may use options on currency to seek to increase total return. The Fund may write (sell) covered put and call options on any currency in an attempt to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. However, in writing covered call options for additional income, the Fund may forego the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying currency. Also, when writing put options, the Fund accepts, in return for the option premium, the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying currency at a price in excess of the currency’s market value at the time of purchase.

Special Risks Associated with Options on Currency. An exchange-traded options position may be closed out only on an options exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time. For some options no secondary market on an exchange may exist. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, with the result that the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the sale of underlying securities pursuant to the exercise of put options. If the Fund as a covered call option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying currency (or security quoted or denominated in that currency), or dispose of the identified assets, until the option expires or it delivers the underlying currency upon exercise.

There is no assurance that higher than anticipated trading activity or other unforeseen events might not, at times, render certain of the facilities of the Options Clearing Corporation inadequate, and thereby result in the institution by an exchange of special procedures which may interfere with the timely execution of customers’ orders.

The Fund may purchase and write over-the-counter options to the extent consistent with its limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Trading in over-the-counter options is subject to the risk that the other party will be unable or unwilling to close out options purchased or written by the Fund.

The amount of the premiums that the Fund may pay or receive may be adversely affected as new or existing institutions, including other investment companies, engage in or increase their option purchasing and writing activities.

Sovereign Debt Obligations. The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in sovereign debt obligations. The Money Market Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated obligations of foreign governments. Sovereign debt obligations include securities, instruments and obligations issued or guaranteed by a foreign government, its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Investments in sovereign debt obligations involve special risks not present in corporate debt obligations. The issuer of the sovereign debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and a Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt, and the Global Market Navigator Fund’s NAV, may be more volatile than prices of debt obligations of U.S. issuers. In the past, the governments of certain emerging countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debts.

 

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A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor’s policy toward principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multinational agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of the third parties’ commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor’s ability or willingness to timely service its debts.

Currency Swaps

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may enter into currency swaps for both hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return. Currency swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective rights to make or receive payments in specified currencies.

A great deal of flexibility may be possible in the way swap transactions are structured. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of a gross payment stream in one designated currency in exchange for the gross payment stream in another designated currency. Therefore, the entire payment stream under a currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations. To the extent that the Fund’s potential exposure in a transaction involving a swap is covered by identifying on its books cash or liquid assets or is covered by other means in accordance with SEC guidance, the Fund and the Investment Adviser believe that swaps do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments which are traded in the interbank market. The Investment Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of the Fund’s transactions in swaps.

The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If an Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this investment technique were not used.

Equity Swaps

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may enter into equity swap contracts to invest in a market without owning or taking physical custody of securities in various circumstances, including circumstances where direct investment in the securities is restricted for legal reasons or is otherwise impracticable. Equity swaps may also be used for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. Equity swap contracts may be structured in different ways. For example, a counterparty may agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the equity swap contract would have increased in value had it been invested in particular stocks (or group of stocks), plus the dividends that would have been received on those stocks. In these cases, the Fund may agree to pay to the counterparty a floating rate of interest on the notional amount of the equity swap contract plus the amount, if any, by which that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on the equity swap contract should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional amount. In other cases, the counterparty and the Fund may each agree to pay the other the difference between the relative investment performances that would have been achieved if the notional amount of the equity swap contract had been invested in different stocks (or group of stocks).

 

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The Fund will generally enter into equity swaps on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Payments may be made at the conclusion of an equity swap contract or periodically during its term. Equity swaps normally do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to equity swaps is normally limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an equity swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any. Inasmuch as these transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by cash or liquid assets identified on the Fund’s books to cover the Fund’s exposure, the Fund and the Investment Adviser believe that transactions do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

The Fund’s ability to enter into certain swap transactions may be limited by tax considerations.

Interest Rate Swaps, Credit Swaps, Total Return Swaps, Options on Swaps and Interest Rate Caps, Floors and Collars

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may enter into interest rate, credit and total return swaps for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return; may enter into interest rate caps, floors and collars; and may purchase and write (sell) options contracts on swaps, commonly referred to as swaptions; and may enter into index swaps for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total returns. The Fund may enter into swap transactions for hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. As examples, the Fund may enter into swap transactions 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, as a duration management technique, to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date, or to gain exposure to certain markets in an economical way.

In a standard “swap” transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns, differentials in rates of return or some other amount earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or “swapped” between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a “notional amount,” i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency or security, or in a “basket” of securities representing a particular index. Bilateral swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors. Cleared swaps are transacted through futures commission merchants (“FCMs”) that are members of central clearinghouses with the clearinghouse service as a central counterparty similar to transactions in futures contracts. The Fund posts initial and variation margin by making payments to its clearing member FCMs.

Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments. Credit swaps involve the exchange of a floating or fixed rate payment in return for assuming potential credit losses of an underlying security, or pool of securities. Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay or receive interest in exchange for payment by the other party of the total return generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index, or an index component.

A swaption is an option to enter into a swap agreement. Like other types of options, the buyer of a swaption pays a non-refundable premium for the option and obtains the right, but not the obligation, to enter into an underlying swap or to modify the terms of an existing swap on agreed-upon terms. The seller of a swaption, in exchange for the premium, becomes obligated (if the option is exercised) to enter into or modify an underlying swap on agreed-upon terms, which generally entails a greater risk of loss than incurred in buying a swaption. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the

 

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purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor. An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates.

A great deal of flexibility may be possible in the way swap transactions are structured. However, generally the Fund will enter into interest rate, total return, credit and index swaps on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. Interest rate, total return, credit and index swaps do not normally involve the delivery of securities, other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate, total return, credit and index swaps is normally limited to the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an interest rate, total return, credit or index swap defaults, the Fund’s risk of loss consists of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive.

As a result of new rules adopted in 2012, certain standardized swaps are currently subject to mandatory central clearing. Central clearing is expected to decrease counterparty risk and increase liquidity compared to bilateral swaps because central clearing interposes the central clearinghouse as the counterparty to each participant’s swap. However, central clearing does not eliminate counterparty risk or illiquidity risk entirely. In addition, depending on the size of the Fund and other factors, the margin required under the rules of a clearinghouse and by a clearing member may be in excess of the collateral required to be posted by the Fund to support its obligation under a similar bilateral swap. However, regulators are expected to adopt rules imposing certain margin requirements, including minimums, on uncleared swaps in the near future, which could change this comparison.

A credit swap may have as reference obligations one or more securities that may, or may not, be currently held by the Fund. The protection “buyer” in a credit swap is generally obligated to pay the protection “seller” an upfront or a periodic stream of payments over the term of the swap provided that no credit event, such as a default, on a reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event occurs, the seller generally must pay the buyer the “par value” (full notional value) of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity described in the swap, or the seller may be required to deliver the related net cash amount, if the swap is cash settled. The Fund may be either the protection buyer or seller in the transaction. If the Fund is a buyer and no credit event occurs, the Fund may recover nothing if the swap is held through its termination date. However, if a credit event occurs, the buyer generally may elect to receive the full notional value of the swap in exchange for an equal face amount of deliverable obligations of the reference entity whose value may have significantly decreased. As a seller, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. If a credit event occurs, the value of any deliverable obligation received by the Fund as seller, coupled with the upfront or periodic payments previously received, may be less than the full notional value it pays to the buyer, resulting in a loss of value to the Fund. To the extent that the Fund’s exposure in a transaction involving a swap or an interest rate floor, cap or collar is covered by cash or liquid assets identified on the Fund’s books or is covered by other means in accordance with SEC guidance, the Fund and the Investment Adviser believe that the transactions do not constitute senior securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund’s borrowing restrictions.

If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

 

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The use of interest rate, credit and total return swaps, as well as interest rate caps, floors and collars, is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The use of a swap requires an understanding not only of the reference asset, reference rate, or index, but also of the swap itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the swap under all possible market conditions. If the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, credit quality, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this investment instruments were not used.

In addition, these transactions can involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly since in addition to general market risks, swaps are subject to illiquidity risk, counterparty risk, credit risk, and pricing risk. Regulators also may impose limits on an entity’s or group of entities’ positions in certain swaps. However, certain risks are reduced (but not eliminated) if the Fund invests in cleared swaps. Because bilateral swap agreements are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, these swaps may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap counterparty. Many swaps are complex and often valued subjectively. Swaps and other derivatives may also be subject to pricing or “basis” risk, which exists when the price of a particular derivative diverges from the price of corresponding cash market instruments. Under certain market conditions it may not be economically feasible to imitate a transaction or liquidate a position in time to avoid a loss or take advantage of an opportunity. If a swap transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is illiquid, it may not be possible to initiate a transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous time or price, which may result in significant losses.

Regulators are in the process of developing rules that would require trading and execution of most liquid swaps on trading facilities. Moving trading to an exchange-type system may increase market transparency and liquidity but may require the Fund to incur increased expenses to access the same types of swaps.

Rules adopted in 2012 also require centralized reporting of detailed information about many types of cleared and uncleared swaps. This information is available to regulators and, to a more limited extent and on an anonymous basis, to the public. Reporting of swap data may result in greater market transparency, which may be beneficial to funds that use swaps to implement trading strategies. However, these rules place potential additional administrative obligations on these funds, and the safeguards established to protect anonymity may not function as expected.

The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments which are traded in the interbank market. The Investment Adviser, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, is responsible for determining and monitoring the liquidity of the Fund’s transactions in swaps, caps, floors and collars.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in shares of REITs. REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in real estate or real estate related loans. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. Like regulated investment companies such as the Fund, REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with certain requirements under the Code. The Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by the Fund.

Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by such REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not diversified (except to the extent the Code requires), and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibilities of failing to qualify for the exemption from tax for distributed income under the Code and failing to maintain their exemptions from the Act. REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks.

 

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Lending of Portfolio Securities

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other institutions, including Goldman Sachs. By lending its securities, the Fund attempts to increase its net investment income.

Securities loans are required to be secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents, letters of credit or U.S. Government Securities equal to at least 100% of the value of the loaned securities. This collateral must be valued, or “marked to market,” daily. Borrowers are required to furnish additional collateral to the Fund as necessary to fully cover their obligations.

With respect to loans that are collateralized by cash, the Fund may reinvest that cash in short-term investments and pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or “rebate” from any return earned on the investment. Investing the collateral subjects it to market depreciation or appreciation, and the Fund is responsible for any loss that may result from its investment of the borrowed collateral. Cash collateral may be invested in, among other things, other registered or unregistered funds, including private investing funds or money market funds that are managed by the Investment Adviser or its affiliates and which pay the Investment Adviser or its affiliates for their services. If the Fund would receive non-cash collateral, the Fund receives a fee from the borrower equal to a negotiated percentage of the market value of the loaned securities.

For the duration of any securities loan, the Fund will continue to receive the equivalent of the interest, dividends or other distributions paid by the issuer on the loaned securities. The Fund will not have the right to vote its loaned securities during the period of the loan, but the Fund may attempt to recall a loaned security in anticipation of a material vote if it desires to do so. The Fund will have the right to terminate a loan at any time and recall the loaned securities within the normal and customary settlement time for securities transactions.

Securities lending involves certain risks. The Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral, resulting in a loss of principal, or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to cover the fee or rebate it has agreed to pay the borrower. The Fund may incur losses in connection with its securities lending activities that exceed the value of the interest income and fees received in connection with such transactions. Securities lending subjects the Fund to the risk of loss resulting from problems in the settlement and accounting process, and to additional credit, counterparty and market risk. These risks could be greater with respect to non-U.S. securities. Engaging in securities lending could have a leveraging effect, which may intensify the other risks associated with investments in the Fund. In addition, the Fund bears the risk that the price of the securities on loan will increase while they are on loan, or that the price of the collateral will decline in value during the period of the loan, and that the counterparty will not provide, or will delay in providing, additional collateral. The Fund also bears the risk that a borrower may fail to return securities in a timely manner or at all, either because the borrower fails financially or for other reasons. If a borrower of securities fails financially, the Fund may also lose its rights in the collateral. The Fund could experience delays and costs in recovering loaned securities or in gaining access to and liquidating the collateral, which could result in actual financial loss and which could interfere with portfolio management decisions or the exercise of ownership rights in the loaned securities. If the Fund is not able to recover the securities lent, the Fund may sell the collateral and purchase replacement securities in the market. However, the Fund will incur transaction costs on the purchase of replacement securities. These events could trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. In determining whether to lend securities to a particular borrower, and throughout the period of the loan, the creditworthiness of the borrower will be considered and monitored. Loans will only be made to firms deemed to be of good standing, and where the consideration that can be earned currently from securities loans of this type is deemed to justify the attendant risk. It is intended that the value of securities loaned by the Fund will not exceed one-third of the value of the Fund’s total assets (including the loan collateral).

The Fund will consider the loaned securities as assets of the Fund, but will not consider any collateral as a Fund asset except when determining total assets for the purpose of the above one-third limitation. Loan collateral (including any investment of the collateral) is not subject to the percentage limitations stated elsewhere in this SAI or in the Prospectuses regarding investing in fixed income securities and cash equivalents.

 

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The Fund’s Board of Trustees has approved the Fund’s participation in a securities lending program and has adopted policies and procedures relating thereto. Under the current securities lending program, the Fund has retained an affiliate of the Investment Adviser to serve as the securities lending agent for the Fund.

For its services, the securities lending agent may receive a fee from the Fund, including a fee based on the returns earned on the Fund’s investment of cash received as collateral for the loaned securities. In addition, the Fund may make brokerage and other payments to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in connection with the Fund’s portfolio investment transactions. The Fund’s Board of Trustees periodically reviews securities loan transactions for which a Goldman Sachs affiliate has acted as lending agent for compliance with the Fund’s securities lending procedures. Goldman Sachs also has been approved as a borrower under the Fund’s securities lending program, subject to certain conditions.

When-Issued Securities and Forward Commitments

The Money Market Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis beyond the customary settlement time. These transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date. The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions are negotiated directly with the other party, and such commitments are not traded on exchanges. The Fund will generally purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, the Fund may dispose of or negotiate a commitment after entering into it. The Fund may also sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions. For purposes of determining the Fund’s duration, the maturity of when-issued or forward commitment securities will be calculated from the commitment date. The Fund is generally required to identify, until three days prior to the settlement date, cash and liquid assets on its books in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price unless the Fund’s obligations are otherwise covered. Alternatively, the Fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it owns. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or forward commitment basis involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date or if the value of the security to be sold increases prior to the settlement date.

Pooled Investment Vehicles

Each Fund may invest in securities of pooled investment vehicles including other investment companies and ETFs. A Fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by investment companies in which it invests, in addition to the management fees (and other expenses) paid by the Fund. A Fund’s investments in other investment companies are subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the Act, including in certain circumstances a prohibition on the Fund acquiring more that 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of all investment companies. Many ETFs, however, have obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit unaffiliated funds (such as the Funds) to invest in their shares beyond these statutory limits, subject to certain conditions and pursuant to contractual arrangements between the ETFs and the investing funds. A Fund may rely on these exemptive orders in investing in ETFs. Moreover, pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from the SEC or under an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC, the Funds may invest in investment companies and money market funds for which an Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor. However, to the extent that a Fund invests in a money market fund for which an Investment Adviser or any of its affiliates acts as investment adviser, the management fees payable by the Fund to the Investment Adviser will, to the extent required by the SEC, be reduced by an amount equal to the Fund’s proportionate

 

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share of the management fees paid by such money market fund to its investment adviser. Although the Funds do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future, each Fund is authorized to invest substantially all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof that has substantially the same investment objective, policies and fundamental restrictions as the Fund. Additionally, if any Fund serves as an “underlying Fund” to another Goldman Sachs Fund, that Fund may invest a percentage of its assets in other investment companies if those instruments are consistent with applicable law and/or exemptive relief obtained from the SEC.

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may purchase shares of investment companies investing primarily in foreign securities, including “country funds.” Country funds have portfolios consisting primarily of securities of issuers located in specified foreign countries or regions.

ETFs are pooled investment vehicles issuing shares which are traded like traditional equity securities on a stock exchange. An ETF represents a portfolio of securities or other assets, which is often designed to track a particular market segment or index. An investment in an ETF, like one in any pooled investment vehicle, carries risks of its underlying securities. An ETF may fail to accurately track the returns of the market segment or index that it is designed to track, and the price of an ETF’s shares may fluctuate or lose money. In addition, because they, unlike other pooled investment vehicles, are traded on an exchange, ETFs are subject to the following risks: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a premium or discount to the ETF’s NAV; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF may not develop or be maintained; and (iii) there is no assurance that the requirements of the exchange necessary to maintain the listing of the ETF will continue to be met or remain unchanged. In the event substantial market or other disruptions affecting ETFs should occur in the future, the liquidity and value of a Fund’s shares could also be substantially and adversely affected.

Repurchase Agreements

Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks, brokers and securities dealers which furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of their repurchase obligations. The Funds may also enter into repurchase agreements involving certain foreign government securities. A repurchase agreement is an arrangement under which a Fund purchases securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the securities within a particular time and at a specified price for the duration of the agreement. These securities may include securities that could not be held by a Fund without the seller’s repurchase commitment. Repurchase agreements involving obligations other than U.S. Government Securities (such as commercial paper, corporate bonds, mortgage loans, auction rate securities and equity securities) may be subject to special risks and may not have the benefit of certain protections in the event of a counterparty’s insolvency. Custody of the securities is maintained by a Fund’s custodian (or subcustodian). The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to a Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to a Fund together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to a Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the security subject to the repurchase agreement.

For purposes of the Act and generally for tax purposes, a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from a Fund to the seller of the security. For other purposes, it is not always clear whether a court would consider the security purchased by a Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by a Fund or as being collateral for a loan by a Fund to the seller.

In the event of commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the security before repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement, a Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the security. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and a Fund has not perfected a security interest in the security, a Fund may be required to return the security to the seller’s estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, a Fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction. To minimize this risk, the Funds utilize custodians and subcustodians that the Investment Adviser believes follow customary securities industry practice with respect to repurchase agreements, and the Investment Adviser analyzes the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the securities. But because of the legal uncertainties, this risk, like others associated with repurchase agreements, cannot be eliminated.

 

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Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the security. However, if the market value of the security subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest), a Fund will direct the seller of the security to deliver additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement equals or exceeds the repurchase price.

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may not invest in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days if, as a result thereof, more than 15% of the net assets of the Fund taken at market value (with respect to the Money Market Fund, 5% of its total assets measured using the amortized cost method of valuation) would be invested in such investments and other securities which are not readily marketable. Certain repurchase agreements which provide for settlement in more than seven days can be liquidated before the nominal fixed term on seven days or less notice. Such repurchase agreements will be regarded as liquid instruments.

In addition, each Fund, together with other registered investment companies having advisory agreements with the Investment Adviser or its affiliates, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may borrow money by entering into transactions called reverse repurchase agreements. Under these arrangements, the Fund will sell portfolio securities to dealers in U.S. Government Securities or members of the Federal Reserve System, with an agreement to repurchase the security on an agreed date, price and interest payment. These reverse repurchase agreements may involve foreign government securities. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the possible risk that the value of portfolio securities the Fund relinquishes may decline below the price the Fund must pay when the transaction closes. Borrowings may magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested resulting in an increase in the speculative character of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it identifies on its books cash or liquid assets that have a value equal to or greater than the repurchase price. The amount of cash or liquid assets so identified is thereafter monitored continuously to make sure that an appropriate value is maintained. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings under the Act.

Restricted and Illiquid Securities

Each Fund may purchase securities that are not registered or offered in an exempt non-public offering (“Restricted Securities”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”), including securities eligible for resale to “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. However, the Global Markets Navigator Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets (with respect to the Money Market Fund, 5% of its total assets measured using the amortized cost method of valuation) in illiquid investments, which include (as applicable for each Fund) securities (both foreign and domestic) that are not readily marketable, certain municipal leases and participation interests, certain over-the-counter options, repurchase agreements and time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than seven days, and certain Restricted Securities, unless it is determined, based upon a continuing review of the trading markets for the specific instrument, that such instrument is liquid. The Trustees have adopted guidelines under which the Investment Adviser determines and monitors the liquidity of the Funds’ portfolio securities. This investment practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in a Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing these instruments.

The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities may reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when they are not restricted, since the restriction may make them less liquid. The amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing supply and demand conditions.

 

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Trust Preferred Securities

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may invest in trust preferred securities. A trust preferred or capital security is a long dated bond (for example 30 years) with preferred features. The preferred features are that payment of interest can be deferred for a specified period without initiating a default event. From a bondholder’s viewpoint, the securities are senior in claim to standard preferred but are junior to other bondholders. From the issuer’s viewpoint, the securities are attractive because their interest is deductible for tax purposes like other types of debt instruments.

Municipal Securities

General. The Money Market Fund may invest in fixed income securities issued by or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities thereof (“Municipal Securities”), the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes but not necessarily exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax or from the income taxes of any state or local government). In addition, Municipal Securities include participation interests in such securities the interest on which is, in the opinion of bond counsel or counsel selected by the Investment Adviser, excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Fund may invest in tax-exempt Municipal Securities when yields on such securities are attractive compared to other taxable investments. The Fund may revise its definition of Municipal Securities in the future to include other types of securities that currently exist, the interest on which is or will be, in the opinion of such counsel, excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes, provided that investing in such securities is consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies. The Fund may also invest in taxable Municipal Securities.

The yields and market values of Municipal Securities are determined primarily by the general level of interest rates, the creditworthiness of the issuers of Municipal Securities and economic and political conditions affecting such issuers. The yields and market prices of Municipal Securities may be adversely affected by changes in tax rates and policies, which may have less effect on the market for taxable fixed income securities. Moreover, certain types of Municipal Securities, such as housing revenue bonds, involve prepayment risks which could affect the yield on such securities. The credit rating assigned to municipal securities may reflect the existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit enhancement features available to the issuers or holders of such municipal securities.

Dividends paid by the Fund that are derived from interest paid on both tax-exempt and taxable Municipal Securities will be taxable to the Fund’s shareholders.

Municipal Securities are often issued to obtain funds for various public purposes including refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating expenses, and obtaining funds to lend to other public institutions and facilities. Municipal Securities also include certain “private activity bonds” or industrial development bonds, which are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to provide financing aid to acquire sites or construct or equip facilities within a municipality for privately or publicly owned corporations.

Investments in Municipal Securities are subject to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations. Such a default could result from the inadequacy of the sources or revenues from which interest and principal payments are to be made or the assets collateralizing such obligations. Revenue bonds, including private activity bonds, are backed only by specific assets or revenue sources and not by the full faith and credit of the governmental issuer.

 

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The two principal classifications of Municipal Securities are “general obligations” and “revenue obligations.” General obligations are secured by the issuer’s pledge of its full faith and credit for the payment of principal and interest, although the characteristics and enforcement of general obligations may vary according to the law applicable to the particular issuer. Revenue obligations, which include, but are not limited to, private activity bonds, resource recovery bonds, certificates of participation and certain municipal notes, are not backed by the credit and taxing authority of the issuer, and are payable solely from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Nevertheless, the obligations of the issuer of a revenue obligation may be backed by a letter of credit, guarantee or insurance. General obligations and revenue obligations may be issued in a variety of forms, including commercial paper, fixed, variable and floating rate securities, tender option bonds, auction rate bonds, zero coupon bonds, deferred interest bonds and capital appreciation bonds.

In addition to general obligations and revenue obligations, there is a variety of hybrid and special types of Municipal Securities. There are also numerous differences in the security of Municipal Securities both within and between these two principal classifications.

For the purpose of applying the Fund’s investment restrictions, the identification of the issuer of a Municipal Security which is not a general obligation is made by the Investment Adviser based on the characteristics of the Municipal Security, the most important of which is the source of funds for the payment of principal and interest on such securities.

An entire issue of Municipal Securities may be purchased by one or a small number of institutional investors, including the Fund. Thus, the issue may not be said to be publicly offered. Unlike some securities that are not publicly offered, a secondary market exists for many Municipal Securities that were not publicly offered initially and such securities may be readily marketable.

Municipal Securities purchased for the Fund may be subject to the Fund’s policy on holdings of illiquid securities. The Investment Adviser determines whether a Municipal Security liquid based on whether it may be sold in a reasonable time consistent with the customs of the municipal markets (usually seven days) at a price (or interest rate) which accurately reflects its value. The Investment Adviser believes that the quality standards applicable to the Fund’s investments enhance liquidity. In addition, stand-by commitments and demand obligations also enhance liquidity.

The credit rating assigned to Municipal Securities may reflect the existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit enhancement features available to the issuers or holders of such Municipal Securities.

The obligations of the issuer to pay the principal of and interest on a Municipal Security are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, that may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest or imposing other constraints upon the enforcement of such obligations. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the power or ability of the issuer to pay when due principal of or interest on a Municipal Security may be materially affected.

Municipal Leases, Certificates of Participation and Other Participation Interests. The Money Market Fund may invest in municipal leases, certificates of participation and other participation interests. A municipal lease is an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase which is issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Income from such obligations is generally exempt from state and local taxes in the state of issuance. Municipal leases frequently involve special risks not normally associated with general obligations or revenue bonds. Leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of “non-appropriation” clauses that relieve the governmental issuer of any obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition, such leases or contracts may be subject to the temporary abatement of payments in the event the issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased premises or utilizing the leased equipment. Although the obligations may be secured by the

 

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leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and costly, and result in a delay in recovering or the failure to fully recover the Fund’s original investment. To the extent that the Fund invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

Certificates of participation represent undivided interests in municipal leases, installment purchase agreements or other instruments. The certificates are typically issued by a trust or other entity which has received an assignment of the payments to be made by the state or political subdivision under such leases or installment purchase agreements.

Certain municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation may be deemed to be illiquid for the purpose of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Other municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation acquired by the Fund may be determined by the Investment Adviser, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Trustees of the Trust, to be liquid securities for the purpose of such limitation. In determining the liquidity of municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation, the Investment Adviser will consider a variety of factors, including: (i) the willingness of dealers to bid for the security; (ii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the obligation and the number of other potential buyers; (iii) the frequency of trades or quotes for the obligation; and (iv) the nature of the marketplace trades. In addition, the Investment Adviser will consider factors unique to particular lease obligations and certificates of participation affecting the marketability thereof. These include the general creditworthiness of the issuer, the importance to the issuer of the property covered by the lease and the likelihood that the marketability of the obligation will be maintained throughout the time the obligation is held by the Fund.

The Fund may purchase participations in Municipal Securities held by a commercial bank or other financial institution. Such participations provide the Fund with the right to a pro rata undivided interest in the underlying Municipal Securities. In addition, such participations generally provide the Fund with the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days notice, of all or any part of the Fund’s participation interest in the underlying Municipal Securities, plus accrued interest.

Municipal Notes. Municipal Securities in the form of notes generally are used to provide for short-term capital needs, in anticipation of an issuer’s receipt of other revenues or financing, and typically have maturities of up to three years. Such instruments may include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes and construction loan notes. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance the working capital needs of governments. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various tax revenues, such as income, sales, property, use and business taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes. Revenue anticipation notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other kinds of revenue, such as federal revenues available under federal revenue sharing programs. Bond anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term bond financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the funds needed for repayment of the notes. Tax and revenue anticipation notes combine the funding sources of both tax anticipation notes and revenue anticipation notes. Construction loan notes are sold to provide construction financing. These notes are secured by mortgage notes insured by the FHA; however, the proceeds from the insurance may be less than the economic equivalent of the payment of principal and interest on the mortgage note if there has been a default. The obligations of an issuer of municipal notes are generally secured by the anticipated revenues from taxes, grants or bond financing. An investment in such instruments, however, presents a risk that the anticipated revenues will not be received or that such revenues will be insufficient to satisfy the issuer’s payment obligations under the notes or that refinancing will be otherwise unavailable.

The Money Market Fund may acquire securities in the form of custodial receipts which evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain state and local governmental and authority obligations when, in the opinion of bond counsel, if any, interest payments with respect to such custodial receipts are excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes. Such obligations are held in custody by a bank on behalf of the holders of the receipts. These custodial receipts are known by various names, including “Municipal Receipts” (“MRs”) and “Municipal Certificates of Accrual on Tax-Exempt Securities” (“M-CATS”). There are a number of other types of notes issued for different purposes and secured differently from those described above.

 

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Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper. Issues of commercial paper typically represent short-term, unsecured, negotiable promissory notes. These obligations are issued by state and local governments and their agencies to finance working capital needs of municipalities or to provide interim construction financing and are paid from general revenues of municipalities or are refinanced with long-term debt. In most cases, tax-exempt commercial paper is backed by letters of credit, lending agreements, note repurchase agreements or other credit facility agreements offered by banks or other institutions.

Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities. The principal of and interest on pre-refunded Municipal Securities are no longer paid from the original revenue source for the securities. Instead, the source of such payments is typically an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government Securities. The assets in the escrow fund are derived from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued by the same issuer as the pre-refunded Municipal Securities. Issuers of Municipal Securities use this advance refunding technique to obtain more favorable terms with respect to securities that are not yet subject to call or redemption by the issuer. For example, advance refunding enables an issuer to refinance debt at lower market interest rates, restructure debt to improve cash flow or eliminate restrictive covenants in the indenture or other governing instrument for the pre-refunded Municipal Securities. However, except for a change in the revenue source from which principal and interest payments are made, the pre-refunded Municipal Securities remain outstanding on their original terms until they mature or are redeemed by the issuer. Pre-refunded Municipal Securities are often purchased at a price which represents a premium over their face value.

Private Activity Bonds. The Money Market Fund may invest in certain types of Municipal Securities, generally referred to as industrial development bonds (and referred to under current tax law as private activity bonds), which are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity. Other types of industrial development bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial or commercial facilities, may constitute Municipal Securities, although the current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such issues.

Tender Option Bonds. A tender option bond is a Municipal Security (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rates. The bond is typically issued with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, which grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the difference between the bond’s fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. However, an institution will not be obligated to accept tendered bonds in the event of certain defaults or a significant downgrade in the credit rating assigned to the issuer of the bond. The liquidity of a tender option bond is a function of the credit quality of both the bond issuer and the financial institution providing liquidity. Tender option bonds are deemed to be liquid unless, in the opinion of the Investment Adviser, the credit quality of the bond issuer and the financial institution is deemed, in light of the Fund’s credit quality requirements, to be inadequate and the bond would not otherwise be readily marketable. The tender option will be taken into consideration in determining the maturity of tender option bonds and the average portfolio maturity and average portfolio life of the Fund.

Serial Bonds, Put Bonds and Moral Obligation Bonds. Municipal bonds with a series of maturity dates are called serial bonds. The serial bonds which the Money Market Fund may purchase are limited to short-term serial bonds—those with original or remaining maturities of thirteen months or less. The Fund may purchase long-term bonds provided that they have a remaining maturity of thirteen months or less or, in the case of bonds called for redemption, the date on which the redemption payment must be made is within thirteen months. The Fund may also purchase long-term bonds (sometimes referred to as “Put Bonds”), which are subject to the Fund’s commitment to put the bond back to the issuer at

 

B-37


par at a designated time within thirteen months and the issuer’s commitment to so purchase the bond at such price and time. The Fund also may invest in “moral obligation” bonds. Moral obligations bonds are supported by the moral commitment but not the legal obligation of a state or municipality. In particular, these instruments permit governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. If, however, the governmental issuer does not periodically appropriate money to enable it to meet its payment obligations under these instruments, it cannot be legally compelled to do so. If a default occurs, it is likely that the Fund would be unable to obtain another acceptable source of payment.

Call Risk and Reinvestment Risk. Municipal Securities may include “call” provisions which permit the issuers of such securities, at any time or after a specified period, to redeem the securities prior to their stated maturity. In the event that Municipal Securities held in the Fund’s portfolio are called prior to the maturity, the Fund will be required to reinvest the proceeds on such securities at an earlier date and may be able to do so only at lower yields, thereby reducing the Fund’s return on its portfolio securities.

Portfolio Turnover

Each Fund may engage in active short-term trading to benefit from price disparities among different issues of securities or among the markets for equity securities, or for other reasons. As a result of active management, it is anticipated that the portfolio turnover rate of a Fund may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may be affected by changes in the holdings of specific issuers, changes in country and currency weightings, cash requirements for redemption of shares and by requirements which enable the Funds to receive favorable tax treatment. The Funds are not restricted by policy with regard to portfolio turnover and will make changes in their investment portfolio from time to time as business and economic conditions as well as market prices may dictate. It can change from year to year without notice. Portfolio turnover for these Funds is subject to many factors, including but not limited to market conditions, model development and portfolio construction considerations.

Non-Diversified Status

Because the Global Markets Navigator Fund is “non-diversified” under the Act, it is subject only to certain federal tax diversification requirements. Pursuant to such requirements, the Fund must diversify its holdings so that, in general, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the fair market value of the Fund’s total (gross) assets is comprised of cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total (gross) assets is 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 controlled by the Fund and engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or certain publicly traded partnerships.

Temporary Investments

The Global Markets Navigator Fund may (to the extent that it is permitted to invest in the following), for temporary defensive purposes, invest up to 100% of its total assets in: U.S. Government Securities; commercial paper rated at least A-2 by Standard & Poor’s, P-2 by Moody’s or having a comparable rating by another NRSRO (or, if unrated, determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality); certificates of deposit; bankers’ acceptances; repurchase agreements; non-convertible preferred stocks and non-convertible corporate bonds with a remaining maturity of less than one year; ETFs and other investment companies; and cash items.

The Money Market Fund may for temporary defensive purposes invest less than 25% of its assets in bank obligations, if adverse economic conditions prevail in the banking industry (such as substantial losses on loans, increases in non-performing assets and charge-offs and declines in total deposits). Due to adverse market conditions or the prevailing interest rate environment, or when the Investment Adviser believes there is an insufficient supply of appropriate money

 

B-38


market instruments in which to invest, the Fund may hold uninvested cash in lieu of such instruments. Cash assets are not income-generating and, as a result, the Fund’s current yield may be adversely affected during periods when such positions are held. Cash positions may also subject the Fund to additional risks and costs, such as increased exposure to the creditworthiness of the custodian bank holding the assets and any fees imposed for large cash balances.

When a Fund’s assets are invested in such instruments (or are uninvested), the Fund may not be achieving its investment objective.

Special Note Regarding Market Events

Events in the financial sector over the past several years have resulted in reduced liquidity in credit and fixed income markets and in an unusually high degree of volatility in the financial markets, both domestically and internationally. While entire markets have been impacted, issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets have been particularly affected. These events and the potential for continuing market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Funds’ investments. It is uncertain how long these conditions will continue.

The instability in the financial markets led the U.S. government to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and certain segments of the financial markets. Federal, state, and foreign governments, regulatory agencies, and self -regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Funds invest, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Funds’ ability to achieve their investment objectives.

Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and disposition of these assets are unclear, and such ownership or disposition may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance of the Funds’ portfolio holdings.

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The investment restrictions set forth below have been adopted by the Trust as fundamental policies that cannot be changed with respect to a Fund without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the affected Fund. The investment objective of each Fund and all other investment policies or practices of each Fund are considered by the Trust not to be fundamental and accordingly may be changed without shareholder approval. For purposes of the Act, a “majority” of the outstanding voting securities means the lesser of the vote of (i) 67% or more of the shares of the Trust or a Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Trust or a Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares of the Trust or a Fund.

For purposes of the following limitations (except for the asset coverage requirement with respect to borrowing, which is subject to different requirements under the Act), any limitation which involves a maximum percentage shall not be considered violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or encumbrance of securities or assets of, or borrowings by, a Fund. With respect to investment restriction number (8) below, the Money Market Fund is currently classified as a diversified open-end management company under the Act. With respect to the Funds’ fundamental investment restriction number (2) below, asset coverage of at least 300% (as defined in the Act), inclusive of any amounts borrowed, must be maintained at all times.

 

B-39


Fundamental Investment Restrictions

As a matter of fundamental policy, a Fund may not:

Global Markets Navigator Fund

 

  (1) Invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry (excluding the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities), except that the Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry if, at the time of investment, that industry represents 20% or more of the index whose performance the Fund seeks to approximate;

Money Market Fund

 

  (1) Invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of one or more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry (excluding the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities). (For the purposes of this restriction, state and municipal governments and their agencies, authorities and instrumentalities are not deemed to be industries; telephone companies are considered to be a separate industry from water, gas or electric utilities; personal credit finance companies and business credit finance companies are deemed to be separate industries; and wholly-owned finance companies are considered to be in the industry of their parents if their activities are primarily related to financing the activities of their parents.) This restriction does not apply to investments in municipal securities which have been pre-refunded by the use of obligations of the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Money Market Fund will invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in bank obligations (whether foreign or domestic) except that if adverse economic conditions prevail in the banking industry, the Money Market Fund may, for defensive purposes, temporarily invest less than 25% of its total assets in bank obligations;

Global Markets Navigator Fund

 

  (2) Borrow money, except (a) the Fund may borrow from banks (as defined in the Act), other affiliated investment companies and other persons or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up to 33-1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed), (b) the Fund may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (c) the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, (d) the Fund may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law and (e) the Fund may engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls which are accounted for as financings;

The following interpretation applies to, but is not part of, this fundamental policy: In determining whether a particular investment in portfolio instruments or participation in portfolio transactions is subject to this borrowing policy, the accounting treatment of such instrument or participation shall be considered, but shall not by itself be determinative. Whether a particular instrument or transaction constitutes a borrowing shall be determined by the Board, after consideration of all of the relevant circumstances.

Money Market Fund

 

  (2)

Borrow money, except (a) the Fund, to the extent permitted by applicable law, may borrow from banks (as defined in the Act), other affiliated investment companies and other persons or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up to 33-1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed), (b) the Fund may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets for temporary purposes, (c) the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, (d) the Fund may purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law and (e) the Fund may engage in transactions in mortgage dollar

 

B-40


  rolls which are accounted for as financings. (Notwithstanding the foregoing fundamental policy that would allow the Fund to borrow through reverse repurchase agreements, as of April 30, 2013, the Fund does not engage in reverse repurchase transactions as a matter of non-fundamental policy which may be changed or amended by action of the Board of Trustees without approval of shareholders);

The following interpretation applies to, but is not part of, this fundamental policy: In determining whether a particular investment in portfolio instruments or participation in portfolio transactions is subject to this borrowing policy, the accounting treatment of such instrument or participation shall be considered, but shall not by itself be determinative. Whether a particular instrument or transaction constitutes a borrowing shall be determined by the Board, after consideration of all of the relevant circumstances.

Each Fund

 

  (3) Make loans, except through (a) the purchase of debt obligations in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies, (b) repurchase agreements with banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions, (c) loans of securities as permitted by applicable law, and (d) loans to affiliates of such Funds to the extent permitted by law;

Each Fund

 

  (4) Underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that the sale of portfolio securities by the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriting;

Each Fund

 

  (5) Purchase, hold or deal in real estate, although the Fund may purchase and sell securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, securities of real estate investment trusts and mortgage-related securities and may hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities;

Each Fund

  (6) Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund may invest in currency and financial instruments and contracts that are commodities or commodity contracts; or

Each Fund

 

  (7) Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate applicable law.

Money Market Fund

 

  (8) Make any investment inconsistent with the Fund’s classification as a diversified company under the Act. This restriction does not, however, apply to any Fund classified as a non-diversified company under the Act;

For purposes of the 25% investment requirement for the Money Market Fund stated in its restriction (1) above, the Fund considers “bank obligations” to include obligations either issued or guaranteed by banks (whether foreign or domestic).

 

B-41


Each Fund may, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment restriction or policy, invest some or all of its assets in a single open-end investment company or series thereof with substantially the same investment restrictions and policies as the Fund.

For purposes of the Funds’ industry concentration policies, the Investment Adviser may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and instrument and may assign an industry classification consistent with those characteristics. The Investment Adviser may, but need not, consider industry classifications provided by third parties, and the classifications applied to Fund investments will be informed by applicable law.

Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions

In addition to the fundamental policies mentioned above, the Trustees have adopted the following non-fundamental policies which can be changed or amended by action of the Trustees without approval of shareholders. Again, for purposes of the following limitations, any limitation which involves a maximum percentage shall not be considered violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition of securities by a Fund.

A Fund may not:

 

  (a) Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or management;

 

  (b) Invest more than 15% of the Fund’s net assets (with respect to the Money Market Fund, 5% of the Fund’s total assets) in illiquid investments including illiquid repurchase agreements with a notice or demand period of more than seven days, securities which are not readily marketable and restricted securities not eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act;

 

  (c) Purchase additional securities if the Fund’s borrowings (excluding covered mortgage dollar rolls and such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities) exceed 5% of its net assets; or

 

  (d) Make short sales of securities, except that the Fund may make short sales against the box.

Additional Restrictions Applicable to the Money Market Fund

The Money Market Fund must also comply, as a non-fundamental policy, with Rule 2a-7 under the Act. While a detailed and technical rule, Rule 2a-7 has four basic requirements: portfolio maturity, portfolio quality, portfolio diversification and portfolio liquidity.

Portfolio maturity. Rule 2a-7 requires that, as determined in accordance with Rule 2a-7: (i) the maximum maturity of any security in the Money Market Fund’s portfolio not exceed 13 months; (ii) the Money Market Fund’s average portfolio maturity not exceed 60 days; and (iii) the Money Market Fund’s average portfolio life not exceed 120 days.

Portfolio quality. The Money Market Fund, as a matter of non-fundamental policy, only invests in “First Tier Securities” (as defined in the Rule). Securities which are rated in the highest short-term rating category by at least two NRSROs or, if only one NRSRO has assigned a rating, by that NRSRO, are First Tier Securities. Unrated securities may also be First Tier if they are of comparable quality as determined by the Investment Adviser. In accordance with certain rules, the rating of a demand feature or guarantee of a security may be deemed to be the rating of the underlying security. NRSROs include Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, Fitch and Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited. See Appendix A for a description of their rating categories.

 

B-42


Portfolio diversification. The Money Market Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer (except U.S. Government Securities, repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities, certain securities that are backed by escrowed U.S. Government Securities, and certain securities subject to a guarantee or unconditional demand feature). The Money Market Fund may, however, invest up to 25% of its total assets in the First Tier Securities of a single issuer for a period of up to three business days after the purchase thereof. Subject to certain exceptions, immediately after the acquisition of any demand features or guarantees (i.e., generally, the right to sell the security at a price equal to its approximate amortized cost (for a demand feature) or principal amount (for a guarantee) plus accrued interest), with respect to 75% of the assets of the Money Market Fund, no more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in securities issued by or subject to demand features or guarantees issued by the same issuer.

Portfolio liquidity. The Money Market Fund is required to maintain a sufficient degree of liquidity necessary to meet reasonably foreseeable redemption requests. In addition, the Money Market Fund: (i) must hold at least 10% of its total assets in “daily liquid assets” (consisting of cash, direct obligations of the U.S. Government and securities that will mature or are subject to a demand feature that is exercisable and payable within one business day); (ii) must hold at least 30% of its total assets in “weekly liquid assets” (consisting of cash, direct obligations of the U.S. Government, agency discount notes with remaining maturities of 60 days or less and securities that will mature or are subject to a demand feature that is exercisable and payable within five business days); and (iii) may not acquire an illiquid security if, after the purchase, more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets would consist of illiquid securities.

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

The Trust’s Leadership Structure

The business and affairs of the Funds are managed under the direction of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), subject to the laws of the State of Delaware and the Trust’s Declaration of Trust. The Trustees are responsible for deciding matters of overall policy and reviewing the actions of the Trust’s service providers. The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise each Fund’s daily business operations. Trustees who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in the Act are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” Trustees who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust are referred to as “Interested Trustees.” The Board is currently composed of seven Independent Trustees and two Interested Trustees. The Board has selected an Independent Trustee to act as Chairman, whose duties include presiding at meetings of the Board and acting as a focal point to address significant issues that may arise between regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. In the performance of the Chairman’s duties, the Chairman will consult with the other Independent Trustees and the Funds’ officers and legal counsel, as appropriate. The Chairman may perform other functions as requested by the Board from time to time.

The Board meets as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. Currently, the Board conducts regular, in-person meetings at least six times a year, and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings as necessary to address specific issues that require attention prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting. In addition, the Independent Trustees meet at least annually to review, among other things, investment management agreements, distribution (Rule 12b-1 and/or service plans and related agreements, transfer agency agreements and certain other agreements providing for the compensation of Goldman Sachs and/or its affiliates by the Funds, and to consider such other matters as they deem appropriate.

The Board has established six standing committees – Audit, Governance and Nominating, Compliance, Valuation, Dividend and Contract Review Committees. The Board may establish other committees, or nominate one or more Trustees to examine particular issues related to the Board’s oversight responsibilities, from time to time. Each Committee meets periodically to perform its delegated oversight functions and reports its findings and recommendations to the Board. For more information on the Committees, see the section “STANDING BOARD COMMITTEES,” below.

The Trustees have determined that the Trust’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Trustees to effectively perform their oversight responsibilities.

 

B-43


Trustees of the Trust

Information pertaining to the Trustees of the Trust and Members of the Advisory Board as of October [    ], 2013 is set forth below.

Independent Trustees

 

Name, Address and Age1

  

Position(s)
Held with the
Trust

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served2

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee3
  

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustee4

Ashok N. Bakhru

Age: 71

   Chairman of the Board of Trustees    Since 1996 (Trustee since 1991)   

Mr. Bakhru is retired. He was formerly Director, Apollo Investment Corporation (a business development company) (2008-2013); President, ABN Associates (a management and financial consulting firm) (1994–1996 and 1998–2012); Trustee, Scholarship America (1998–2005); Trustee, Institute for Higher Education Policy (2003–2008); Director, Private Equity Investors–III and IV (1998–2007), and Equity-Linked Investors II (April 2002–2007).

 

Chairman of the Board of Trustees—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

   [106]   

None

Donald C. Burke

Age: 53

   Trustee    Since 2010   

Mr. Burke is retired. He is Director, Avista Corp. (2011–Present); and was formerly a Director, BlackRock Luxembourg and Cayman Funds (2006–2010); President and Chief Executive Officer, BlackRock U.S. Funds (2007–2009); Managing Director, BlackRock, Inc. (2006–2009).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

   [104]    Avista Corp. (an energy company)
John P. Coblentz, Jr. Age: 72    Trustee    Since 2003   

Mr. Coblentz is retired. Formerly, he was Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1975–2003); Director, Emerging Markets Group, Ltd. (2004–2006); and Director, Elderhostel, Inc. (2006–2012).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

   [106]    None

 

B-44


Name, Address and Age1

  

Position(s)
Held with the
Trust

  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served2

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee3
  

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustee4

Diana M. Daniels

Age: 64

   Trustee    Since 2007   

Ms. Daniels is retired. Formerly, she was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, The Washington Post Company (1991–2006). Ms. Daniels serves as a Presidential Councillor of Cornell University (2013–Present); Member, Advisory Board, Psychology Without Borders (international humanitarian aid organization) (2007-Present), and former Member of the Legal Advisory Board, New York Stock Exchange (2003–2006) and of the Corporate Advisory Board, Standish Mellon Management Advisors (2006–2007).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

   [104]    None

Joseph P. LoRusso    

Age: 56

   Trustee    Since 2010   

Mr. LoRusso is retired. Formerly, he was President, Fidelity Investments Institutional Services Co. (“FIIS”) (2002–2008); Director, FIIS (2002–2008); Director, Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company (2003–2007); Executive Officer, Fidelity Distributors Corporation (2007–2008).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

   [104]    None

Jessica Palmer

Age: 64

   Trustee    Since 2007   

Ms. Palmer is retired. She is Director, Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture (2011-Present); and was formerly a Consultant, Citigroup Human Resources Department (2007-2008); Managing Director, Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking (previously, Salomon Smith Barney/Salomon Brothers) (1984–2006). Ms. Palmer was a Member of the Board of Trustees of Indian Mountain School (private elementary and secondary school) (2004–2009).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

   [104]    None

 

B-45


Name, Address and Age1

  

Position(s)
Held with the
Trust

  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served2

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee3
  

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustee4

Richard P. Strubel    

Age: 74

   Trustee    Since 1987   

Mr. Strubel is retired. Formerly, he was Director, Cardean Learning Group (provider of educational services via the internet) (2003–2008); Trustee Emeritus, The University of Chicago (1987–Present).

 

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

   [106]    The Northern Trust Mutual Fund Complex (64 Portfolios) (Chairman of the Board of Trustees); Gildan Activewear Inc. (a clothing marketing and manufacturing company)

 

Interested Trustees

 

Name, Address and Age1

  

Position(s)
Held with the
Trust

  

Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served2

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in Fund
Complex
Overseen by
Trustee3
  

Other
Directorships Held
by Trustee4

James A. McNamara*

Age: 51

   President and Trustee    Since 2007   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 1998–Present); Director of Institutional Fund Sales, GSAM (April 1998–December 2000); and Senior Vice President and Manager, Dreyfus Institutional Service Corporation (January 1993–April 1998).

   [106]    None
         President—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (November 2007–Present); Senior Vice President—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (May 2007–November 2007); and Vice President—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (2001–2007).      
         Trustee—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (since November 2007 and December 2002–May 2004).      

Alan A. Shuch*

Age: 63

   Trustee    Since 1990   

Advisory Director—GSAM (May 1999–Present); Consultant to GSAM (December 1994–May 1999); and Limited Partner, Goldman Sachs (December 1994–May 1999).

Trustee—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

   [104]    None

 

B-46


Advisory Board Members

 

Name, Address and Age1

  

Position(s)
Held with
the Trust

   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served2
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Advisory
Board
Member3
   Other
Directorships
Held by

Advisory Board
Member4

Herbert J. Markley    

Age: 63

   Advisory Board Member    Since 2013    Mr. Markley is retired. Formerly, he was Executive Vice President, Deere & Company (an agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer) (2007-2009), and President, Agricultural Division, Deere & Company (2001-2007).    [104]    None

Roy W. Templin

Age: 53

   Advisory Board Member    Since 2013    Mr. Templin is retired. He is Director, Con-Way Incorporated (2012–Present); and was formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Whirlpool Corporation (an appliance manufacturer and marketer) (2004–2012).    [104]    Con-Way
Incorporated
(a
transportation,
supply-chain
management
and logistics
services
company)

 

*  These persons are considered to be “Interested Trustees” because they hold positions with Goldman Sachs and own securities issued by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Each Interested Trustee holds comparable positions with certain other companies of which Goldman Sachs, GSAM or an affiliate thereof is the investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor.
1  Each Trustee and Advisory Board Member may be contacted by writing to the Trustee or Advisory Board Member, c/o Goldman Sachs, 200 West Street, New York, New York, 10282, Attn: Caroline Kraus.
2  Each Trustee holds office for an indefinite term until the earliest of: (a) the election of his or her successor; (b) the date the Trustee resigns or is removed by the Board of Trustees or shareholders, in accordance with the Trust’s Declaration of Trust; (c) the conclusion of the first Board meeting held subsequent to the day the Trustee attains the age of 74 years, subject to waiver by a majority of Trustees (in accordance with the current resolutions of the Board of Trustees, which may be changed by the Trustees without shareholder vote); or (d) the termination of the Trust.
3  The Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex includes the Trust, Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Credit Strategies Fund. As of October [], 2013, the Trust consisted of 12 portfolios, Goldman Sachs Trust consisted of [91] portfolios ([83] of which offered shares to the public) and Goldman Sachs Credit Strategies Fund consisted of one portfolio. The Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex also includes, with respect to Messrs. Bakhru, Coblentz, Strubel and McNamara, Goldman Sachs Trust II and Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. Goldman Sachs Trust II and Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. each consisted of one portfolio. Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. did not offer shares to the public.
4  This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i.e., “public companies”) or other investment companies registered under the Act.

The significance or relevance of an Advisory Board Member’s or Trustee’s particular experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills is considered by the Board on an individual basis. Experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills common to all Advisory Board Members and Trustees include the ability to critically review, evaluate and discuss information provided to them and to interact effectively with the other Trustees and with representatives of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, other service providers, legal counsel and the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, the capacity to address financial and legal issues and exercise reasonable business judgment, and a commitment to the representation of the interests of the Funds and their Shareholders. The Governance and Nominating Committee’s charter contains certain other factors that are considered by the Governance and Nominating Committee in identifying and evaluating potential nominees to serve as Independent Trustees. Based on each Advisory Board Member’s or Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, considered individually and with respect to the experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills of other Advisory Board Members and Trustees, the Board has

 

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concluded that each Advisory Board Member and Trustee should serve as an Advisory Board Member or Trustee. Below is a brief discussion of the experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills of each individual Advisory Board Member or Trustee as of August 2, 2013 that led the Board to conclude that such individual should serve as an Advisory Board Member or Trustee.

Ashok N. Bakhru. Mr. Bakhru has served as a Trustee since 1991 and Chairman of the Board since 1996. Previously, Mr. Bakhru served as Director, Apollo Investment Corporation (a business development company) (2008-2013), and President of ABN Associates, a management and financial consulting firm, and was the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Coty Inc., a multinational cosmetics, fragrance and personal care company. Previously, Mr. Bakhru held several senior management positions at Scott Paper Company, a major manufacturer of paper products, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bakhru also serves on the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council and the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute. He also serves on the Advisory Board of BoardIQ, an investment publication. In addition, Mr. Bakhru has served as Director of Equity-Linked Investments II and Private Equity Investors III and IV, which are private equity partnerships based in New York City. Mr. Bakhru was also a Director of Arkwright Mutual Insurance Company. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Bakhru is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Donald C. Burke. Mr. Burke has served as Trustee since 2010. Mr. Burke serves as a Director of Avista Corp., an energy company. Mr. Burke was a Managing Director of BlackRock, Inc., where he was President and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock’s U.S. funds and a director and chairman of several offshore funds advised by BlackRock. As President and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock’s U.S. funds, he was responsible for all accounting, tax and regulatory reporting requirements for over 300 open-end and closed-end BlackRock funds. Previously, he was a Managing Director, First Vice President and Vice President of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (“MLIM”), where he worked for 16 years prior to MLIM’s merger with BlackRock, and was instrumental in the integration of BlackRock’s and MLIM’s operating infrastructure following the merger. While at MLIM, he was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of MLIM’s U.S. funds and Head of Global Operations and Client Services, where he was responsible for the development and maintenance of MLIM’s operating infrastructure across the Americas, Europe and the Pacific Rim. He also developed controls for the MLIM U.S. funds’ financial statement certification process to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, worked with fund auditors in connection with the funds’ annual audits and established the department responsible for all tax issues impacting the MLIM U.S. funds. Previously, Mr. Burke was Tax Manager at Deloitte & Touche, where he was designated as one of the firm’s lead specialists in the investment company industry, and advised multinational corporations, partnerships, universities and high net worth individuals in tax matters. Mr. Burke is a certified public accountant. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Burke is experienced with accounting, financial and investment matters.

John P. Coblentz, Jr. Mr. Coblentz has served as Trustee since 2003. Mr. Coblentz has been designated as the Board’s “audit committee financial expert” given his extensive accounting and finance experience. Mr. Coblentz was a partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP for 28 years. While at Deloitte & Touche LLP, Mr. Coblentz was lead partner responsible for all auditing and accounting services to a variety of large, global companies, a significant portion of which operated in the financial services industry. Mr. Coblentz was also the national managing partner for the firm’s risk management function, a member of the firm’s Management Committee and the first managing partner of the firm’s Financial Advisory Services practice, which brought together the firm’s mergers and acquisition services, forensic and dispute services, corporate finance, asset valuation and reorganization businesses under one management structure. He served as a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. Mr. Coblentz is a certified public accountant. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Coblentz is experienced with accounting, financial and investment matters.

Diana M. Daniels. Ms. Daniels has served as Trustee since 2007. Ms. Daniels also serves as a Trustee Emeritus and Presidential Councillor of Cornell University. Ms. Daniels held several senior management positions at The Washington Post Company and its subsidiaries, where she worked for 29 years. While at The Washington Post Company, Ms. Daniels served as Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary to the Board of Directors and Secretary to the Audit Committee. Previously, Ms. Daniels served as Vice President and General Counsel of Newsweek, Inc. Ms. Daniels also serves on the Executive Committee of the Governing Council of the Independent Directors Council of The Investment Companies Institute. Ms. Daniels has also served as Vice Chair, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University and as a member of the Corporate Advisory Board of Standish Mellon Management Advisors and of the Legal Advisory Board of New York Stock Exchange. Ms. Daniels is also a member of the American Law Institute and of the Advisory Council of the Inter-American Press Association. Based on the foregoing, Ms. Daniels is experienced with legal, financial and investment matters.

Joseph P. LoRusso. Mr. LoRusso has served as Trustee since 2010. Mr. LoRusso held a number of senior management positions at Fidelity Investments for over 15 years, where he was most recently President of Fidelity Investments Institutional Services Co. (“FIIS”). As President of FIIS, Mr. LoRusso oversaw the development, distribution and servicing of Fidelity’s investment and retirement products through various financial intermediaries. Previously, he served as President, Executive Vice President and Senior

 

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Vice President of Fidelity Institutional Retirement Services Co., where he helped establish Fidelity’s 401(k) business and built it into the largest in the U.S. In these positions, he oversaw sales, marketing, implementation, client services, operations and technology. Mr. LoRusso also served on Fidelity’s Executive Management Committee. Prior to his experience with Fidelity, he was Second Vice President in the Investment and Pension Group of John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance, where he had responsibility for developing and running the company’s 401(k) business. Previously, he worked at The Equitable (now a subsidiary of AXA Financial), where he was Product Manager of the company’s then-nascent 401(k) business, and at Arthur Andersen & Co. (now Accenture), as a Senior Consultant within the firm’s consulting practice. Based on the foregoing, Mr. LoRusso is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Jessica Palmer. Ms. Palmer has served as Trustee since 2007. Ms. Palmer serves as a Director of Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture, a not-for-profit organization. Ms. Palmer worked at Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking (previously, Salomon Smith Barney/Salomon Brothers) for over 20 years, where she was a Managing Director. While at Citigroup Corporate and Investment Banking, Ms. Palmer was Head of Global Risk Management, Chair of the Global Commitment Committee, Co-Chair of International Investment Banking (New York) and Head of Fixed Income Capital Markets. Ms. Palmer was also a member of the Management Committee and Risk Management Operating Committee of Citigroup, Inc. Prior to that, Ms. Palmer was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs in its international corporate finance department. Ms. Palmer was also Assistant Vice President of the International Division at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Ms. Palmer was also a member of the Board of Trustees of a private elementary and secondary school. Based on the foregoing, Ms. Palmer is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Richard P. Strubel. Mr. Strubel has served as Trustee since 1987. Mr. Strubel also serves as Chairman of the Northern Funds, a family of retail and institutional mutual funds managed by The Northern Trust Company. He also serves on the board of Gildan Activewear Inc., which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Mr. Strubel was Vice-Chairman of the Board of Cardean Learning Group (formerly known as Unext), and previously served as Unext’s President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Strubel was Managing Director of Tandem Partners, Inc., a privately-held management services firm, and served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Microdot, Inc. Previously, Mr. Strubel served as President of Northwest Industries, then a NYSE-listed company, a conglomerate with various operating entities located around the country. Before joining Northwest, Mr. Strubel was an associate and later managing principal of Fry Consultants, a management consulting firm based in Chicago. Mr. Strubel is also a Trustee Emeritus of the University of Chicago and is an adjunct professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Strubel is experienced with financial and investment matters.

James A. McNamara. Mr. McNamara has served as Trustee and President of the Trust since 2007 and has served as an officer of the Trust since 2001. Mr. McNamara is a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs. Mr. McNamara is currently head of Global Third Party Distribution at GSAM, where he was previously head of U.S. Third Party Distribution. Prior to that role, Mr. McNamara served as Director of Institutional Fund Sales. Prior to joining Goldman Sachs, Mr. McNamara was Vice President and Manager at Dreyfus Institutional Service Corporation. Based on the foregoing, Mr. McNamara is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Alan A. Shuch. Mr. Shuch has served as a Trustee since 1990. Mr. Shuch is an Advisory Director to Goldman Sachs. Mr. Shuch serves on the Board of Trustees of a number of offshore funds managed by GSAM. He serves on GSAM’s Valuation Committee. Prior to retiring as a general partner of Goldman Sachs in 1994, Mr. Shuch was president and chief operating officer of GSAM which he founded in 1988. Mr. Shuch joined the Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Division in 1976. He was instrumental in building Goldman Sachs’ Corporate Bond Department and served as co-head of the Global Fixed Income Sales and the High Yield Bond and Preferred Stock Departments. He headed the Portfolio Restructuring and Fixed Income Quantitative and Credit Research Departments. Mr. Shuch also served on a variety of firm-wide committees including the International Executive, New Product and Strategic Planning Committees and was a member of the Stone Street/Bridge Street Private Equity Board. Mr. Shuch serves on Wharton’s Graduate Executive Board. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Shuch is experienced with financial and investment matters.

Advisory Board Members

Herbert J. (H.J.) Markley. Mr. Markley held several senior management positions at Deere & Company, where he worked for 35 years, including Executive Vice President of Worldwide Parts Service, Global Supply Management and Logistics, Enterprise Information Technology and Corporate Communications. Mr. Markley’s experience at Deere included managing manufacturing and engineering facilities, including the two largest manufacturing facilities and a joint venture with Hitachi. He later served as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Human Resources where he helped to lay the foundation for a new human resources system, and as a President of the Agricultural Division, Deere’s largest business unit. In addition to his work with Deere, Mr. Markley has served on the Boards of Directors of the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, the First National Bank of Dubuque, the University of Dubuque and the Iowa Public Television Foundation as well as the Board of Overseers of the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. Mr. Markley currently serves on the Trust’s Advisory Board. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Markley is experienced with financial and investment matters.

 

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Roy W. Templin. Mr. Templin is a Director of Con-Way Incorporated, a transportation, supply-chain management and logistics services company, and serves on its Finance and Audit Committees (he is the Chair of the Finance Committee). Mr. Templin held a number of senior management positions at Whirlpool Corporation, an appliance manufacturer and marketer, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Corporate Controller there. At Whirlpool, Mr. Templin served on the Executive Committee and was responsible for all aspects of finance globally, including treasury, accounting, risk management, investor relations, internal auditing, tax and facilities. Prior to joining Whirlpool, Mr. Templin served in several roles at Kimball International, a furniture and electronic assemblies manufacturer, including Vice President of Finance and Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Templin was also a Director of Corporate Finance for Cummins, Inc., a diesel engine manufacturer, a Director of Financial Development at NCR Corporation, a computer hardware and electronics company, and a member of the audit staff of Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP). Mr. Templin is a certified public accountant. Mr. Templin currently serves on the Trust’s Advisory Board. Based on the foregoing, Mr. Templin is experienced with accounting, financial and investment matters.

Officers of the Trust

Information pertaining to the officers of the Trust as of October [    ], 2013 is set forth below.

 

Name, Age and Address

  

Position(s) Held with
the Trust

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

James A. McNamara

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 51

   Trustee and President    Since 2007   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 1998 – Present); Director of Institutional Fund Sales, GSAM (April 1998 – December 2000); and Senior Vice President and Manager, Dreyfus Institutional Service Corporation (January 1993 – April 1998).

 

President, Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (November 2007 – Present); Senior Vice President, Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (May 2007 – November 2007); and Vice President, Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (2001 – 2007).

 

Trustee – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (November 2007 – Present and December 2002 – May 2004).

Scott McHugh

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 42

  

Treasurer and

Senior Vice President

   Since 2009   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (February 2007 – Present); Assistant Treasurer of certain mutual funds administered by DWS Scudder (2005 – 2007); and Director (2005 – 2007), Vice President (2000 – 2005), and Assistant Vice President (1998 – 2000), Deutsche Asset Management or its predecessor (1998 – 2007).

 

Treasurer – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (October 2009 – Present); Senior Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (November 2009 – Present); and Assistant Treasurer – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (May 2007 – October 2009).

George F. Travers

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: 45

   Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer    Since 2009   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (2007 – Present); Managing Director, UBS Ag (2005 – 2007); and Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP (1990 – 2005, partner from 2000 – 2005).

 

Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Philip V. Giuca, Jr.

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: 51

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 1997   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (May 1992 – Present).

 

Assistant Treasurer – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

 

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Name, Age and Address

  

Position(s) Held with
the Trust

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Peter Fortner

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: 55

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 2000   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (July 2000 – Present); Principal Financial Officer, Commerce Bank Mutual Fund Complex (2008 – Present); Associate, Prudential Insurance Company of America (November 1985 –June 2000); and Assistant Treasurer, certain closed-end funds administered by Prudential (1999 – 2000).

 

Assistant Treasurer – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Kenneth G. Curran

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: 49

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 2001   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (November 1998 – Present); and Senior Tax Manager, KPMG Peat Marwick (accountants) (August 1995 – October 1998).

 

Assistant Treasurer – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Sarah Walton

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: 41

   Assistant Treasurer    Since 2012   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (December 2002 – Present); and Associate, Goldman Sachs (February 2000 – December 2002).

 

Assistant Treasurer – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Jesse Cole

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

Age: 50

   Vice President    Since 1998   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 2006 – Present); Vice President, GSAM (June 1998 – Present); and Vice President, AIM Management Group, Inc. (investment adviser) (April 1996 – June 1998).

 

Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Kerry K. Daniels

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

Age: 50

   Vice President    Since 2000   

Manager, Financial Control – Shareholder Services, Goldman Sachs (1986 – Present).

 

Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Mark Hancock

71 South Wacker Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

Age: 45

   Vice President    Since 2007   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (November 2005 – Present); Vice President, Goldman Sachs (August 2000 – November 2005); Senior Vice President, Dreyfus Service Corp (1999 – 2000); and Vice President, Dreyfus Service Corp (1996 – 1999).

 

Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Carlos W. Samuels

6011 Connection Drive

Irving, TX 75039

Age: 38

   Vice President    Since 2007   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (December 2007 – Present); Associate, Goldman Sachs (December 2005 – December 2007); and Analyst, Goldman Sachs (January 2004 – December 2005).

 

Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Miriam Cytryn

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 55

   Vice President    Since 2008   

Vice President, GSAM (2008 – Present); Vice President of Divisional Management, Investment Management Division (2007 – 2008); Vice President and Chief of Staff, GSAM US Distribution (2003 – 2007); and Vice President of Employee Relations, Goldman Sachs (1996 – 2003).

 

Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Glen Casey

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [49]

   Vice President    Since 2008   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (2007 – Present); and Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1997 – 2007).

 

Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

 

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Name, Age and Address

  

Position(s) Held with
the Trust

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Mark Heaney

Christchurch Court

10-15 Newgate Street

London, EC1A 7HD, UK

Age: [46]

   Vice President    Since 2010   

Executive Director, GSAM (May 2005 – Present); Director of Operations (UK and Ireland), Invesco Asset Management (May 2004 – March 2005); Global Head of Investment Administration, Invesco Asset Management (September 2001 – May 2004); Managing Director (Ireland), Invesco Asset Management (March 2000 – September 2001); and Director of Investment Administration, Invesco Asset Management (December 1998 – March 2000).

Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Michael Magee

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: 36

   Vice President    Since 2012   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (December 2007-Present); Associate (December 2004-December 2007); and Analyst (December 2002-December 2004).

 

Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Robert McCormack

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: 40

   Vice President    Since 2012   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (December 2008 – Present); and Associate, Goldman Sachs (September 2005 – December 2008).

 

Vice President – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Greg R. Wilson

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 40

   Vice President    Since 2013   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (January 2011 – Present); Head of the North American Sub-Advisory & Platform Distribution Group, GSAM (April 2010 – Present); and Business Development and Relationship Management Sub-Advisory & Platform Distribution Group, GSAM (May 2003 – April 2010).

 

Vice President—Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Caroline Kraus

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 36

   Secretary    Since 2012   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (August 2006 – Present); Associate General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (2012 – Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (August 2006 – December 2011); and Associate, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP (2002 – 2006).

 

Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (August 2012 – Present); and Assistant Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (June 2012 – August 2012).

David Fishman

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [49]

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2001   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (December 2001 – Present); and Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1997 – December 2001).

 

Assistant Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Danny Burke

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 50

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2001   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1987 – Present).

 

Assistant Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Deborah Farrell

30 Hudson Street

Jersey City, NJ 07302

Age: 42

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2007   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (2005 – Present); Associate, Goldman Sachs (2001 – 2005); and Analyst, Goldman Sachs (1994 – 2005).

 

Assistant Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Patrick T. O’Callaghan

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 41

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2009   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (2000 – Present); Associate, Goldman Sachs (1998 – 2000); and Analyst, Goldman Sachs (1995 – 1998).

 

Assistant Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

 

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Name, Age and Address

  

Position(s) Held with
the Trust

  

Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

James P. McCarthy

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 49

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2009   

Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (2003 – Present); Vice President, Goldman Sachs (1996 – 2003); and Portfolio Manager, Goldman Sachs (1995 – 1996).

Assistant Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Andrew Murphy

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 41

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2010   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (April 2009 – Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (April 2009 – Present); Attorney, Axiom Legal (2007 – 2009); and Vice President and Counsel, AllianceBernstein, L.P. (2001 – 2007).

 

Assistant Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Robert Griffith

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: [39]

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2011   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (August 2011 – Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (August 2011 – Present); Vice President and Counsel, Nomura Holding America, Inc. (2010 – 2011); and Associate, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (2005 – 2010).

 

Assistant Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

Matthew Wolfe

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

Age: 31

   Assistant Secretary    Since 2012   

Vice President, Goldman Sachs (July 2012 – Present); Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs (July 2012 – Present); and Associate, Dechert LLP (2007 – 2012).

 

Assistant Secretary – Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex.

 

1  Officers hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Each officer holds comparable positions with certain other companies of which Goldman Sachs, GSAM or an affiliate thereof is the investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor.

Standing Board Committees

The Audit Committee oversees the audit process and provides assistance to the Board with respect to fund accounting, tax compliance and financial statement matters. In performing its responsibilities, the Audit Committee selects and recommends annually to the Board an independent registered public accounting firm to audit the books and records of the Trust for the ensuing year, and reviews with the firm the scope and results of each audit. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held five meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

The Governance and Nominating Committee has been established to: (i) assist the Board in matters involving mutual fund governance, which includes making recommendations to the Board with respect to the effectiveness of the Board in carrying out its responsibilities in governing the Funds and overseeing their management; (ii) select and nominate candidates for appointment or election to serve as Independent Trustees; and (iii) advise the Board on ways to improve its effectiveness. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee held two meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. As stated above, each Trustee holds office for an indefinite term until the occurrence of certain events. In filling Board vacancies, the Governance and Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders. Nominee recommendations should be submitted to the Trust at its mailing address stated in the Funds’ Prospectuses and should be directed to the attention of the Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust Governance and Nominating Committee.

The Compliance Committee has been established for the purpose of overseeing the compliance processes: (i) of the Funds; and (ii) insofar as they relate to services provided to the Funds, of the Funds’ investment adviser, distributor, administrator (if any), and transfer agent, except that compliance processes relating to the accounting and financial reporting processes, and certain related matters, are overseen by the Audit Committee. In addition, the Compliance Committee provides assistance to the Board with respect to compliance matters. The Compliance Committee met three times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Compliance Committee.

 

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The Valuation Committee is authorized to act for the Board in connection with the valuation of portfolio securities held by the Funds in accordance with the Trust’s Valuation Procedures. Messrs. McNamara and Shuch serve on the Valuation Committee, together with certain employees of GSAM who are not Trustees. The Valuation Committee met twelve times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. The Valuation Committee reports periodically to the Board.

The Dividend Committee is authorized, subject to the ratification of Trustees who are not members of the committee, to declare dividends and capital gain distributions consistent with each Fund’s Prospectus. Messrs. McNamara and McHugh serve on the Dividend Committee. The Dividend Committee met twelve times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

The Contract Review Committee has been established for the purpose of overseeing the processes of the Board for reviewing and monitoring performance under the Funds’ investment management, distribution, transfer agency, and certain other agreements with the Funds’ Investment Adviser and its affiliates. The Contract Review Committee is also responsible for overseeing the Board’s processes for considering and reviewing performance under the operation of the Funds’ distribution, service, shareholder administration and other plans, and any agreements related to the plans, whether or not such plans and agreements are adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. The Contract Review Committee also provides appropriate assistance to the Board in connection with the Board’s approval, oversight and review of the Funds’ other service providers including, without limitation, the Funds’ custodian/accounting agent, sub-transfer agents, professional (legal and accounting) firms and printing firms. The Contract Review Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. All of the Independent Trustees serve on the Contract Review Committee.

Risk Oversight

The Board is responsible for the oversight of the activities of the Funds, including oversight of risk management. Day-to-day risk management with respect to the Funds is the responsibility of GSAM or other service providers (depending on the nature of the risk), subject to supervision by GSAM. The risks of the Funds include, but are not limited to, investment risk, compliance risk, operational risk, reputational risk, credit risk and counterparty risk. Each of GSAM and the other service providers have their own independent interest in risk management and their policies and methods of risk management may differ from the Funds and each other’s in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result, the Board recognizes that it is not possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Funds or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects, and that some risks are simply beyond the control of the Funds or GSAM, its affiliates or other service providers.

The Board effectuates its oversight role primarily through regular and special meetings of the Board and Board committees. In certain cases, risk management issues are specifically addressed in presentations and discussions. For example, GSAM has an independent dedicated Market Risk Group that assists GSAM in managing investment risk. Representatives from the Market Risk Group regularly meet with the Board to discuss their analysis and methodologies. In addition, investment risk is discussed in the context of regular presentations to the Board on Fund strategy and performance. Other types of risk are addressed as part of presentations on related topics (e.g. compliance policies) or in the context of presentations focused specifically on one or more risks. The Board also receives reports from GSAM management on operational risks, reputational risks and counterparty risks relating to the Funds.

Board oversight of risk management is also performed by various Board committees. For example, the Audit Committee meets with both the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm and GSAM’s internal audit group to review risk controls in place that support the Funds as well as test results, and the Compliance Committee meets with the CCO and representatives of GSAM’s compliance group to review testing results of the Funds’ compliance policies and procedures and other compliance issues. Board oversight of risk is also performed as needed between meetings through communications between GSAM and the Board. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight. The Board’s oversight role does not make the Board a guarantor of the Fund’s investments or activities.

 

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Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares

The following table shows the dollar range of shares beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Funds and other portfolios of the Trust and Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Trust II and Goldman Sachs Credit Strategies Fund as of December 31, 2012. Shares of the Funds are offered only to separate accounts of participating insurance companies for the purpose of funding various annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and are not available for direct investment by the Trustees.

 

Name of Trustee

   Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in
the Funds1
     Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All
Portfolios in Fund Complex
Overseen By Trustee

Ashok N. Bakhru

     —         Over $100,000

Donald C. Burke

     —         Over $100,000

John P. Coblentz, Jr.

     —         Over $100,000

Diana M. Daniels

     —         Over $100,000

Joseph P. LoRusso

     —         Over $100,000

James A. McNamara

     —         Over $100,000

Jessica Palmer

     —         Over $100,000

Alan A. Shuch

     —         Over $100,000

Richard P. Strubel

     —         Over $100,000

 

1  Includes the value of shares beneficially owned by each Trustee in each Fund described in this SAI. Shares of the Funds are not offered directly to the public.

As of October [    ], 2013, the Trustees and Officers of the Trust as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of each Fund.

Board and Advisory Board Compensation

Each Independent Trustee and Advisory Board Member is compensated with a unitary annual fee for his or her services as a Trustee or Advisory Board Member, as applicable, of the Trust and as a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee, Compliance Committee, Contract Review Committee, and Audit Committee. The Chairman and “audit committee financial expert” receive additional compensation for their services. The Independent Trustees and Advisory Board Members are also reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings. The Trust may also pay the incidental costs of a Trustee or Advisory Board Member to attend training or other types of conferences relating to the investment company industry.

 

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The following tables set forth certain information with respect to the compensation of each Trustee of the Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012:

 

Name of Trustee

   Global
Markets
Navigator

Fund
     Money
Market

Fund
 

Ashok N. Bakhru1

   $ 2,275       $ 3,140   

Donald C. Burke

     1,469         2,027   

John P. Coblentz, Jr.2

     1,699         2,345   

Diana M. Daniels

     1,469         2,027   

Joseph P. LoRusso

     1,469         2,027   

James A. McNamara3

     —           —     

Jessica Palmer

     1,469         2,027   

Alan A. Shuch3

     —           —     

Richard P. Strubel

     1,469         2,027   

 

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Name of Trustee

   Pension or
Retirement
Benefits Accrued as
Part of the Trust’s
Expenses
     Total Compensation
From Fund
Complex
(including the
Funds)*
 

Ashok N. Bakhru1

     —         $ 395,000   

Donald C. Burke

     —           255,000   

John P. Coblentz, Jr.2

     —           295,000   

Diana M. Daniels

     —           255,000   

Joseph P. LoRusso

     —           255,000   

James A. McNamara3

     —           —     

Jessica Palmer

     —           255,000   

Alan A. Shuch3

     —           —     

Richard P. Strubel

     —           255,000   

 

* Represents fees paid to each Trustee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. As of the most recent fiscal year end, neither the Funds nor the Fund Complex paid any fees to either of the Advisory Board Members.
1  Includes compensation as Board Chairman.
2  Includes compensation as “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
3  Messrs. McNamara and Shuch are Interested Trustees, and as such, receive no compensation from the Funds or the Fund Complex.

Miscellaneous

The Trust and the Investment Adviser and principal underwriter have adopted codes of ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the Act that permit personnel subject to their particular codes of ethics to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Funds.

MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Investment Adviser

As stated in the Funds’ Prospectuses, GSAM (formerly, Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P.), 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, serves as Investment Adviser to the each Fund. GSAM is a subsidiary of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and an affiliate of Goldman Sachs. Prior to the end of April 2003, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, a business unit of the Investment Management Division of Goldman Sachs served as the Fund’s investment adviser. On or about April 26, 2003, GSAM assumed Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s investment advisory responsibilities for the Funds. See “Service Providers” in the Funds’ Prospectuses for a description of the Investment Adviser’s duties to the Funds.

Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a financial holding company and a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Goldman Sachs is a leader in developing portfolio strategies and in many fields of investing and financing, participating in financial markets worldwide and serving individuals, institutions, corporations and governments. Goldman Sachs is also among the principal market sources for current and thorough information on companies, industrial sectors, markets, economies and currencies, and trades and makes markets in a wide range of equity and debt securities 24 hours a day. The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in countries throughout the world. It has trading professionals throughout the United States, as well as in London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Seoul, Sao Paulo and other major financial centers around the world. The active participation of Goldman Sachs in the world’s financial markets enhances its ability to identify attractive investments. Goldman Sachs has agreed to permit the Funds to use the name “Goldman Sachs” or a derivative thereof as part of each Fund’s name for as long as each Fund’s Management Agreement is in effect.

 

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The Investment Adviser is able to draw on the substantial research and market expertise of Goldman Sachs, whose investment research effort is one of the largest in the industry. The Global Investment Research division provides original fundamental insights and analysis for clients in the equity, fixed income and currency and commodities markets. The group covers areas such as economics, portfolio strategy, derivatives and equity and credit securities in more than 25 stock markets and 50 economies and regions around the world. The in-depth information and analyses generated by Goldman Sachs’ research analysts are available to the Investment Adviser subject to Chinese Wall restrictions.

In addition, many of Goldman Sachs’ economists, securities analysts, portfolio strategists and credit analysts have consistently been highly ranked in respected industry surveys conducted in the United States and abroad. Goldman Sachs is also among the leading investment firms using quantitative analytics (now used by a growing number of investors) to structure and evaluate portfolios. For example, Goldman Sachs’ options evaluation model analyzes a security’s term, coupon and call option providing an overall analysis of the security’s value relative to its interest risk.

In managing the Funds, the Investment Adviser has access to Goldman Sachs’ economics research. The Economics Research Department based in London, conducts economic, financial and currency markets research which analyzes economic trends and interest and exchange rate movements worldwide. The Economics Research Department tracks factors such as inflation and money supply figures, balance of trade figures, economic growth, commodity prices, monetary and fiscal policies, and political events that can influence interest rates and currency trends. The success of Goldman Sachs’ international research team has brought wide recognition to its members. The team has earned top rankings in various external surveys such as Pensions and Investments, Forbes and Dalbar. These rankings acknowledge the achievements of the firm’s economists, strategists and equity analysts.

In allocating assets among foreign countries and currencies for the Funds (as applicable), the Investment Adviser will have access to the Global Asset Allocation Model. The model is based on the observation that the prices of all financial assets, including foreign currencies, will adjust until investors globally are comfortable holding the pool of outstanding assets. Using the model, the Investment Adviser will estimate the total returns from each currency sector which are consistent with the average investor holding a portfolio equal to the market capitalization of the financial assets among those currency sectors. These estimated equilibrium returns are then combined with the expectations of Goldman Sachs’ research professionals to produce an optimal currency and asset allocation for the level of risk suitable for a Fund given its investment objectives and criteria.

The Management Agreement was initially approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Management Agreement or “interested persons” (as such term is defined in the Act) of any party thereto (the “non-interested Trustees”), with respect to the Money Market Fund on August 4, 2005. The Management Agreement for the Global Markets Navigator Fund was initially approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the non-interested Trustees, on December 14, 2011. The Management Agreement was most recently approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the non-interested Trustees, on June 13, 2013. A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees’ basis for approving the Management Agreement is available in the Funds’ semi-annual reports dated June 30, 2013.

The Management Agreements will remain in effect with respect to the Funds until June 30, 2014 and will continue in effect with respect to each Fund from year to year thereafter provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities or a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, and (ii) the vote of a majority of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Management Agreement will terminate automatically with respect to a Fund if assigned (as defined in the Act). The Management Agreement is also terminable at any time without penalty by the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund on 60 days written notice to the Investment Adviser and by the Investment Adviser on 60 days written notice to the Trust.

Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Investment Adviser is entitled to receive the fees listed below, payable monthly based on each Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

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          Actual Rate  
          For the Fiscal  
          Year Ended  

Fund

  

Contractual Rate

   December 31, 2012  

Global Markets Navigator Fund

  

0.79% on the first $1 billion

0.71% on the next $1 billion

0.68% on the next $3 billion

0.66% on the next $3 billion

0.65% over $8 billion

     0.79

Money Market

   0.205%      0.21

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the amount of fees incurred by each Fund then in existence pursuant to the Management Agreement was as follows:

 

     2012      2011      2010  
     With Fee
Waiver
     Without Fee
Waiver
     With Fee
Waiver
     With Fee
Waiver
     With Fee
Waiver
     Without Fee
Waiver
 

Global Markets Navigator Fund*

   $ 59,840       $ 59,840         —           —           —           —     

Money Market Fund

   $ 469,802       $ 469,802         282,960         282,960         291,650         341,205   

 

* The Global Markets Navigator Fund commenced operations on April 16, 2012.

In addition to providing advisory services under its Management Agreement, the Investment Adviser also: (i) supervises all non-advisory operations of each Fund that it advises; (ii) provides personnel to perform such executive, administrative and clerical services as are reasonably necessary to provide effective administration of each Fund; (iii) arranges for at each Fund’s expense (a) the preparation of all required tax returns, (b) the preparation and submission of reports to existing shareholders, (c) the periodic updating of prospectuses and statements of additional information and (d) the preparation of reports to be filed with the SEC and other regulatory authorities; (iv) maintains each Fund’s records; and (v) provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services.

Portfolio Managers — Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers

The following table discloses accounts within each type of category listed below for which the portfolio managers are jointly and primarily responsible for day to day portfolio management.

Please note that all of the fixed income portfolios are managed on a team basis. While lead portfolio managers may be associated with accounts in their specific strategy, the entire team is familiar with our general strategies and objectives and multiple individuals are involved in the management of a portfolio. We believe this approach ensures a high degree of continuity of portfolio management style and knowledge.

For each portfolio manager listed below, the total number of accounts managed is a reflection of accounts within the strategy they oversee or manage, as well as accounts which participate in the sector they manage. There are multiple portfolio managers involved with each account.

 

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    Number of Accounts Managed and Total Assets by Account Type*     Number of Accounts and Total Assets for Which Advisory Fee is
Performance Based*
 
    Registered                 Registered              
    Investment     Other Pooled     Other     Investment     Other Pooled     Other  
    Companies     Investment Vehicles     Accounts     Companies     Investment Vehicles     Accounts  
Name of   Number of     Assets     Number of     Assets     Number of     Assets     Number of     Assets     Number of     Assets     Number of     Assets  
Portfolio Manager   Accounts     Managed     Accounts     Managed     Accounts     Managed     Accounts     Managed     Accounts     Managed     Accounts     Managed  

Global Markets Navigator Fund

                       

Quantitative Investment Strategies Team

                       

Gary Chropuvka**

    32      $ 9.744 billion        39      $ 6.579 billion        1,852      $ 19.632 billion        0      $ 0        1      $ 162 million        6      $ 1.698 billion   

Amna Qaiser

    37      $ 8.6 billion        47      $ 5.6 billion        1,654      $ 21.1 billion        0      $ 0        2      $ 170 million        7      $ 2 billion   

 

*  Unless otherwise noted, this information is as of December 31, 2012.
**  Information for this Portfolio Manager is as of March 31, 2013.

 

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Conflicts of Interest (GSAM). The Investment Adviser’s portfolio managers are often responsible for managing one or more of the Funds as well as other accounts, including proprietary accounts, separate accounts and other pooled investment vehicles, such as unregistered hedge funds. A portfolio manager may manage a separate account or other pooled investment vehicle which may have materially higher fee arrangements than the Funds and may also have a performance-based fee. The side-by-side management of these funds may raise potential conflicts of interest relating to cross trading, the allocation of investment opportunities and the aggregation and allocation of trades.

The Investment Adviser has a fiduciary responsibility to manage all client accounts in a fair and equitable manner. It seeks to provide best execution of all securities transactions and aggregate and then allocate securities to client accounts in a fair and timely manner. To this end, the Investment Adviser has developed policies and procedures designed to mitigate and manage the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from side-by-side management. In addition, the Investment Adviser and the Funds have adopted policies limiting the circumstances under which cross-trades may be effected between a Fund and another client account. The Investment Adviser conducts periodic reviews of trades for consistency with these policies. For more information about conflicts of interests that may arise in connection with the portfolio manager’s management of the Funds’ investments and the investments of other accounts, see “POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST – Allocation of Investment Opportunities Among the Funds and Other Accounts and Goldman Sachs’ and the Investment Adviser’s Activities on Behalf of Other Accounts.”

Portfolio Managers — Compensation

Compensation for portfolio managers of the Investment Adviser is comprised of a base salary and discretionary variable compensation. The base salary is fixed from year to year. Year-end discretionary variable compensation is primarily a function of each portfolio manager’s individual performance and his or her contribution to overall team performance; the performance of the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs; the team’s net revenues for the past year which in part is derived from advisory fees, and for certain accounts, performance-based fees; and anticipated compensation levels among competitor firms. Portfolio managers are rewarded, in part, for their delivery of investment performance, measured on a pre-tax basis, which is reasonably expected to meet or exceed the expectations of clients and fund shareholders in terms of: excess return over an applicable benchmark, peer group ranking, risk management and factors specific to certain funds such as yield or regional focus. Performance is judged over 1-, 3- and 5-year time horizons.

For compensation purposes, the benchmarks for the Global Markets Navigator Fund is the GS Global Markets Navigator Index

The discretionary variable compensation for portfolio managers is also significantly influenced by: (1) effective participation in team research discussions and process; and (2) management of risk in alignment with the targeted risk parameter and investment objective of the fund. Other factors may also be considered including: (1) general client/shareholder orientation and (2) teamwork and leadership. Portfolio managers may receive equity-based awards as part of their discretionary variable compensation.

Other Compensation—In addition to base salary and discretionary variable compensation, the Investment Adviser has a number of additional benefits in place including (1) a 401k program that enables employees to direct a percentage of their pretax salary and bonus income into a tax-qualified retirement plan; and (2) investment opportunity programs in which certain professionals may participate subject to certain eligibility requirements.

Portfolio Managers — Portfolio Managers’ Ownership of Securities in the Funds They Manage

Shares of the Funds are only offered to separate accounts of participating insurance companies for the purpose of funding various annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies and are not available for direct investment by the portfolio managers as of December 31, 2012.

 

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     Dollar Range of Equity Securities Beneficially

Name of Portfolio Manager

  

Owned by Portfolio Manager

Global Markets Navigator Fund

  

Gary Chopuvka

   Global Markets Navigator Fund: None

Amna Qaiser

   Global Markets Navigator Fund: None

Distributor and Transfer Agent

Goldman Sachs, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, serves as the exclusive distributor of shares of the Funds pursuant to a “best efforts” arrangement as provided by a distribution agreement with the Trust on behalf of each Fund. Shares of the Funds are offered and sold on a continuous basis by Goldman Sachs, acting as agent. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, each Fund is responsible for, among other things, the payment of all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation and filing of any registration statement and prospectus covering the issue and sale of shares, and the registration and qualification of shares for sale with the SEC and in the various states, including registering the Fund as a broker or dealer. Each Fund will also pay the fees and expenses of preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses annually to existing shareholders and any notice, proxy statement, report, prospectus or other communication to shareholders of the Fund, printing and mailing confirmations of purchases of shares, any issue taxes or any initial transfer taxes, a portion of toll-free telephone service for shareholders, wiring funds for share purchases and redemptions (unless paid by the shareholder who initiates the transaction), printing and postage of business reply envelopes and a portion of the computer terminals used by both the Fund and the Distributor.

The Distributor will pay for, among other things, printing and distributing prospectuses or reports prepared for its use in connection with the offering of the shares to variable annuity and variable insurance accounts and preparing, printing and mailing any other literature or advertising in connection with the offering of the shares to variable annuity and variable insurance accounts. The Distributor will pay all fees and expenses in connection with its qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state laws, a portion of the toll-free telephone service and of computer terminals, and of any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares issued by each Fund.

As agent, the Distributor currently offers shares of each Fund on a continuous basis to the separate accounts of Participating Insurance Companies in all states in which such Fund may from time to time be registered or where permitted by applicable law. The distribution agreement provides that the Distributor accepts orders for shares at NAV without sales commission or load being charged. The Distributor has made no firm commitment to acquire shares of any Fund.

Goldman Sachs, 71 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, serves as the Trust’s transfer agent. Under its transfer agency agreement with the Trust, Goldman Sachs has undertaken with the Trust with respect to each Fund to: (i) record the issuance, transfer and redemption of shares, (ii) provide purchase and redemption confirmations and quarterly statements, as well as certain other statements, (iii) provide certain information to the Trust’s custodian and the relevant sub-custodian in connection with redemptions, (iv) provide dividend crediting and certain disbursing agent services, (v) maintain shareholder accounts, (vi) provide certain state Blue Sky and other information, (vii) provide shareholders and certain regulatory authorities with tax related information, (viii) respond to shareholder inquiries, and (ix) render certain other miscellaneous services. The fees charged for transfer agency services are calculated daily and payable monthly at an annual rate of 0.02% of the average daily net assets of each Fund. Goldman Sachs may pay to certain intermediaries who perform transfer agent services to shareholders a networking or sub-transfer agent fee. These payments will be made from the transfer agency fees noted above and in the Funds’ Prospectuses.

Since the Institutional Shares of the Funds have not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, Goldman Sachs did not receive compensation for services rendered to the Trust by Goldman Sachs as transfer and dividend disbursing agent with respect to the Funds’ Institutional Shares and the assumption by Goldman Sachs of the expenses related thereto during the last three fiscal years.

 

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Expenses

The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, is responsible for the payment of each Fund’s respective expenses. The expenses include, without limitation, the fees payable to the Investment Adviser, the fees and expenses of the Trust’s custodian and subcustodians, transfer agent fees and expenses, brokerage fees and commissions, filing fees for the registration or qualification of the Trust’s shares under federal or state securities laws, expenses of the organization of the Funds, fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with membership in investment company organizations including, but not limited to, the Investment Company Institute, taxes, interest, costs of liability insurance, fidelity bonds or indemnification, any costs, expenses or losses arising out of any liability of, or claim for damages or other relief asserted against, the Trust for violation of any law, legal, tax and auditing fees and expenses (including the cost of legal and certain accounting services rendered by employees of Goldman Sachs and its affiliates with respect to the Trust), expenses of preparing and setting in type Prospectuses, SAIs, proxy material, reports and notices and the printing and distributing of the same to the Trust’s shareholders and regulatory authorities, any fees and expenses assumed by a Fund pursuant to its distribution and service plan, compensation and expenses of its Independent Trustees, the fees and expenses of pricing services, dividend expenses on short sales and extraordinary expenses, if any, incurred by the Trust. Except for fees and expenses under the distribution and service plan applicable to Service Shares, and transfer agency fees and expenses, all Fund expenses are borne on a non-class specific basis.

Fees and expenses borne by the Funds relating to legal counsel, registering shares of a Fund, holding meetings and communicating with shareholders may include an allocable portion of the cost of maintaining an internal legal and compliance department. Each Fund may also bear an allocable portion of the Investment Adviser’s costs of performing certain accounting services not being provided by the Fund’s custodian.

The imposition of the Investment Adviser’s fees, as well as other operating expenses, will have the effect of reducing the total return to investors. From time to time, the Investment Adviser may waive receipt of its fees and/or assume certain expenses of a Fund, which would have the effect of lowering that Fund’s overall expense ratio and increasing total return to investors at the time such amounts are waived or assumed, as the case may be.

The Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce or limit certain “Other Expenses” (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, transfer agency fees and expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees, litigation, indemnification, shareholder meeting and other extraordinary expenses) for the following Funds to the extent such expenses exceed, on an annual basis, the following percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets through at least October [    ], 2014:

 

     Other Expenses  

Fund

   Limit  

Global Markets Navigator Fund

     0.004

Money Market Fund

     0.004

Prior to this date, the Investment Adviser may not terminate the arrangements without the approval of the Board of Trustees. These arrangements may be modified or terminated by the Investment Adviser after such date, although the Investment Adviser does not presently intend to do so. The Funds’ “Other Expenses” may be further reduced by any custody and transfer agency fee credits received by the Funds.

For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the amounts of certain “Other Expenses” of each Fund were reduced or otherwise limited by the Investment Adviser as follows under the expense limitations that were then in effect:

 

Fund

   2012      2011      2010  

Global Markets Navigator Fund*

     256,111         —           —     

Money Market Fund

     115,245         256,529         201,937   

 

* The Fund commenced operations on April 16, 2012.

 

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These Funds have entered into certain expense offset arrangements with the custodian resulting in a reduction on each Fund’s expenses. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, each Fund’s custody fees were reduced by the following approximate amounts under such arrangement:

 

Fund

   2012      2011      2010  

Global Markets Navigator Fund*

     1,400         —           —     

Money Market Fund

     155         71         90   

 

* The Fund commenced operations on April 16, 2012.

Custodian

JPMorganChase, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, is the custodian of the Global Markets Navigator Fund’s portfolio securities and cash. BNYM, One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, is the custodian of the Money Market Fund. JPMorganChase and BNYM also maintain the Trust’s accounting records for the Funds for which they serve as custodian. JPMorganChase and BNYM may appoint domestic and foreign sub-custodians and use depositories from time to time to hold certain securities and other instruments purchased by the Trust in foreign countries and to hold cash and currencies for the Trust.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

[            ], [            ], is the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm. In addition to audit services, [            ] prepares the Funds’ federal and state tax returns, and provides assistance on certain non-audit matters.

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

General Categories of Conflicts Associated with the Funds

Goldman Sachs (which, for purposes of this “POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST” section, shall mean, collectively, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., the Investment Adviser and their affiliates, directors, partners, trustees, managers, members, officers and employees) is a worldwide, full-service investment banking, broker-dealer, asset management and financial services organization and a major participant in global financial markets. As such, Goldman Sachs provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base. In those and other capacities, Goldman Sachs advises clients in all markets and transactions and purchases, sells, holds and recommends a broad array of investments for its own accounts and for the accounts of clients and of its personnel, through client accounts and the relationships and products it sponsors, manages and advises (such Goldman Sachs or other client accounts (including the Funds), relationships and products collectively, the “Accounts”). Goldman Sachs has direct and indirect interests in the global fixed income, currency, commodity, equities, bank loan and other markets, and the securities and issuers, in which the Funds may directly and indirectly invest. As a result, Goldman Sachs’ activities and dealings may affect the Funds in ways that may disadvantage or restrict the Funds and/or benefit Goldman Sachs or other Accounts. For purposes of this “POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST” section, “Funds” shall mean, collectively, the Funds and any of the other Goldman Sachs Funds.

The following are descriptions of certain conflicts of interest and potential conflicts of interest that may be associated with the financial or other interests that the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs may have in transactions effected by, with, and on behalf of the Funds. They are not, and are not intended to be, a complete enumeration or explanation of all of the potential conflicts of interest that may arise. Additional information about potential conflicts of interest regarding the Investment Adviser and Goldman Sachs is set forth in the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV, which prospective shareholders should review prior to purchasing Fund shares. A copy of Part 1 and Part 2 of the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV is available on the SEC’s website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). A copy of Part 2 of the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV will be provided to shareholders or prospective shareholders upon request.

 

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The Sale of Fund Shares and the Allocation of Investment Opportunities

Sales Incentives and Related Conflicts Arising from Goldman Sachs’ Financial and Other Relationships with Intermediaries

Goldman Sachs and its personnel, including employees of the Investment Adviser, may have relationships (both involving and not involving the Funds, and including without limitation placement, brokerage, advisory and board relationships) with distributors, consultants and others who recommend, or engage in transactions with or for, the Funds. Such distributors, consultants and other parties may receive compensation from Goldman Sachs or the Funds in connection with such relationships. As a result of these relationships, distributors, consultants and other parties may have conflicts that create incentives for them to promote the Funds.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs and the Funds may make payments to authorized dealers and other financial intermediaries and to salespersons to promote the Funds. These payments may be made out of Goldman Sachs’ assets or amounts payable to Goldman Sachs. These payments may create an incentive for such persons to highlight, feature or recommend the Funds.

Allocation of Investment Opportunities Among the Funds and Other Accounts

The Investment Adviser may manage or advise multiple Accounts (including Accounts in which Goldman Sachs and its personnel have an interest) that have investment objectives that are similar to the Funds and that may seek to make investments or sell investments in the same securities or other instruments, sectors or strategies as the Funds. This may create potential conflicts, particularly in circumstances where the availability of such investment opportunities is limited (e.g., in local and emerging markets, high yield securities, fixed income securities, regulated industries, small capitalization and initial public offerings/new issues) or where the liquidity of such investment opportunities is limited.

The Investment Adviser does not receive performance-based compensation in respect of its investment management activities on behalf of the Funds, but may simultaneously manage Accounts for which the Investment Adviser receives greater fees or other compensation (including performance-based fees or allocations) than it receives in respect of the Funds. The simultaneous management of Accounts that pay greater fees or other compensation and the Funds may create a conflict of interest as the Investment Adviser may have an incentive to favor Accounts with the potential to receive greater fees. For instance, the Investment Adviser may be faced with a conflict of interest when allocating scarce investment opportunities given the possibly greater fees from Accounts that pay performance-based fees. To address these types of conflicts, the Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures under which it will allocate investment opportunities in a manner that it believes is consistent with its obligations as an investment adviser. However, the amount, timing, structuring or terms of an investment by the Funds may differ from, and performance may be lower than, the investments and performance of other Accounts.

To address these potential conflicts, the Investment Adviser has developed allocation policies and procedures that provide that Goldman Sachs personnel making portfolio decisions for Accounts will make purchase and sale decisions for, and allocate investment opportunities among, Accounts consistent with the Investment Adviser’s fiduciary obligations. These policies and procedures may result in the pro rata allocation (on a basis determined by the Investment Adviser) of limited opportunities across eligible Accounts managed by a particular portfolio management team, but in many other cases the allocations reflect numerous other factors as described below. Accounts managed by different portfolio management teams may be viewed separately for allocation purposes. There will be cases where certain Accounts (including Accounts in which Goldman Sachs and Goldman Sachs personnel have an interest) receive an allocation of an investment opportunity when the Funds do not.

 

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Allocation-related decisions for the Funds and other Accounts may be made by reference to one or more factors, including without limitation: the Account’s portfolio and its investment horizons, objectives, guidelines and restrictions (including legal and regulatory restrictions affecting certain Accounts or affecting holdings across Accounts); strategic fit and other portfolio management considerations, including different desired levels of exposure to certain strategies; the expected future capacity of the applicable Accounts; limits on the Investment Adviser’s brokerage discretion; cash and liquidity considerations; and the availability of other appropriate investment opportunities. Suitability considerations, reputational matters and other considerations may also be considered. The application of these considerations may cause differences in the performance of Accounts that have strategies similar to those of the Fund. In addition, in some cases the Investment Adviser may make investment recommendations to Accounts where the Accounts make investments independently of the Investment Adviser. In circumstances in which there is limited availability of an investment opportunity, if such Accounts invest in the investment opportunity prior to a Fund, the availability of the investment opportunity for the Fund will be reduced irrespective of the Investment Adviser’s policies regarding allocation of investments. Additional information about the Investment Adviser’s allocation policies is set forth in Item 6 (“PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT—Side-by-Side Management”) of the Investment Adviser’s Form ADV.

The Investment Adviser may, from time to time, develop and implement new trading strategies or seek to participate in new trading strategies and investment opportunities. These strategies and opportunities may not be employed in all Accounts or employed pro rata among Accounts where they are employed, even if the strategy or opportunity is consistent with the objectives of such Accounts.

During periods of unusual market conditions, the Investment Adviser may deviate from its normal trade allocation practices. For example, this may occur with respect to the management of unlevered and/or long-only Accounts that are typically managed on a side-by-side basis with levered and/or long-short Accounts.

The Investment Adviser and the Funds may receive notice of, or offers to participate in, investment opportunities. The Investment Adviser in its sole discretion will determine whether a Fund will participate in any such investment opportunities and investors should not expect that the Fund will participate in any such investment opportunities. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing, the Funds may or may not receive, but in any event will have no rights with respect to, opportunities sourced by Goldman Sachs businesses and affiliates other than the Investment Adviser. Opportunities or any portion thereof that the Funds do not participate in may be offered to other Accounts, Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser), all or certain investors in the Funds, or such other persons or entities as determined by Goldman Sachs in its sole discretion, and the Funds will not receive any compensation related to such opportunities.

Goldman Sachs’ Financial and Other Interests May Incentivize Goldman Sachs to Promote the Sale of Fund Shares

Goldman Sachs and its personnel have interests in promoting sales of Fund shares, and the compensation from such sales may be greater than the compensation relating to sales of interests in other Accounts. Therefore, Goldman Sachs and its personnel may have a financial interest in promoting Fund shares over interests in other Accounts.

Management of the Funds by the Investment Adviser

Potential Restrictions and Issues Relating to Information Held by Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs has established certain information barriers and other policies to address the sharing of information between different businesses within Goldman Sachs. As a result of information barriers, the Investment Adviser generally will not have access, or will have limited access, to information and personnel in other areas of Goldman Sachs, and generally will not be able to manage the Funds with the benefit of information held by such other areas. Such other areas, including without limitation, Goldman Sachs’ prime brokerage and administration businesses,

 

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will have broad access to detailed information that is not available to the Investment Adviser, including information in respect of markets and investments, which, if known to the Investment Adviser, might cause the Investment Adviser to seek to dispose of, retain or increase interests in investments held by the Funds or acquire certain positions on behalf of the Funds, or take other actions. Goldman Sachs will be under no obligation or fiduciary or other duty to make any such information available to the Investment Adviser or personnel of the Investment Adviser involved in decision-making for the Funds. In addition, Goldman Sachs will not have any obligation to make available any information regarding its trading activities, strategies or views, or the activities, strategies or views used for other Accounts, for the benefit of the Funds. Different portfolio management teams within the Investment Adviser may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to Accounts they advise in a manner that may be adverse to the Funds. Such teams may not share information with the Funds’ portfolio management teams, including as a result of certain information barriers and other policies, and will not have any obligation to do so.

Valuation of the Fund’s Investments

The Investment Adviser, while not the primary valuation agent of the Funds, performs certain valuation services related to securities and assets in the Funds. The Investment Adviser values securities and assets in the Funds according to its valuation policies. The Investment Adviser may value an identical asset differently than another division or unit within Goldman Sachs values the asset, including because such other division or unit has information regarding valuation techniques and models or other information that it does not share with the Investment Adviser. This is particularly the case in respect of difficult-to-value assets. The Investment Adviser may also value an identical asset differently in different Accounts (e.g., because different Accounts are subject to different valuation guidelines pursuant to their respective governing agreements, different third party vendors are hired to perform valuation functions for the Accounts or the Accounts are managed or advised by different portfolio management teams within the Investment Adviser). The Investment Adviser may face a conflict with respect to such valuations as they affect the Investment Adviser’s compensation.

Goldman Sachs’ and the Investment Adviser’s Activities on Behalf of Other Accounts

Goldman Sachs engages in various activities in the global financial markets. Goldman Sachs, acting in various capacities (including investment banker, market maker, investor, broker, adviser and research provider), may take actions or advise on transactions in respect of Accounts (including the Funds) or companies or affiliated or unaffiliated investment funds in which one or more Funds have an interest that may have potential adverse effects on the Funds.

The Investment Adviser provides advisory services to the Funds. The Investment Adviser’s decisions and actions on behalf of the Funds may differ from those on behalf of other Accounts. Advice given to, or investment or voting decisions made for, one or more Accounts may compete with, affect, differ from, conflict with, or involve timing different from, advice given to or investment decisions made for the Funds.

Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser), the clients it advises, and its personnel have interests in and advise Accounts that have investment objectives or portfolios similar to or opposed to those of the Funds, and/or which engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities and other instruments as the Funds. Transactions by such Accounts may involve the same or related securities or other instruments as those in which the Funds invest, and may negatively affect the Funds or the prices or terms at which the Funds’ transactions may be effected. For example, Accounts may engage in a strategy while the Funds are undertaking the same or a differing strategy, any of which could directly or indirectly disadvantage the Funds. The Funds on one hand and Goldman Sachs or Accounts on the other hand may also vote differently on or take or refrain from taking different actions with respect to the same security, which may be disadvantageous to the Funds. Goldman Sachs or Accounts, on the one hand, and a Fund, on the other hand, may also invest in or extend credit to different classes of securities or different parts of the capital structure of the same issuer and as a result Goldman Sachs or Accounts may take actions that adversely affect the Fund. In addition, Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser) may advise Accounts with respect to different parts of the capital structure of the same issuer, or classes of securities that are subordinate or senior to securities, in which a Fund invests. As a result, Goldman

 

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Sachs may pursue or enforce rights or activities, or refrain from pursuing or enforcing rights or activities, on behalf of Accounts with respect to a particular issuer in which one or more Funds have invested. The Funds could sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and other Accounts achieve profits. The negative effects described above may be more pronounced in connection with transactions in, or the Funds’ use of, small capitalization, emerging market, distressed or less liquid strategies.

Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser) and its personnel may advise on transactions, make investment decisions or recommendations, provide differing investment views or have views with respect to research or valuations that are inconsistent with, or adverse to, the interests and activities of the Funds. Similarly, the Investment Adviser’s investment teams may have differing investment views in respect of an issuer or a security, and the positions a Fund’s investment team takes in respect of the Fund may be inconsistent with, or adversely affected by, the interests and activities of the Accounts advised by other investment teams of the Investment Adviser. Research, analyses or viewpoints may be available to clients or potential clients at different times. Goldman Sachs will not have any obligation to make available to the Funds any research or analysis prior to its public dissemination. The Investment Adviser is responsible for making investment decisions on behalf of the Funds and such investment decisions can differ from investment decisions or recommendations by Goldman Sachs on behalf of other Accounts. Goldman Sachs, on behalf of one or more Accounts and in accordance with its management of such Accounts, may implement an investment decision or strategy ahead of, or contemporaneously with, or behind similar investment decisions or strategies made for the Funds. The relative timing for the implementation of investment decisions or strategies for Accounts, on the one hand, and the Funds, on the other hand, may disadvantage the Funds. Certain factors, for example, market impact, liquidity constraints, or other circumstances, could result in the Funds receiving less favorable trading results or incurring increased costs associated with implementing such investment decisions or strategies, or being otherwise disadvantaged.

Subject to applicable law, the Investment Adviser may cause the Funds to invest in securities, bank loans or other obligations of companies affiliated with or advised by Goldman Sachs or in which Goldman Sachs or Accounts have an equity, debt or other interest, or to engage in investment transactions that may result in other Accounts being relieved of obligations or otherwise divested of investments, which may enhance the profitability of Goldman Sachs’ or other Accounts’ investment in and activities with respect to such companies.

When the Investment Adviser wishes to place an order for different types of Accounts (including the Funds) for which aggregation is not practicable, the Investment Adviser may use a trade sequencing and rotation policy to determine which type of Account is to be traded first. Under this policy, each portfolio management team may determine the length of its trade rotation period and the sequencing schedule for different categories of clients within this period provided that the trading periods and these sequencing schedules are designed to be fair and equitable over time. The portfolio management teams currently base their trading periods and rotation schedules on the relative amounts of assets managed for different client categories (e.g., unconstrained client accounts, “wrap program” accounts, etc.) and, as a result, the Funds may trade behind other Accounts. Within a given trading period, the sequencing schedule establishes when and how frequently a given client category will trade first in the order of rotation. The Investment Adviser may deviate from the predetermined sequencing schedule under certain circumstances, and the Investment Adviser’s trade sequencing and rotation policy may be amended, modified or supplemented at any time without prior notice to clients.

Investments in Goldman Sachs Funds

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Funds may invest in money market and other funds sponsored, managed or advised by Goldman Sachs. In connection with any such investments, a Fund, to the extent permitted by the Act, will pay all advisory, administrative or Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to the investment, and fees to the Investment Adviser in its capacity as manager of the Funds will not be reduced thereby (i.e., there could be “double fees” involved in making any such investment because Goldman Sachs could receive fees with respect to both the management of the Funds and such money market fund). In such circumstances, as well as in all other circumstances in which Goldman Sachs receives any fees or other compensation in any form relating to the provision of services, no accounting or repayment to the Funds will be required.

 

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Goldman Sachs May In-Source or Outsource

Subject to applicable law, Goldman Sachs, including the Investment Adviser, may from time to time and without notice to investors in-source or outsource certain processes or functions in connection with a variety of services that it provides to the Funds in its administrative or other capacities. Such in-sourcing or outsourcing may give rise to additional conflicts of interest.

Distributions of Assets Other Than Cash

With respect to redemptions from the Funds, the Funds may, in certain circumstances, have discretion to decide whether to permit or limit redemptions and whether to make distributions in connection with redemptions in the form of securities or other assets, and in such case, the composition of such distributions. In making such decisions, the Investment Adviser may have a potentially conflicting division of loyalties and responsibilities with respect to redeeming investors and remaining investors.

Goldman Sachs May Act in a Capacity Other Than Investment Adviser to the Funds

Principal and Cross Transactions

When permitted by applicable law and the Investment Adviser’s policies, the Investment Adviser, acting on behalf of the Funds, may enter into transactions in securities and other instruments with or through Goldman Sachs or in Accounts managed by the Investment Adviser, and may cause the Funds to engage in transactions in which the Investment Adviser acts as principal on its own behalf (principal transactions), advises both sides of a transaction (cross transactions) and acts as broker for, and receives a commission from, the Funds on one side of a transaction and a brokerage account on the other side of the transaction (agency cross transactions). There may be potential conflicts of interest or regulatory issues relating to these transactions which could limit the Investment Adviser’s decision to engage in these transactions for the Funds. Goldman Sachs may have a potentially conflicting division of loyalties and responsibilities to the parties in such transactions, and has developed policies and procedures in relation to such transactions and conflicts. Any principal, cross or agency cross transactions will be effected in accordance with fiduciary requirements and applicable law.

Goldman Sachs May Act in Multiple Commercial Capacities

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs may act as broker, dealer, agent, lender or adviser or in other commercial capacities for the Funds or issuers of securities held by the Funds. Goldman Sachs may be entitled to compensation in connection with the provision of such services, and the Funds will not be entitled to any such compensation. Goldman Sachs will have an interest in obtaining fees and other compensation in connection with such services that are favorable to Goldman Sachs, and in connection with providing such services may take commercial steps in its own interests, or may advise the parties to which it is providing services to take actions or engage in transactions, that negatively affect the Funds. For example, Goldman Sachs may advise a company to make changes to its capital structure the result of which would be a reduction in the value or priority of a security held by one or more Funds. Actions taken or advised to be taken by Goldman Sachs in connection with other types of transactions may also result in adverse consequences for the Fund. In addition, due to its access to and knowledge of funds, markets and securities based on its other businesses, Goldman Sachs may make decisions based on information or take (or refrain from taking) actions with respect to interests in investments of the kind held directly or indirectly by the Funds in a manner that may be adverse to the Funds. Goldman Sachs may also provide various services to the Funds or to issuers of securities in which the Funds invest, which may result in fees, compensation and remuneration as well as other benefits to Goldman Sachs, enhance Goldman Sachs’ relationships with various parties, facilitate additional business development and enable Goldman Sachs to obtain additional business and generate additional revenue.

 

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To the extent permitted by applicable law, Goldman Sachs (including the Investment Adviser) may create, write, sell, issue, invest in or act as placement agent or distributor of derivative instruments related to the Funds, or with respect to underlying securities or assets of the Funds, or which may be otherwise based on or seek to replicate or hedge the performance of the Funds. Such derivative transactions, and any associated hedging activity, may differ from and be adverse to the interests of the Funds.

Goldman Sachs may make loans to shareholders or enter into similar transactions that are secured by a pledge of, or mortgage over, a shareholder’s Fund shares, which would provide Goldman Sachs with the right to redeem such Fund shares in the event that such shareholder defaults on its obligations. These transactions and related redemptions may be significant and may be made without notice to the shareholders.

Goldman Sachs may make loans to clients or enter into asset-based or other credit facilities or similar transactions with clients that are secured by a client’s assets or interests other than Fund shares. In connection with its rights as lender, Goldman Sachs may take actions that adversely affect the borrower. The borrower’s actions may in turn adversely affect the Funds (e.g., if the borrower rapidly liquidates a large position in a security that is held by one or more Funds, the value of such security may decline and the value of the Funds may in turn decline in value or may be unable to liquidate their positions in such security at an advantageous price).

Goldman Sachs May Act in a Capacity as the Creator of the GS Global Markets Navigator IndexTM

Goldman Sachs created the GS Global Markets Navigator IndexTM through both selection of the Underlying Indices of the Index and the development of the Methodology designed to support the Index. The Index Provider is solely responsible for maintaining the Methodology of the Index. Decisions made with respect to the management of the Index, including any future rebalancing or adjustment by the Index Provider, may be adverse to the interests of the Global Markets Navigator Fund.

Goldman Sachs has selected the global asset classes comprising the Index, and may receive various benefits, including compensation and business opportunities, in connection therewith. The Underlying Indices of the Index may include securities issued by Goldman Sachs in respect of which Goldman Sachs may receive compensation. Further, the success of the Index may lead to the use of the Index by other investment products and enable Goldman Sachs to obtain additional business and generate additional revenue therefrom.

Code of Ethics and Personal Trading

Each of the Funds and Goldman Sachs, as each Fund’s Investment Adviser and distributor, has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) in compliance with Section 17(j) of the Act designed to provide that personnel of the Investment Adviser, and certain additional Goldman Sachs personnel who support the Investment Adviser, comply with applicable federal securities laws and place the interests of clients first in conducting personal securities transactions. The Code of Ethics imposes certain restrictions on securities transactions in the personal accounts of covered persons to help avoid conflicts of interest. Subject to the limitations of the Code of Ethics, covered persons may buy and sell securities or other investments for their personal accounts, including investments in the Funds, and may also take positions that are the same as, different from, or made at different times than, positions taken by the Funds. The Codes of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-942-8090. The Codes of Ethics are also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies may also be obtained after paying a duplicating fee by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102, or by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov. Additionally, all Goldman Sachs personnel, including personnel of the Investment Adviser, are subject to firm-wide policies and procedures regarding confidential and proprietary information, information barriers, private investments, outside business activities and personal trading.

 

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Proxy Voting by the Investment Adviser

The Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing proxy voting decisions that it makes on behalf of advisory clients, including the Funds, and to help ensure that such decisions are made in accordance with its fiduciary obligations to its clients. Notwithstanding such proxy voting policies and procedures, proxy voting decisions made by the Investment Adviser in respect of securities held by the Funds may benefit the interests of Goldman Sachs and/or Accounts other than the Funds. For a more detailed discussion of these policies and procedures, see the section of this SAI entitled “PROXY VOTING.”

Potential Limitations and Restrictions on Investment Opportunities and Activities of Goldman Sachs and the Funds

The Investment Adviser may restrict its investment decisions and activities on behalf of the Funds in various circumstances, including as a result of applicable regulatory requirements, information held by Goldman Sachs, Goldman Sachs’ internal policies and/or potential reputational risk in connection with Accounts (including the Funds). As a result, the Investment Adviser might not engage in transactions for one or more Funds in consideration of Goldman Sachs’ activities outside the Funds (e.g., the Investment Adviser may refrain from making investments for the Funds that would cause Goldman Sachs to exceed position limits or cause Goldman Sachs to have additional disclosure obligations and may limit purchases or sales of securities in respect of which Goldman Sachs is engaged in an underwriting or other distribution). The Investment Adviser may also reduce a Fund’s interest in an investment opportunity that has limited availability so that other Accounts that pursue similar investment strategies may be able to acquire an interest in the investment opportunity. In addition, the Investment Adviser is not permitted to obtain or use material non-public information in effecting purchases and sales in public securities transactions for the Funds. The Investment Adviser may also limit an activity or transaction engaged in by the Funds, and may limit its exercise of rights on behalf of the Funds for reputational or other reasons, including where Goldman Sachs is providing (or may provide) advice or services to an entity involved in such activity or transaction, where Goldman Sachs or an Account is or may be engaged in the same or a related transaction to that being considered on behalf of the Funds, where Goldman Sachs or an Account has an interest in an entity involved in such activity or transaction, or where such activity or transaction or the exercise of such rights on behalf of or in respect of the Funds could affect Goldman Sachs, the Investment Adviser or their activities. The Investment Adviser may restrict its investment decisions and activities on behalf of one or more Funds and not on behalf of other Accounts.

Brokerage Transactions

The Investment Adviser may select broker-dealers (including affiliates of the Investment Adviser) that furnish the Investment Adviser, the Funds, their affiliates and other Goldman Sachs personnel with proprietary or third party brokerage and research services (collectively, “brokerage and research services”) that provide, in the Investment Adviser’s view, appropriate assistance to the Investment Adviser in the investment decision-making process. As a result, the Investment Adviser may pay for such brokerage and research services with “soft” or commission dollars.

Brokerage and research services may be used to service the Funds and any or all other Accounts, including Accounts that do not pay commissions to the broker-dealer relating to the brokerage and research service arrangements. As a result, brokerage and research services (including soft dollar benefits) may disproportionately benefit other Accounts relative to the Funds based on the relative amount of commissions paid by the Funds. The Investment Adviser does not attempt to allocate soft dollar benefits proportionately among clients or to track the benefits of brokerage and research services to the commissions associated with a particular Account or group of Accounts.

 

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Aggregation of Trades by the Investment Adviser

The Investment Adviser follows policies and procedures pursuant to which it may combine or aggregate purchase or sale orders for the same security for multiple Accounts (including Accounts in which Goldman Sachs has an interest) (sometimes called “bunching”), so that the orders can be executed at the same time. The Investment Adviser aggregates orders when the Investment Adviser considers doing so appropriate and in the interests of its clients generally. In addition, under certain circumstances trades for the Funds may be aggregated with Accounts that contain Goldman Sachs assets.

When a bunched order is completely filled, the Investment Adviser generally will allocate the securities purchased or proceeds of sale pro rata among the participating Accounts, based on the purchase or sale order. If an order is filled at several different prices, through multiple trades (whether at a particular broker-dealer or among multiple broker-dealers), generally all participating Accounts will receive the average price and pay the average commission, however, this may not always be the case (due to, e.g., odd lots, rounding, market practice or constraints applicable to particular Accounts).

Although it may do so in certain circumstances, the Investment Adviser generally does not bunch or aggregate orders for different Funds, or net buy and sell orders for the same Fund, if portfolio management decisions relating to the orders are made by separate portfolio management teams, if bunching, aggregating or netting is not appropriate or practicable from the Investment Adviser’s operational or other perspective, or if doing so would not be appropriate in light of applicable regulatory considerations. The Investment Adviser may be able to negotiate a better price and lower commission rate on aggregated trades than on trades for Funds that are not aggregated, and incur lower transaction costs on netted trades than trades that are not netted. Where transactions for a Fund are not aggregated with other orders, or not netted against orders for the Fund, the Fund may not benefit from a better price and lower commission rate or lower transaction cost.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

The Investment Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Funds, the selection of brokers and dealers to effect the transactions and the negotiation of brokerage commissions, if any. Purchases and sales of securities may be executed internally by a broker-dealer, effected on an agency basis in a block transaction, or routed to competing market centers for execution. The compensation paid to the broker for providing execution services generally is negotiated and reflected in either a commission or a “net” price. Executions provided on a net price basis, with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, usually include a profit to the dealer.

In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter’s concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market instruments may be purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid.

In placing orders for portfolio securities of a Fund, the Investment Adviser is generally required to give primary consideration to obtaining the most favorable execution and net price available. This means that the Investment Adviser will seek to execute each transaction at a price and commission, if any, which provides the most favorable total cost or proceeds reasonably attainable in the circumstances. As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Section 28(e)”), the Fund may pay a broker who provides brokerage and research services to the Fund an amount of disclosed commission in excess of the commission which another broker would have charged for effecting that transaction. Such practice is subject to a good faith determination by the Trustees that such commission is reasonable in light of the services provided and to such policies as the Trustees may adopt from time to time. While the Investment Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, a Fund will not necessarily be paying the lowest spread or commission available. Within the framework of this policy, the Investment Adviser will consider research and investment services provided by brokers or dealers who effect or are parties to portfolio transactions of a Fund, the Investment Adviser and its affiliates or their other clients. Such research and investment services are those which brokerage houses customarily provide to institutional investors and include research reports on particular industries and companies; economic surveys and analyses; recommendations as to specific securities; research products including quotation equipment and computer related programs; advice concerning the value of securities, the advisability of

 

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investing in, purchasing or selling securities and the availability of securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities; analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and performance of accounts; services relating to effecting securities transactions and functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement); and other lawful and appropriate assistance to the Investment Adviser in the performance of its decision-making responsibilities.

Such services are used by the Investment Adviser in connection with all of their investment activities, and some of such services obtained in connection with the execution of transactions for a Fund may be used in managing other investment accounts. Conversely, brokers furnishing such services may be selected for the execution of transactions of such other accounts, whose aggregate assets may be larger than those of a Fund’s, and the services furnished by such brokers may be used by the Investment Adviser in providing management services for the Trust. The Investment Adviser may also participate in so-called “commission sharing arrangements” and “client commission arrangements” under which the Investment Adviser may execute transactions through a broker-dealer and request that the broker-dealer allocate a portion of the commissions or commission credits to another firm that provides research to the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser excludes from use under these arrangements those products and services that are not fully eligible under applicable law and regulatory interpretations – even as to the portion that would be eligible if accounted for separately.

The research services received as part of commission sharing and client commission arrangements will comply with Section 28(e) and may be subject to different legal requirements in the jurisdictions in which the Investment Adviser does business. Participating in commission sharing and client commission arrangements may enable the Investment Adviser to consolidate payments for research through one or more channels using accumulated client commissions or credits from transactions executed through a particular broker-dealer to obtain research provided by other firms. Such arrangements also help to ensure the continued receipt of research services while facilitating best execution in the trading process. The Investment Adviser believes such research services are useful in their investment decision-making process by, among other things, ensuring access to a variety of high quality research, access to individual analysts and availability of resources that the Investment Adviser might not be provided access to absent such arrangements.

On occasions when the Investment Adviser deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of a Fund as well as its other customers (including any other fund or other investment company or advisory account for which the Investment Adviser acts as investment adviser or sub-investment adviser), the Investment Adviser, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for such other customers in order to obtain the best net price and most favorable execution under the circumstances. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Investment Adviser in the manner it considers to be equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to such Fund and such other customers. In some instances, this procedure may adversely affect the price and size of the position obtainable for a Fund.

Subject to the above considerations, the Investment Adviser may use Goldman Sachs or an affiliate as a broker for a Fund. In order for Goldman Sachs or an affiliate, acting as agent, to effect any portfolio transactions for each Fund, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by Goldman Sachs or an affiliate must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities or futures contracts. Furthermore, the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested” Trustees, have adopted procedures which are reasonably designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to Goldman Sachs are consistent with the foregoing standard. Brokerage transactions with Goldman Sachs are also subject to such fiduciary standards as may be imposed upon Goldman Sachs by applicable law.

Commission rates in the U.S. are established pursuant to negotiations with the broker based on the quality and quantity of execution services provided by the broker in the light of generally prevailing rates. The allocation of orders among brokers and the commission rates paid are reviewed periodically by the Trustees. The amount of brokerage commissions paid by a Fund may vary substantially from year to year because of differences in shareholder purchase and redemption activity, portfolio turnover rates and other factors.

 

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For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, each Fund paid brokerage commissions as follows (neither Fund paid brokerage commissions prior to that period).

 

Fiscal Year Ended

December 31, 2012:

   Total
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid*
     Total
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid to
Goldman
Sachs*
     Total
Amount of
Transactions
on which
Commissions
Paid*
    Amount of
Transactions
Effected
through

Brokers
Providing

Research
     Brokerage
Commissions
Paid
to Brokers
Providing
Research**
 

Global Markets Navigator Fund***

     3,430         —           77,704,874 (0%)      —           —     

Money Market Fund

     —           —           —          —           —     

 

* The figures in the table report brokerage commissions only from securities transactions. Percentages next to each dollar figure represent percentages of total amount of commissions paid to, or transactions effected through, Goldman Sachs and other affiliated broker-dealers.
** The information above reflects the full commission amounts paid to brokers that provide research to the Investment Adviser. Only a portion of such commission pays for research and the remainder of such commission is to compensate the broker for execution services, commitment of capital and other services related to the execution of brokerage transactions.
*** The Fund commenced operations on April 16, 2012.

Funds’ Investments in Regular Broker-Dealers

As of December 31, 2012, the Funds held the following amounts of securities of their regular broker-dealers, as defined in Rule 10b-1 under the Act, or their parents ($ in thousands):

 

Fund

  

Broker/Dealer

   Amount  
Money Market Fund    BNP Paribas    $ 5,000   
   Credit Suisse Securities LLC    $ 5,000   
   Deutsche Bank    $ 2,000   
   JPMorgan Chase Bank    $  4,000   

NET ASSET VALUE

General. In accordance with procedures adopted by the Trustees of the Trust, the NAV per share of each class of each Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net assets attributed to each class of that Fund and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of that class. All securities are valued on each Business Day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) or such other time as the New York Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (“NASDAQ”) market may officially close. The term “Business Day” means any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading which is Monday through Friday except for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day (observed), Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Washington’s Birthday (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Certain Fund shares may be priced on such days if the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (“SIFMA”) recommends that bond markets remain open for all or part of the day.

The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time by which orders must be received may be changed in case of an emergency or if regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange is stopped at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Trust reserves the right to reprocess purchase, redemption and exchange transactions that were initially

 

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processed at an NAV other than the Fund’s official closing NAV that is subsequently adjusted, and to recover amounts from (or distribute amounts to) shareholders based on the official closing NAV. The Trust reserves the right to advance the time by which purchase and redemption orders must be received for same business day credit as otherwise permitted by the SEC. In addition, each Fund may compute its NAV as of any time permitted pursuant to any exemption, order or statement of the SEC or its staff.

The value of all assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies will be converted into U.S. dollar values at current exchange rates of such currencies against U.S. dollars as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). If such quotations are not available, the rate of exchange will be determined in good faith by or under procedures established by the Board of Trustees.

Generally, trading in securities on European, Asian and Far Eastern securities exchanges and on over–the–counter markets in these regions is substantially completed at various times prior to the close of business on each Business Day in New York (i.e., a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading). In addition, European, Asian or Far Eastern securities trading generally or in a particular country or countries may not take place on all Business Days in New York. Furthermore, trading takes place in various foreign markets on days which are not Business Days in New York and days on which the Funds’ NAVs are not calculated. Such calculation does not take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the majority of the portfolio securities used in such calculation. The Funds’ investments are valued based on market quotations which may be furnished by a pricing service or provided by securities dealers or, in the case of foreign equity securities, “fair value” prices are provided by an independent fair value service (if available), in accordance with fair value procedures approved by the Trustees, and are intended to reflect more accurately the value of those securities at the time the Funds’ NAV is calculated. Fair value prices are used because many foreign markets operate at times that do not coincide with those of the major U.S. markets. Events that could affect the values of foreign portfolio holdings may occur between the close of the foreign market and the time of determining the NAV, and would not otherwise be reflected in the NAV. If the independent fair value service does not provide a fair value for a particular security or if the value does not meet the established criteria for the Funds, the most recent closing price for such a security on its principal exchange will generally be its fair value on such date.

The Investment Adviser, consistent with its procedures and applicable regulatory guidance, may (but need not) determine to make an adjustment to the previous closing prices of either domestic or foreign securities in light of significant events, to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities at the time of determining a Fund’s NAV. Significant events that could affect a large number of securities in a particular market may include, but are not limited to: situations relating to one or more single issuers in a market sector; significant fluctuations in U.S. or foreign markets; market dislocations; market disruptions or unscheduled market closings; equipment failures; natural or man-made disasters or acts of God; armed conflicts; governmental actions or other developments; as well as the same or similar events which may affect specific issuers or the securities markets even though not tied directly to the securities markets. Other significant events that could relate to a single issuer may include, but are not limited to: corporate actions such as reorganizations, mergers and buy-outs; corporate announcements, including those relating to earnings, products and regulatory news; significant litigation; ratings downgrades; bankruptcies; and trading suspensions.

In general, fair value represents a good faith approximation of the current value of an asset and may be used when there is no public market or possibly no market at all for an asset. A security that is fair valued may be valued at a price higher or lower than actual market quotations or the value determined by other funds using their own fair valuation procedures. The fair value of an asset may not be the price at which that asset is ultimately sold.

The proceeds received by each Fund and each other series of the Trust from the issue or sale of its shares, and all net investment income, realized and unrealized gain and proceeds thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated to such Fund or particular series and constitute the underlying assets of that Fund or series. The underlying assets of each Fund will be segregated on the books of account, and will be charged with the liabilities in respect of such Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust. Expenses of the Trust with respect to the Funds and the other series of the Trust are generally allocated in proportion to the NAVs of the respective Funds or series except where allocations of expenses can otherwise be fairly made.

 

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Global Markets Navigator Fund. Portfolio securities of the Fund for which market quotations are readily available are valued as follows: (i) securities listed on any U.S. or foreign stock exchange or on the NASDAQ will be valued at the last sale price or the official closing price on the exchange or system in which they are principally traded on the valuation date. If there is no sale on the valuation day, securities traded will be valued at the closing bid price, or if a closing bid price is not available, at either the exchange or system defined close price on the exchange or system in which such securities are principally traded. If the relevant exchange or system has not closed by the above-mentioned time for determining the Fund’s NAV, the securities will be valued at the last sale price or official closing price, or if not available at the bid price at the time the NAV is determined; (ii) over-the-counter securities not quoted on NASDAQ will be valued at the last sale price on the valuation day or, if no sale occurs, at the last bid price at the time NAV is determined; (iii) equity securities for which no prices are obtained under sections (i) or (ii) including those for which a pricing service supplies no exchange quotation or a quotation that is believed by the portfolio manager/trader to be inaccurate, will be valued at their fair value in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Trustees; (iv) fixed income securities, with the exception of short term securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less, will be valued using evaluated prices provided by a recognized pricing service (e.g., Interactive Data Corp., Reuters, etc.) or dealer-supplied quotations; (v) fixed income securities for which accurate market quotations are not readily available are valued by the Investment Adviser based on valuation models that take into account various factors such as spread and daily yield changes on government or other securities in the appropriate market (i.e., matrix pricing); (vi) short term fixed income securities with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which the Trustees have determined to approximate fair value; (vii) investments in open-end registered investment companies (excluding investments in ETFs) are valued based on the NAV of those registered investment companies (which may use fair value pricing as discussed in their prospectus); and (viii) all other instruments, including those for which a pricing service supplies no exchange quotation or a quotation that is believed by the portfolio manager/trader to be inaccurate, will be valued in accordance with the valuation procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

Money Market Fund. The Money Market Fund’s securities are valued using the amortized cost method of valuation in an effort to maintain a constant NAV of $1.00 per share, which the Board of Trustees has determined to be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. This method involves valuing a security at cost on the date of acquisition and thereafter assuming a constant accretion of a discount or amortization of a premium to maturity, regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates and other factors on the market value of the instrument. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the price the Fund would receive if it sold the instrument. During such periods, the yield to an investor in the Fund may differ somewhat from that obtained in a similar investment company which uses available market quotations to value all of its portfolio securities. During periods of declining interest rates, the quoted yield on shares of the Fund may tend to be higher than a like computation made by a fund with identical investments utilizing a method of valuation based upon market prices and estimates of market prices for all of its portfolio instruments. Thus, if the use of amortized cost resulted in a lower aggregate portfolio value on a particular day, a prospective investor in the Fund would be able to obtain a somewhat higher yield if he or she purchased shares of the Fund on that day, than would result from investment in a fund utilizing solely market values, and existing investors in the Fund would receive less investment income. The converse would apply in a period of rising interest rates.

The Trustees have established procedures designed to stabilize, to the extent reasonably possible, the Fund’s price per share as computed for the purpose of sales and redemptions at $1.00. Such procedures include review of the Fund by the Trustees, at such intervals as they deem appropriate, to determine whether the Fund’s NAV calculated by using available market quotations (or an appropriate substitute which reflects market conditions) deviates from $1.00 per share based on amortized cost, as well as review of methods used to calculate the deviation. If such deviation exceeds 1/2 of 1%, the Trustees will promptly consider what action, if any, will be initiated. In the event the Trustees determine that a deviation exists which may result in material dilution or other unfair results to investors or existing shareholders, they will take such corrective action as they regard to be necessary and appropriate, including the sale of portfolio instruments prior to

 

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maturity to realize capital gains or losses or to shorten average portfolio maturity; withholding part or all of dividends or payment of distributions from capital or capital gains; redeeming shares in kind; or establishing a NAV per share by using available market quotations or equivalents. In addition, in order to stabilize the NAV per share at $1.00, the Trustees have the authority (i) to reduce or increase the number of shares outstanding on a pro rata basis, and (ii) to offset each shareholder’s pro rata portion of the deviation between the NAV per share and $1.00 from the shareholder’s accrued dividend account or from future dividends. The Fund may hold cash for the purpose of stabilizing its NAV per share. Holdings of cash, on which no return is earned, would tend to lower the yield on the Fund’s shares.

In order to continue to use the amortized cost method of valuation for the Fund’s investments, the Fund must comply with Rule 2a-7 under the Act.

Errors and Corrective Actions

The Investment Adviser will report to the Board of Trustees any material breaches of investment objective, policies or restrictions and any material errors in the calculation of the NAV of a Fund or the processing of purchases and redemptions. Depending on the nature and size of an error, corrective action may or may not be required. Corrective action may involve a prospective correction of the NAV only, correction of any erroneous NAV and compensation to a Fund, or correction of any erroneous NAV, compensation to a Fund and reprocessing of individual shareholder transactions. The Trust’s policies on errors and corrective action limit or restrict when corrective action will be taken or when compensation to a Fund or its shareholders will be paid, and not all mistakes will result in compensable errors. As a result, neither a Fund nor its shareholders who purchase or redeem shares during periods in which errors accrue or occur may be compensated in connection with the resolution of an error. Shareholders will generally not be notified of the occurrence of a compensable error or the resolution thereof absent unusual circumstances. As discussed in more detail under “NET ASSET VALUE,” a Fund’s portfolio securities may be priced based on quotations for those securities provided by pricing services. There can be no guarantee that a quotation provided by a pricing service will be accurate.

SHARES OF THE TRUST

Each Fund is a series of Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, which was formed under the laws of the state of Delaware on September 16, 1997. The Trustees have authority under the Trust’s Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares of beneficial interest in separate series, without further action by shareholders. The Trustees also have authority to classify and reclassify any series or portfolio of shares into one or more classes. As of October [], 2013, the Trustees have classified shares in each Fund as classes of shares called Service Shares and Institutional Shares. Additional series and classes may be added in the future.

Each Institutional Share and Service Share of a Fund represents a proportionate interest in the assets belonging to the applicable class of the Fund. All expenses of a Fund are borne at the same rate by each class of shares, except that fees and expenses under distribution and service plans are borne exclusively by Service Shares. The Trustees may determine in the future that it is appropriate to allocate other expenses differently among classes of shares and may do so to the extent consistent with the rules of the SEC and positions of the IRS. Each class of shares may have different minimum investment requirements and be entitled to different shareholder services.

It is possible that a participating insurance company or its affiliate may offer different classes of shares (i.e., Institutional Shares and Service Shares) to its customers and thus receive different compensation with respect to different classes of shares of each Fund. Dividends paid by each Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be calculated in the same manner, at the same time on the same day and will be in the same amount, except for differences caused by the fact that the respective plan fees relating to a particular class will be borne exclusively by that class. Similarly, the NAV per share may differ depending upon the class of shares purchased.

 

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Certain aspects of the shares may be altered after advance notice to shareholders if it is deemed necessary in order to satisfy certain tax regulatory requirements.

When issued for the consideration described in the Funds’ Prospectuses, shares are fully paid and non-assessable. The Trustees may, however, cause shareholders, or shareholders of a particular series or class, to pay certain custodian, transfer, servicing or similar agent charges by setting off the same against declared but unpaid dividends or by reducing share ownership (or by both means). In the event of liquidation, shareholders are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the applicable class of the relevant Fund available for distribution to such shareholders. All shares are freely transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or conversion rights. The Trustees may require shareholders to redeem Shares for any reason under terms set by the Trustees.

The Act requires that where more than one series of shares exists, each series must be preferred over all other series in respect of assets specifically allocated to such series. In addition, Rule 18f-2 under the Act provides that any matter required to be submitted by the provisions of the Act or applicable state law, or otherwise, 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 of each series affected by such matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a series shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless the interests of each series in the matter are substantially identical or the matter does not affect any interest of such series. However, Rule 18f-2 exempts the selection of independent public accountants, the approval of principal distribution contracts and the election of trustees from the separate voting requirements of Rule 18f-2.

The Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders and does not intend to hold such meetings. In the event that a meeting of shareholders is held, each share of the Trust will be entitled, as determined by the Trustees without the vote or consent of the shareholders, either to one vote for each share or to one vote for each dollar of NAV represented by such share on all matters presented to shareholders including the election of Trustees (this method of voting being referred to as “dollar based voting”). However, to the extent required by the Act or otherwise determined by the Trustees, series and classes of the Trust will vote separately from each other. Shareholders of the Trust do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of Trustees. Meetings of shareholders of the Trust, or any series or class thereof, may be called by the Trustees, certain officers or upon the written request of holders of 10% or more of the shares entitled to vote at such meetings. The Trustees will call a special meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees if, at any time, less than a majority of Trustees holding office at the time were elected by shareholders. The shareholders of the Trust will have voting rights only with respect to the limited number of matters specified in the Declaration of Trust and such other matters as the Trustees may determine or may be required by law.

The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification of Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust unless the recipient is adjudicated (i) to be liable by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person’s office or (ii) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such person’s actions were in the best interest of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust provides that, if any shareholder or former shareholder of any series is held personally liable solely by reason of being or having been a shareholder and not because of the shareholder’s acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or the shareholder’s heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives or general successors) shall be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The Trust, acting on behalf of any affected series, must, upon request by such shareholder, assume the defense of any claim made against such shareholder for any act or obligation of the series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the series.

The Declaration of Trust permits the termination of the Trust or of any series or class of the Trust (i) by a majority of the affected shareholders at a meeting of shareholders of the Trust, series or class; or (ii) by a majority of the Trustees without shareholder approval if the Trustees determine, in their sole discretion, that such action is in the best interest of the Trust, such series, such class or their respective shareholders. The Trustees may consider such factors as they, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate in making such determination, including (i) the inability of the Trust or any series or class to maintain its assets at an appropriate size; (ii) changes in laws or regulations governing the Trust, series, or class or affecting assets of the type in which it invests; or (iii) economic developments or trends having a significant adverse impact on the business or operations of the Trust or series.

 

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The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees without shareholder approval to cause the Trust, or any series thereof, to merge or consolidate with any corporation, association, trust or other organization or sell or exchange all or substantially all of the property belonging to the Trust or any series thereof. In addition, the Trustees, without shareholder approval, may adopt a master-feeder structure by investing all or a portion of the assets of a series of the Trust in the securities of another open-end investment company with substantially the same investment objective, restrictions and policies.

The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to amend the Declaration of Trust without a shareholder vote. However, shareholders of the Trust have the right to vote on any amendment (i) that would adversely affect the voting rights of shareholders; (ii) that is required by law to be approved by shareholders; (iii) that would amend the provisions of the Declaration of Trust regarding amendments and supplements thereto; or (iv) that the Trustees determine to submit to shareholders.

The Trustees may appoint separate Trustees with respect to one or more series or classes of the Trust’s shares (the “Series Trustees”). Series Trustees may, but are not required to, serve as Trustees of the Trust or any other series or class of the Trust. To the extent provided by the Trustees in the appointment of Series Trustees, the Series Trustees may have, to the exclusion of any other Trustees of the Trust, all the powers and authorities of Trustees under the Declaration of Trust with respect to such Series or Class, but may have no power or authority with respect to any other series or class.

Shareholder and Trustee Liability

Under Delaware Law, the shareholders of the Funds are not generally subject to liability for the debts or obligations of the Trust. Similarly, Delaware law provides that a series of the Trust will not be liable for the debts or obligations of any other series of the Trust. However, no similar statutory or other authority limiting statutory trust shareholder liability exists in other states. As a result, to the extent that a Delaware statutory trust or a shareholder is subject to the jurisdiction of courts of such other states, the courts may not apply Delaware law and may thereby subject the Delaware statutory trust shareholders to liability. To guard against this risk, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of a series. Notice of such disclaimer will normally be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by a series of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification by the relevant series for all loss suffered by a shareholder as a result of an obligation of the series. The Declaration of Trust also provides that a series shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the series and satisfy any judgment thereon. In view of the above, the risk of personal liability of shareholders of a Delaware statutory trust is remote.

In addition to the requirements under Delaware law, the Declaration of Trust provides that shareholders of a series may bring a derivative action on behalf of the series only if the following conditions are met: (a) shareholders eligible to bring such derivative action under Delaware law who hold at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the series, or 10% of the outstanding shares of the class to which such action relates, shall join in the request for the Trustees to commence such action; and (b) the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim. The Trustees will be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits of the request and may require an undertaking by the shareholders making such request to reimburse the series for the expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action.

The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

 

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TAXATION

Shares of the Funds are offered to Separate Accounts that fund variable annuity contracts and variable insurance policies issued by Participating Insurance Companies. See the prospectuses for such contracts for a discussion of the special taxation of insurance companies with respect to the Separate Accounts, the variable annuity contracts, variable insurance policies and the holders thereof.

The following is only a summary of certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders that are not described in the Prospectuses. The discussions below and in the Prospectuses are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning. Each prospective investor is urged to consult his or her own tax adviser with respect to the specific federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in a Fund. The summary is based on the laws in effect on April 30, 2013, which are subject to change.

General

The holders of variable life insurance policies or annuity contracts should not be subject to tax with respect to distributions made on, or redemptions of, Fund shares, assuming that the variable life insurance policies and annuity contracts qualify under the Code, as life insurance or annuities, respectively, and that the Separate Account shareholders are treated as owners of the Fund shares. Thus, this summary does not describe the tax consequences to a holder of a life insurance policy or annuity contract as a result of the ownership of such policies or contracts. Policy or contract holders must consult the prospectuses of their respective policies or contracts for information concerning the federal income tax consequences of owning such policies or contracts. This summary also does not describe the tax consequences applicable to the owners of the Fund shares because the Fund shares will be sold only to insurance companies. Thus, purchasers of Fund shares must consult their own tax advisers regarding the federal, state, and local tax consequences of owning Fund shares.

Each of the Funds has elected to be treated and intends to qualify for each of its taxable years as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of Subtitle A, Chapter 1, of the Code. Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code requires, among other things, that (1) a Fund derive at least 90% of its gross income for its taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of stocks or securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures, and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies (the “90% gross income test”); and (2) the Fund diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of such Fund’s total (gross) assets is comprised of cash, cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of such Fund’s total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total (gross) assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies) or two or more issuers controlled by the Fund and engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or certain publicly traded partnerships. For purposes of the 90% gross income test, income that a Fund earns from equity interests in certain entities that are not treated as corporations (e.g., partnerships or trusts) for U.S. tax purposes will generally have the same character for such Fund as in the hands of such an entity; consequently, a Fund may be required to limit its equity investments in such entities that earn fee income, rental income, or other nonqualifying income. In addition, future Treasury regulations could provide that qualifying income under the 90% gross income test will not include gains from foreign currency transactions that are not directly related to a Fund’s principal business of investing in stock or securities or options and futures with respect to stock or securities. Using foreign currency positions or entering into foreign currency options, futures and forward or swap contracts for purposes other than hedging currency risk with respect to securities in a Fund’s portfolio or anticipated to be acquired may not qualify as “directly-related” under these tests.

 

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If a Fund complies with such provisions, then in any taxable year in which such Fund distributes, in compliance with the Code’s timing and other requirements, at least 90% of its “investment company taxable income” (which includes dividends, taxable interest, taxable accrued original issue discount and market discount income, income from securities lending, any net short term capital gain in excess of net long term capital loss, certain net realized foreign exchange gains and any other taxable income other than “net capital gain,” as defined below, and is reduced by deductible expenses), and at least 90% of the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest income (if any) over certain disallowed deductions, such Fund (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on any income of the Fund, including long term capital gains, distributed to shareholders. However, if a Fund retains any investment company taxable income or “net capital gain” (the excess of net long term capital gain over net short term capital loss), it will be subject to a tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, or, if the shortfall in distributions is large enough, a Fund could be disqualified as a regulated investment company.

Each Fund intends to distribute for each taxable year to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income, net capital gain and any net tax-exempt interest. Exchange control or other foreign laws, regulations or practices may restrict repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors and may therefore make it more difficult for such a Fund to satisfy the distribution requirements described above, as well as the excise tax distribution requirements described below. However, each Fund generally expects to be able to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy such requirements from new investors, the sale of securities or other sources. If for any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, it will be taxed on all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain at corporate rate without any deduction for dividends paid.

Each Fund intends to comply with the diversification requirements imposed by Section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder. Under Code Section 817(h), a variable life insurance or annuity contract will not be treated as a life insurance policy or annuity contract, respectively, under the Code, unless the Separate Account upon which such contract or policy is based is “adequately diversified.” A Separate Account will be adequately diversified if it satisfies one of two alternative tests set forth in the Treasury regulations. Specifically, the Treasury regulations provide that, except as permitted by the “safe harbor” discussed below, as of the end of each calendar quarter (or within 30 days thereafter) no more than 55% of the Separate Account’s total assets may be represented by any one investment, no more than 70% by any two investments, no more than 80% by any three investments and no more than 90% by any four investments. For this purpose, all securities of the same issuer are considered a single investment, and each U.S. government agency and instrumentality is considered a separate issuer. As a safe harbor, a Separate Account will be treated as being adequately diversified if the diversification requirements under Subchapter M are satisfied and no more than 55% of the value of the account’s total assets are cash and cash items, U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies. In addition, a Separate Account with respect to a variable life insurance contract is treated as adequately diversified to the extent of its investment in securities issued by the United States Treasury.

For purposes of these alternative diversification tests, a Separate Account investing in shares of a regulated investment company generally will be entitled to “look through” the regulated investment company to its pro rata portion of the regulated investment company’s assets, provided that the shares of such regulated investment company are held only by insurance companies and certain fund managers (a “Closed Fund”). Each Fund will be a Closed Fund.

If the Separate Account upon which a variable contract is based is not “adequately diversified” under the foregoing rules for each calendar quarter, then (i) the variable contract is not treated as a life insurance contract or annuity contract under the Code for all subsequent periods during which such account is not “adequately diversified” and (ii) the holders of such contract must include as ordinary income the “income on the contract” for each taxable year. Further, the income on a life insurance contract for all prior taxable years is treated as received or accrued during the taxable year of the policyholder in which the contract ceases to meet the definition of a “life insurance contract” under the Code. The “income on the contract” is, generally, the excess of (i) the sum of the increase in the net surrender value of the contract during the taxable year and the cost of the life insurance protection provided under the contract during the year, over (ii) the premiums paid under the contract during the taxable year. In addition, if a Fund did not constitute a Closed Fund, the holders of the contracts and annuities which invest in the Fund through a Separate Account might be treated as owners of Fund shares and might be subject to tax on distributions made by the Fund.

 

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In order to avoid a 4% federal excise tax, each Fund may be required to distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year at least 98% of its taxable ordinary income for such year, at least 98.2% of the excess of its capital gains over its capital losses (generally computed on the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year), and all taxable ordinary income and the excess of capital gains over capital losses for any previous year that were not distributed for such year and on which the Fund paid no federal income tax. However, the excise tax does not apply to a Fund whose only shareholders during the year generally are segregated asset accounts and tax-exempt investors.

For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss in any year to offset its own capital gains, if any, during the eight years following the loss for losses in tax years beginning before December 22, 2010, and indefinitely for losses arising in subsequent years. As of December 31, 2012, the Funds did not have capital loss carryforwards.

Certain of the Funds will be subject to foreign taxes on their income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) from foreign securities. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases.

Investments in lower-rated securities may present special tax issues for a Fund to the extent actual or anticipated defaults may be more likely with respect to such securities. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when a Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount, or market discount; when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities; how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and income; and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by a Fund, in the event it invests in such securities, in order to seek to eliminate or minimize any adverse tax consequences.

State and Local

Each Fund may be subject to state or local taxes in jurisdictions in which such Fund may be deemed to be doing business. In addition, in those states or localities which have income tax laws, the treatment of such Fund and its shareholders under such laws may differ from their treatment under federal income tax laws, and investment in such Fund may have tax consequences for shareholders different from those of a direct investment in such Fund’s portfolio securities.

PROXY VOTING

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has delegated the voting of portfolio securities to the Investment Adviser. For client accounts for which the Investment Adviser has voting discretion, the Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures (the “Proxy Voting Policy”) for the voting of proxies. Under the Proxy Voting Policy, the Investment Adviser’s guiding principles in performing proxy voting are to make decisions that favor proposals that in the Investment Adviser’s view tend to maximize a company’s shareholder value and are not influenced by conflicts of interest. To implement these guiding principles for investments in publicly-traded equities, the Investment Adviser has developed customized proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”) that they generally apply when voting on behalf of client accounts. Attached as Appendix B is a summary of the Guidelines. These Guidelines address a wide variety of individual topics, including, among other matters, shareholder voting rights, anti-takeover defenses, board structures, the election of directors, executive and director compensation, reorganizations, mergers, issues of corporate social responsibility and various shareholder proposals. The Proxy Voting Policy, including the Guidelines, is reviewed periodically to ensure that it continues to be consistent with the Investment Adviser’s guiding principles. The Guidelines embody the positions and factors the Investment Adviser generally considers important in casting proxy votes.

 

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The Investment Adviser has retained a third-party proxy voting service (“Proxy Service”), currently Institutional Shareholder Services, to assist in the implementation and administration of certain proxy voting-related functions including, without limitation, operational, recordkeeping and reporting services. The Proxy Service also prepares a written analysis and recommendation (a “Recommendation”) of each proxy vote that reflects the Proxy Service’s application of the Guidelines to particular proxy issues. While it is the Investment Adviser’s policy generally to follow the Guidelines and Recommendations from the Proxy Service, the Investment Adviser’s portfolio management teams (“Portfolio Management Teams”) may on certain proxy votes seek approval to diverge from the Guidelines or a Recommendation by following an “override” process. Such decisions are subject to a review and approval process, including a determination that the decision is not influenced by any conflict of interest. A Portfolio Management Team that receives approval through the override process to cast a proxy vote that diverges from the Guidelines and/or a Recommendation may vote differently than other Portfolio Management Teams that did not seek to override that vote. In forming their views on particular matters, the Portfolio Management Teams are also permitted to consider applicable regional rules and practices, including codes of conduct and other guides, regarding proxy voting, in addition to the Guidelines and Recommendations. The Investment Adviser may hire other service providers to replace or supplement the Proxy Service with respect to any of the services the Investment Adviser currently receives from the Proxy Service.

GSAM conducts periodic due diligence meetings with the Proxy Service which include, but are not limited to, a review of the Proxy Service’s general organizational structure, new developments with respect to research and technology, work flow improvements and internal due diligence with respect to conflicts of interest.

From time to time, the Investment Adviser may face regulatory, compliance, legal or logistical limits with respect to voting securities that it may purchase or hold for client accounts, which can affect the Investment Adviser’s ability to vote such proxies, as well as the desirability of voting such proxies. Among other limits, federal, state and foreign regulatory restrictions or company specific ownership limits, as well as legal matters related to consolidated groups, may restrict the total percentage of an issuer’s voting securities that the Investment Adviser can hold for clients and the nature of the Investment Adviser’s voting in such securities. The Investment Adviser’s ability to vote proxies may also be affected by, among other things: (i) late receipt of meeting notices; (ii) requirements to vote proxies in person: (iii) restrictions on a foreigner’s ability to exercise votes; (iv) potential difficulties in translating the proxy; (v) requirements to provide local agents with unrestricted powers of attorney to facilitate voting instructions; and (vi) requirements that investors who exercise their voting rights surrender the right to dispose of their holdings for some specified period in proximity to the shareholder meeting.

The Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing its proxy voting decisions that the Investment Adviser makes on behalf of a client account. These policies and procedures include the Investment Adviser’s use of the Guidelines and Recommendations from the Proxy Service, the override approval process previously discussed, and the establishment of information barriers between the Investment Adviser and other businesses within The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Notwithstanding such proxy voting policies and procedures, actual proxy voting decisions of the Investment Adviser may have the effect of benefitting the interests of other clients or businesses of other divisions or units of Goldman Sachs and/or its affiliates.

Voting decisions with respect to fixed income securities and the securities of privately held issuers generally will be made by a Fund’s managers based on their assessment of the particular transactions or other matters at issue.

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on or through the Funds’ website at www.goldmansachsfunds.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

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PAYMENTS TO INTERMEDIARIES

The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make payments to participating insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries and securities dealers (“Intermediaries”) from time to time to promote the sale, distribution and/or servicing of shares of the Funds. These payments (“Additional Payments”) are made out of the Investment Adviser’s, Distributor’s and/or their affiliates’ own assets (which may come directly or indirectly from fees paid by the Funds), are not an additional charge to the Funds or their shareholders, and do not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a Fund’s shares or the amount a Fund receives as proceeds from such purchases. Although paid by the Investment Adviser, Distributor, and/or their affiliates, the Additional Payments are in addition to the distribution and service fees paid by the Funds to the Intermediaries as described in the Funds’ Prospectuses and this SAI.

The Additional Payments are intended to compensate Intermediaries for, among other things: marketing shares of the Funds, which may consist of payments relating to Funds included on preferred or recommended fund lists or in certain sales programs from time to time sponsored by the Intermediaries; “due diligence” examination and/or review of the Funds from time to time, access to the Intermediaries’ registered representatives or salespersons, including at conferences and other meetings; assistance in training and education of personnel; “finders” or “referral fees” for directing investors to the Funds; marketing support fees for providing assistance in promoting the sale of Fund shares (which may include promotions in communications with the Intermediaries’ customers, registered representatives and salespersons); and/or other specified services intended to assist in the distribution and marketing of the Funds. In addition, the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may make Additional Payments (including through sub-transfer agency and networking agreements) for subaccounting, administrative and/or shareholder processing services that are in addition to the transfer agent, shareholder administration, servicing and processing fees paid by the Funds. These Additional Payments may exceed amounts earned on these assets by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates for the performance of these or similar services. The Additional Payments may be a fixed dollar amount; may be based on the number of customer accounts maintained by an Intermediary; may be based on a percentage of the value of shares sold to, or held by, customers of the Intermediary involved; or may be calculated on another basis. The Additional Payments are negotiated with each Intermediary based on a range of factors, including but not limited to the Intermediary’s ability to attract and retain assets (including particular classes of Fund shares), target markets, customer relationships, quality of service and industry reputation. Although the individual components may be higher or lower and the total amount of Additional Payments made to any Intermediary in any given year will vary, the amount of these Additional Payments (excluding payments made through sub-transfer agency and networking agreements), on average, is normally not expected to exceed 0.50% (annualized) of the amount sold or invested through an Intermediary.

These Additional Payments may be significant to certain Intermediaries, and may be an important factor in an Intermediary’s willingness to support the sale of the Funds through its distribution system.

The Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may be motivated to make Additional Payments since they promote the sale of Fund shares to clients of Intermediaries and the retention of those investments by those clients. To the extent Intermediaries sell more shares of the Funds or retain shares of the Funds in their clients’ accounts, the Investment Adviser and Distributor benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid by the Funds with respect to those assets.

In addition, certain Intermediaries may have access to certain research and investment services from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates. Such research and investment services (“Additional Services”) may include research reports, economic analysis, portfolio analysis tools, business planning services, certain marketing and investor education materials and strategic asset allocation modeling. The Intermediary may not pay for these products or services. The cost of the Additional Services and the particular services provided may vary from Intermediary to Intermediary.

The Additional Payments made by the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates or the Additional Services received by an Intermediary may vary with respect to the type of fund (e.g., equity fund, fixed income fund or money market fund) sold by the Intermediary. In addition, the Additional Payment arrangements may include breakpoints in compensation which provide that the percentage rate of compensation varies as the dollar value of the amount sold or invested through an Intermediary increases.

 

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The presence of these Additional Payments or Additional Services, the varying fee structure and the basis on which an Intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular Intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend funds, including the Funds, or other investments based, at least in part, on the level of compensation paid. Additionally, if one mutual fund sponsor makes greater distribution payments than another, an Intermediary may have an incentive to recommend one fund complex over another. Similarly, if an Intermediary receives more distribution assistance for one share class versus another, that Intermediary may have an incentive to recommend that share class. Because Intermediaries may be paid varying amounts per class for sub-transfer agency and related recordkeeping services, the service requirements of which also may vary by class, this may create an additional incentive for financial firms and their financial advisors to favor one fund complex over another, or one fund class over another. You should consider whether such incentives exist when evaluating any recommendations from an Intermediary to purchase or sell Shares of the Funds and when considering which share class is most appropriate for you.

For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Investment Adviser, Distributor and their affiliates made Additional Payments out of their own assets to approximately 152 Intermediaries, totaling approximately $99.8 million (excluding payments made through sub-transfer agency and networking agreements and certain other types of payments described below), with respect to all of the Funds of the Trust, all of the funds in an affiliated investment company, Goldman Sachs Trust and the Goldman Sachs Credit Strategies Fund, an affiliated closed-end investment company. During the year ended December 31, 2012 the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates had contractual arrangements to make Additional Payments to the Intermediaries of the Trust, Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Credit Strategies Fund listed below (or their affiliates or successors), among others. This list will change over time, and any additions, modifications or deletions thereto that have occurred since December 31, 2012 are not reflected. Additional Intermediaries may receive payments in 2013 and in future years. Certain arrangements are still being negotiated, and there is a possibility that payments will be made retroactively to Intermediaries not listed below.

ADP Broker Dealer, Inc

American Enterprise Investment Services Inc; Riversource Life Insurance Company; Riversource Life Insurance Company of New York

Allstate Life Insurance Company

Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York

Amalga Trust Company

Amalgamated Bank of Chicago

American National Trust and Investment Management Company (dba Old National Trust Company)

American United Life Insurance Company

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Ascensus, Inc

Associated Trust Company, National Association; Associated Investment Services Inc.

AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company

Banc of America Securities, LLC

Bancorp South

Bank Hapoalim B.M.

Bank of New York

Bankers Trust

Barclays Capital Inc.

BB&T Capital Markets

BMO Nesbitt Burns (Harris)

BOSC, Inc.

Branch Banking & Trust Company

 

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Brown Brothers Harriman & Co

C.M. Life Insurance Company

Financial Network Investment Corporation

Multi Financial Securities Corporation

PrimeVest Financial Services

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Inc.; CME Shareholder Servicing, LLC.

Citibank N.A.

Citibank N.A.—Agency and Trust Department

Citigroup Private Bank at Citibank N.A.

Citizens Bank Wealth Management N.A.

Comerica Bank

Comerica Securities, Inc.

Commerce Bank

Commerce Bank N.A.

Commerce Trust Co.

Companion Life Insurance Company

Compass Bank

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

Connecticut General Life Insurance Company

Daily Access Corporation

Dain Rauscher Inc.

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

Diversified Investment Advisors

Dubuque Bank & Trust

Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.

Farmers New World Life Insurance Co.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Fidelity Investments Institutional Operations Company, Inc

Fifth Third Bank; Fifth Third Securities

First National Bank of Omaha

First Trust Corporation

Fulton Bank N.A.

Fulton Financial Advisors, National Association

GE Life and Annuity Assurance Company

Genworth Financial Securities Corporation

Genworth Financial Trust Company

Greatbanc Trust Co.

Guardian Insurance and Annuity Company, Inc

GW Capital Management, LLC

GWFS Equities, Inc.

Harris Trust & Savings Bank

Hartford Life Insurance Company

Hartford Securities Distribution Company Inc.

Hewitt Associates LLC

Horace Mann Life Insurance Company

HSBC Bank USA

Hunt Dupree & Rhine

ICMA-RC Services, LLC

ING Institutional Plan Services, LLC / ING Investment Advisors, LLC

ING Life Insurance & Annuity Company / ING Financial Advisers, LLC / ING Institutional Plan Services, LLC

 

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Invesmart, Inc.

JPMorgan Chase Bank

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Jefferson Pilot Financial Insurance Company

JP Morgan Retirement Plan Services, LLC

JPMorgan Securities, Inc.

Kemper Investors Life Insurance Company

Key Bank Capital Markets

LaSalle Bank N.A.

Law Debenture Trust Company of New York

Lincoln Benefit Life Company

Lincoln National Life Insurance Company; Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York

Lincoln Retirement Services Company, LLC

LPL Financial Corporation

Marshall & Ilsley Trust Company N.A.

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company

McCready and Keen, Inc.

Mellon Bank N.A.

Mercer HR Services, LLC

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated

Midland National Life Insurance Company

Minnesota Life Insurance Company

Morgan Keegan and Company, Inc.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC

MSCS Financial Services

National Financial Services LLC; Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC

National Security Life and Annuity Company

Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.

Newport Retirement Services, Inc

NYLife Distributors, Inc.

Pershing, LLC

PNC Bank, N.A.

PNC Bank, National Organization

PNC Capital Markets LLC

Principal Life Insurance Company

Protective Life Insurance Company

PruCo Life Insurance Company; PruCo Life Insurance Company of New Jersey

Prudential Financial, Inc

Prudential Insurance Company of America

Prudential Life Insurance Company of America

Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Raymond James Financial Services

Regions Bank

Reliance Trust Company

Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.

Scott & Stringfellow Inc.

Security Benefit Life Insurance Company; Security Distributors, Inc.

Signature Bank

Standard Insurance Company

State Street Global Markets, LLC and State Street Bank and Trust Company

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (US)

Sungard Institutional Brokerage, Inc

 

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SunTrust Bank

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc.

SVB Securities

Synovus Securities

TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc.

Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America

T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc

The Ohio National Life Insurance Company

The Prudential Insurance Company of America

The Travelers Insurance Company; The Travelers Life and Annuity Company

The Vanguard Group, Inc.

Transamerica Life Insurance Company; Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company

Treasury Curve, LLC

Trustmark National Bank

UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Union Bank, N.A.

United of Omaha Life Insurance Company

US Bank National Association

Valic Retirement Services Company

Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC; Wells Fargo Investment, LLC

Wells Fargo Bank N.A.; Wells Fargo Corporate Trust Services

Wells Fargo Bank National Association

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Wilmington Trust Company

Xerox HR Solutions, LLC

Zions First National Bank

Your Intermediary may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in the Prospectuses. Shareholders should contact their Intermediary for more information about the Additional Payments or Additional Services they receive and any potential conflicts of interest, as well as for information regarding any fees and/or commissions it charges. For additional questions, please contact Goldman Sachs Funds at 1-800-621-2550.

Not included on the list above are other subsidiaries of Goldman Sachs who may receive revenue from the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates through intra-company compensation arrangements and for financial, distribution, administrative and operational services.

Furthermore, the Investment Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may, to the extent permitted by applicable regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to promote the sale of Fund shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions. The Investment Adviser, Distributor and their affiliates may also pay for the travel expenses, meals, lodging and entertainment of Intermediaries and their salespersons and guests in connection with educational, sales and promotional programs subject to applicable FINRA regulations. Other compensation may also be offered from time to time to the extent not prohibited by applicable federal or state laws or FINRA regulations. This compensation is not included in, and is made in addition to, the Additional Payments described above.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION

Selective Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

The Board of Trustees of the Trust and the Investment Adviser have adopted a policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings in accordance with regulations that seek to ensure that disclosure of information about portfolio securities is in the best interest of Fund shareholders and to address the conflicts between the interests of Fund shareholders and its service providers. The policy provides that neither a Fund nor its Investment Adviser, Distributor or any agent, or any employee thereof (“Fund Representative”) will disclose a Fund’s portfolio holdings information to any person other than in accordance with the policy. For purposes of the policy, “portfolio holdings information” means the Fund’s actual portfolio holdings, as well as nonpublic information about its trading strategies or pending transactions. Under the policy, neither a Fund nor any Fund Representative may solicit or accept any compensation or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information. A Fund Representative may provide portfolio holdings information to third parties if such information has been included in the Fund’s public filings with the SEC or is disclosed on the Funds’ publicly accessible website. Information posted on the Fund’s website may be separately provided to any person commencing the day after it is first published on the Funds’ website.

Portfolio holdings information that is not filed with the SEC or posted on the publicly available website may be provided to third parties only if the third party recipients are required to keep all portfolio holdings information confidential and are prohibited from trading on the information they receive. Disclosure to such third parties must be approved in advance by the Investment Adviser’s legal or compliance department. Disclosure to providers of auditing, custody, proxy voting and other similar services for the Funds, as well as rating and ranking organizations, will generally be permitted; however, information may be disclosed to other third parties (including, without limitation, individuals, institutional investors, and intermediaries that sell shares of the Fund,) only upon approval by the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer, who must first determine that the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for doing so. In general, each recipient of non-public portfolio holdings information must sign a confidentiality and non-trading agreement, although this requirement will not apply when the recipient is otherwise subject to a duty of confidentiality. In accordance with the policy, the identity of those recipients who receive non-public portfolio holdings information on an ongoing basis is as follows: the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, the Funds’ independent registered public accounting firm, the Funds’ custodian, and the Funds’ legal counsel- Dechert LLP, the Funds’ financial printer- RR Donnelley, the Funds’ proxy voting service- ISS and the Investment Company Institute (Money Market Fund only). These entities are obligated to keep such information confidential. Third party providers of custodial or accounting services to the Funds may release non-public portfolio holdings information of the Funds only with the permission of Fund Representatives. From time to time portfolio holdings information may be provided to broker-dealers, prime brokers, futures commission merchants or derivatives clearing merchants, in connection with a Fund’s portfolio trading activities. In providing this information reasonable precautions, including limitations on the scope of the portfolio holdings information disclosed, are taken to avoid any potential misuse of the disclosed information. All marketing materials prepared by the Trust’s principal underwriter is reviewed by Goldman Sachs’ Compliance department for consistency with the Trust’s portfolio holdings disclosure policy.

The Global Markets Navigator Fund currently intends to publish on the Trust’s website complete portfolio holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar month subject to a ten calendar day lag between the date of the information and the date on which the information is disclosed. The Money Market Fund publishes on its website a schedule of its portfolio holdings (and certain related information as required by Rule 2a-7) as of the last business day of each month, no later than five business days after the end of the prior month. This information is available on the Money Market Fund’s website for at least six months. In addition, the Money Market Fund files more detailed portfolio holdings information with the SEC on Form N-MFP no later than five business days after the end of each month, which will be publicly available on the SEC’s website 60 days after the end of the month to which the information pertains. The Money Market Fund’s website contains a link to an SEC website where the Fund’s most recent 12 months of publicly available information may be obtained. Finally, notwithstanding its use of the amortized cost method of valuation, the Money

 

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Market Fund publishes on its website on each business day its market-based NAV per share for the prior business day, which is calculated based on available market quotations of the Fund’s securities as provided by a third party pricing vendor or broker as of 3:00 Eastern Time on the date stated (this valuation methodology also includes marking to market those securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less). A Fund may publish on the website complete portfolio holdings information more frequently if it has a legitimate business purpose for doing so.

Under the policy, Fund Representatives will initially supply the Board of the Trustees with a list of third parties who receive portfolio holdings information pursuant to any ongoing arrangement. In addition, the Board is to receive information, on a quarterly basis, regarding any other disclosures of non-public portfolio holdings information that were permitted during the preceding quarter. In addition, the Board of Trustees is to approve at its meetings a list of Fund Representatives who are authorized to disclose portfolio holdings information under the policy. As of October [    ], 2013, only certain officers of the Trust as well as certain senior members of the compliance and legal groups of the Investment Adviser have been approved by the Board of Trustees to authorize disclosure of portfolio holdings information.

Miscellaneous

A Fund will redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Each Fund, however, reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to pay redemptions by a distribution in kind of securities (instead of cash) if (i) the redemption exceeds the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the NAV of the Fund at the time of redemption; or (ii) with respect to lesser redemption amounts, the redeeming shareholder requests in writing a distribution in kind of securities instead of cash. The securities distributed in kind would be valued for this purpose using the same method employed in calculating each Fund’s NAV per share. See “NET ASSET VALUE.” If a shareholder receives redemption proceeds in kind, the shareholder should expect to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities received in the redemption.

The right of a shareholder to redeem shares and the date of payment by each Fund may be suspended for more than seven days for any period during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than the customary weekends or holidays, or when trading on such Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; or during any emergency, as determined by the SEC, as a result of which it is not reasonably practicable for such Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or for such other period as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of shareholders of such Fund. (The Trust may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the transfer of shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions.)

As stated in the Funds’ Prospectuses, the Trust may authorize Intermediaries and other institutions that provide recordkeeping, reporting and processing services to their customers to accept on the Trust’s behalf purchase, redemption and exchange orders placed by or on behalf of their customers and, if approved by the Trust, to designate other intermediaries to accept such orders. These institutions may receive payments from the Trust or Goldman Sachs for their services. Certain Intermediaries or other institutions may enter into sub-transfer agency agreements with the Trust or Goldman Sachs with respect to their services.

In the interest of economy and convenience, the Trust does not issue certificates representing the Funds’ shares. Instead, the Transfer Agent maintains a record of each shareholder’s ownership. Each shareholder receives confirmation of purchase and redemption orders from the Transfer Agent. Fund shares and any dividends and distributions paid by the Funds are reflected in account statements from the Transfer Agent.

The Funds’ Prospectuses and this SAI do not contain all the information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act with respect to the securities offered by the Prospectuses. Certain portions of the Registration Statement have been omitted from the Prospectuses and this SAI pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Registration Statement including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined at the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.

 

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Statements contained in the Funds’ Prospectuses or in this SAI as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which the Prospectuses and this SAI form a part, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.

Line of Credit

The Funds participate in a $630,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility together with other funds of the Trust and registered investment companies having management or investment advisory agreements with GSAM or its affiliates. Pursuant to the terms of this facility, the Funds and other borrowers may increase the credit amount by an additional $340,000,000, for a total of up to $970,000,000. This facility is to be used for temporary emergency purposes or to allow for an orderly liquidation of securities to meet redemption requests. The interest rate on borrowings is based on the federal funds rate. The facility also requires a fee to be paid by the Funds based on the amount of the commitment that has not been utilized. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Funds did not have any borrowings under the facility.

Large Trade Notifications

The Transfer Agent may from time to time receive notice that an Intermediary has received an order for a large trade in a Fund’s shares. The Fund may determine to enter into portfolio transactions in anticipation of that order, even though the order will not be processed until the following business day. This practice provides for a closer correlation between the time shareholders place trade orders and the time a Fund enters into portfolio transactions based on those orders, and permits the Fund to be more fully invested in investment securities, in the case of purchase orders, and to more orderly liquidate their investment positions, in the case of redemption orders. On the other hand, the Intermediary may not ultimately process the order. In this case, the Fund may be required to borrow assets to settle the portfolio transactions entered into in anticipation of that order, and would therefore incur borrowing costs. The Fund may also suffer investment losses on those portfolio transactions. Conversely, the Fund would benefit from any earnings and investment gains resulting from such portfolio transactions.

Corporate Actions

From time to time, the issuer of a security held in a Fund’s portfolio may initiate a corporate action relating to that security. Corporate actions relating to equity securities may include, among others, an offer to purchase new shares, or to tender existing shares, of that security at a certain price. Corporate actions relating to debt securities may include, among others, an offer for early redemption of the debt security, or an offer to convert the debt security into stock. Certain corporate actions are voluntary, meaning that a Fund may only participate in the corporate action if it elects to do so in a timely fashion. Participation in certain corporate actions may enhance the value of a Fund’s investment portfolio.

In cases where a Fund or its Investment Adviser receives sufficient advance notice of a voluntary corporate action, the Investment Adviser will exercise its discretion, in good faith, to determine whether the Fund will participate in that corporate action. If a Fund or its Investment Adviser does not receive sufficient advance notice of a voluntary corporate action, the Fund may not be able to timely elect to participate in that corporate action. Participation or lack of participation in a voluntary corporate action may result in a negative impact on the value of a Fund’s investment portfolio.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements and related report of [            ], independent registered public accounting firm for each of the Funds, contained in the Funds’ 2012 Annual Reports are incorporated herein by reference. The financial statements in each Fund’s Annual Report have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The financial statements contained in each Fund’s Semi-Annual Report dated June 30, 2013 are also incorporated by reference in the section “FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.” No

 

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other portions of any Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report are incorporated by reference herein. A Fund’s Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report may be obtained upon request and without charge by writing Goldman, Sachs & Co., P.O. Box 06050, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6306 or by calling Goldman, Sachs & Co., at the telephone number on the back cover of the Funds’ Prospectuses.

Principal Holders of Securities

The Funds’ Institutional Shares have not commenced operations as of October [    ], 2013, and except as noted below, the Trust does not know of any persons who own of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of the Fund’s shares as of that date. Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation whose principal office is located at 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282, has provided an initial investment in the Funds’ Institutional Shares, and is currently the only holder of such Shares.

 

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APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS

Short-Term Credit Ratings

A Standard & Poor’s short-term issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Standard & Poor’s for short-term issues:

“A-1” – A short-term obligation rated “A-1” is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

“A-2” – A short-term obligation rated “A-2” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

“A-3” – A short-term obligation rated “A-3” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“B” – A short-term obligation rated “B” is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of “B-1”, “B-2”, and “B-3” may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the “B” category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“B-1” – A short-term obligation rated “B-1” is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

“B-2” – A short-term obligation rated “B-2” is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

“B-3” – A short-term obligation rated “B-3” is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors.

“C” – A short-term obligation rated “C” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“D” – A short-term obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks — Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign Currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

 

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Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

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

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

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

“NP” – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Fitch, Inc. / Fitch Ratings Ltd. (“Fitch”) short-term ratings scale applies to foreign currency and local currency ratings. A short-term rating has a time horizon of less than 13 months for most obligations, or up to three years for U.S. public finance, in line with industry standards, to reflect unique risk characteristics of bond, tax, and revenue anticipation notes that are commonly issued with terms up to three years. Short-term ratings thus place greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner. The following summarizes the rating categories used by Fitch for short-term obligations:

“F1” – Securities possess the highest credit quality. This designation indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

“F2” – Securities possess good credit quality. This designation indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the higher ratings.

“F3” – Securities possess fair credit quality. This designation indicates that the capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non investment grade.

“B” – Securities possess speculative credit quality. This designation indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

“C” – Securities possess high default risk. Default is a real possibility. This designation indicates a capacity for meeting financial commitments which is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.

“D” – Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

“NR” – This designation indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the associated issuer or issue.

“WD” – This designation indicates that the rating has been withdrawn and is no longer maintained by Fitch.

The following summarizes the ratings used by Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (“DBRS”) for commercial paper and short-term debt:

“R-1 (high)” — Short-term debt rated “R-1 (high)” is of the highest credit quality, and indicates an entity possessing unquestioned ability to repay current liabilities as they fall due. Entities rated in this category normally maintain strong liquidity positions, conservative debt levels, and profitability that is both stable and above average. Companies achieving

 

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an “R-1 (high)” rating are normally leaders in structurally sound industry segments with proven track records, sustainable positive future results, and no substantial qualifying negative factors. Given the extremely tough definition DBRS has established for an “R-1 (high)”, few entities are strong enough to achieve this rating.

“R-1 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (middle)” is of superior credit quality and, in most cases, ratings in this category differ from “R-1 (high)” credits by only a small degree. Given the extremely tough definition DBRS has established for the “R-1 (high)” category, entities rated “R-1 (middle)” are also considered strong credits, and typically exemplify above average strength in key areas of consideration for the timely repayment of short-term liabilities.

“R-1 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-1 (low)” is of satisfactory credit quality. The overall strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt and profitability ratios are not normally as favorable as with higher rating categories, but these considerations are still respectable. Any qualifying negative factors that exist are considered manageable, and the entity is normally of sufficient size to have some influence in its industry.

“R-2 (high)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (high)” is considered to be at the upper end of adequate credit quality. The ability to repay obligations as they mature remains acceptable, although the overall strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt, and profitability ratios is not as strong as credits rated in the “R-1 (low)” category. Relative to the latter category, other shortcomings often include areas such as stability, financial flexibility, and the relative size and market position of the entity within its industry.

“R-2 (middle)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (middle)” is considered to be of adequate credit quality. Relative to the “R-2 (high)” category, entities rated “R-2 (middle)” typically have some combination of higher volatility, weaker debt or liquidity positions, lower future cash flow capabilities, or are negatively impacted by a weaker industry. Ratings in this category would be more vulnerable to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

“R-2 (low)” – Short-term debt rated “R-2 (low)” is considered to be at the lower end of adequate credit quality, typically having some combination of challenges that are not acceptable for an “R-2 (middle)” credit. However, “R-2 (low)” ratings still display a level of credit strength that allows for a higher rating than the “R-3” category, with this distinction often reflecting the issuer’s liquidity profile.

“R-3” – Short-term debt rated “R-3” is considered to be at the lowest end of adequate credit quality, one step up from being speculative. While not yet defined as speculative, the “R-3” category signifies that although repayment is still expected, the certainty of repayment could be impacted by a variety of possible adverse developments, many of which would be outside the issuer’s control. Entities in this area often have limited access to capital markets and may also have limitations in securing alternative sources of liquidity, particularly during periods of weak economic conditions.

“R-4” – Short-term debt rated “R-4” is speculative. “R-4” credits tend to have weak liquidity and debt ratios, and the future trend of these ratios is also unclear. Due to its speculative nature, companies with “R-4” ratings would normally have very limited access to alternative sources of liquidity. Earnings and cash flow would typically be very unstable, and the level of overall profitability of the entity is also likely to be low. The industry environment may be weak, and strong negative qualifying factors are also likely to be present.

“R-5” – Short-term debt rated “R-5” is highly speculative. There is a reasonably high level of uncertainty as to the ability of the entity to repay the obligations on a continuing basis in the future, especially in periods of economic recession or industry adversity. In some cases, short term debt rated “R-5” may have challenges that if not corrected, could lead to default.

“D” – A security rated “D” implies the issuer has either not met a scheduled payment or the issuer has made it clear that it will be missing such a payment in the near future. In some cases, DBRS may not assign a “D” rating under a bankruptcy announcement scenario, as allowances for grace periods may exist in the underlying legal documentation. Once assigned, the “D” rating will continue as long as the missed payment continues to be in arrears, and until such time as the rating is discontinued or reinstated by DBRS.

 

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Long-Term Credit Ratings

The following summarizes the ratings used by Standard & Poor’s for long-term issues:

“AAA” – An obligation rated “AAA” has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor’s. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

“AA” – An obligation rated “AA” differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

“A” – An obligation rated “A” is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

“BBB” – An obligation rated “BBB” exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

Obligations rated “BB,” “B,” “CCC,” “CC” and “C” are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. “BB” indicates the least degree of speculation and “C” the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

“BB” – An obligation rated “BB” is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“B” – An obligation rated “B” is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated “BB,” but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“CCC” – An obligation rated “CCC” is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

“CC” – An obligation rated “CC” is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.

“C” – A “C” rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the ‘C’ rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instrument’s terms.

“D” – An obligation rated “D” is in payment default. The “D” rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor’s believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The “D” rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

 

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Plus (+) or minus (-) – The ratings from “AA” to “CCC” may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

“NR” – This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor’s does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks — Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor’s analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor’s capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government’s own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.

The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for long-term debt:

“Aaa” – Obligations rated “Aaa” are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.

“Aa” – Obligations rated “Aa” are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

“A” – Obligations rated “A” are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

“Baa” – Obligations rated “Baa” are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

“Ba” – Obligations rated “Ba” are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.

“B” – Obligations rated “B” are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

“Caa” – Obligations rated “Caa” are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

“Ca” – Obligations rated “Ca” are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

“C” – Obligations rated “C” are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

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

The following summarizes long-term ratings used by Fitch:

“AAA” – Securities considered to be of the highest credit quality. “AAA” ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

“AA” – Securities considered to be of very high credit quality. “AA” ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

 

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“A” – Securities considered to be of high credit quality. “A” ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

“BBB” – Securities considered to be of good credit quality. “BBB” ratings indicate that there is currently expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse changes in circumstances and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

“BB” – Securities considered to be speculative. “BB” ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.

“B” – Securities considered to be highly speculative. For issuers and performing obligations, “B” ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for extremely high recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of “RR1” (outstanding).

“CCC” – For issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic conditions. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for average to superior levels of recovery. Differences in credit quality may be denoted by plus/minus distinctions. Such obligations typically would possess a Recovery Rating of “RR2” (superior), or “RR3” (good) or “RR4” (average).

“CC” – For issuers and performing obligations, default of some kind appears probable. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with a Recovery Rating of “RR4” (average) or “RR5” (below average).

“C” – For issuers and performing obligations, default is imminent. For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential for below-average to poor recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of “RR6” (poor).

“RD” – Indicates an entity that has failed to make due payments (within the applicable grace period) on some but not all material financial obligations, but continues to honor other classes of obligations.

“D” – Indicates an entity or sovereign that has defaulted on all of its financial obligations.

Plus (+) or minus (-) may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the “AAA” category or to categories below “CCC”.

“NR” –Denotes that Fitch does not publicly rate the associated issue or issuer.

“WD”—Indicates that the rating has been withdrawn and is no longer maintained by Fitch.

The following summarizes the ratings used by DBRS for long-term debt:

“AAA” — Long-term debt rated “AAA” is of the highest credit quality, with exceptionally strong protection for the timely repayment of principal and interest. Earnings are considered stable, the structure of the industry in which the entity operates is strong, and the outlook for future profitability is favorable. There are few qualifying factors present that would detract from the performance of the entity. The strength of liquidity and coverage ratios is unquestioned and the entity has established a credible track record of superior performance. Given the extremely high standard that DBRS has set for this category, few entities are able to achieve a “AAA” rating.

 

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“AA” – Long-term debt rated “AA” is of superior credit quality, and protection of interest and principal is considered high. In many cases they differ from long-term debt rated “AAA” only to a small degree. Given the extremely restrictive definition DBRS has for the “AAA” category, entities rated “AA” are also considered to be strong credits, typically exemplifying above-average strength in key areas of consideration and unlikely to be significantly affected by reasonably foreseeable events.

“A” – Long-term debt rated “A” is of satisfactory credit quality. Protection of interest and principal is still substantial, but the degree of strength is less than that of “AA” rated entities. While “A” is a respectable rating, entities in this category are considered to be more susceptible to adverse economic conditions and have greater cyclical tendencies than higher-rated securities.

“BBB” – Long-term debt rated “BBB” is of adequate credit quality. Protection of interest and principal is considered acceptable, but the entity is fairly susceptible to adverse changes in financial and economic conditions, or there may be other adverse conditions present which reduce the strength of the entity and its rated securities.

“BB” Long-term debt rated “BB” is defined to be speculative and non-investment grade, where the degree of protection afforded interest and principal is uncertain, particularly during periods of economic recession. Entities in the “BB” range typically have limited access to capital markets and additional liquidity support. In many cases, deficiencies in critical mass, diversification, and competitive strength are additional negative considerations.

“B” – Long-term debt rated “B” is considered highly speculative and there is a reasonably high level of uncertainty as to the ability of the entity to pay interest and principal on a continuing basis in the future, especially in periods of economic recession or industry adversity.

“CCC”, “CC” and “C” –Long-term debt rated in any of these categories is very highly speculative and is in danger of default of interest and principal. The degree of adverse elements present is more severe than long-term debt rated “B.” Long-term debt rated below “B” often have features which, if not remedied, may lead to default. In practice, there is little difference between these three categories, with “CC” and “C” normally used for lower ranking debt of companies for which the senior debt is rated in the “CCC” to “B” range.

“D” A security rated “D” implies the issuer has either not met a scheduled payment of interest or principal or that the issuer has made it clear that it will miss such a payment in the near future. In some cases, DBRS may not assign a “D” rating under a bankruptcy announcement scenario, as allowances for grace periods may exist in the underlying legal documentation. Once assigned, the “D” rating will continue as long as the missed payment continues to be in arrears, and until such time as the rating is discontinued or reinstated by DBRS.

(“high”, “low”) – Each rating category is denoted by the subcategories “high” and “low”. The absence of either a “high” or “low” designation indicates the rating is in the “middle” of the category. The “AAA” and “D” categories do not utilize “high”, “middle”, and “low” as differential grades.

Municipal Note Ratings

A Standard & Poor’s U.S. municipal note rating reflects the liquidity factors and market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making that assessment:

 

    Amortization schedule-the larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely it will be treated as a note; and

 

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    Source of payment-the more dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.

Note rating symbols are as follows:

“SP-1” – The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service are given a plus (+) designation.

“SP-2” – The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes.

“SP-3” – The issuers of these municipal notes exhibit speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.

Moody’s uses three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade. These ratings are designated as Municipal Investment Grade (“MIG”) and are divided into three levels – “MIG-1” through “MIG-3”. In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated “SG”, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the maturity of the obligation. The following summarizes the ratings used by Moody’s for these short-term obligations:

“MIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

“MIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.

“MIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.

In the case of variable rate demand obligations (“VRDOs”), a two-component rating is assigned; a long- or short-term debt rating and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or “VMIG” rating.

When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated “NR”, e.g., “Aaa/NR” or “NR/VMIG-1”.

VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue’s specific structural or credit features.

“VMIG-1” – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

“VMIG-2” – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

 

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“VMIG-3” – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

“SG” – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.

Fitch uses the same ratings for municipal securities as described above for other short-term credit ratings.

About Credit Ratings

A Standard & Poor’s issue credit rating is a current opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The issue credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a financial obligation, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

Moody’s credit ratings must be construed solely as statements of opinion and not as statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or hold any securities.

Fitch’s credit ratings provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterparty obligations. Fitch credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving their money back in accordance with the terms on which they invested. Fitch’s credit ratings cover the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

DBRS credit ratings are not buy, hold or sell recommendations, but rather the result of qualitative and quantitative analysis focusing solely on the credit quality of the issuer and its underlying obligations.

 

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APPENDIX B

GSAM Proxy Voting Guidelines Summary

The following is a summary of the material GSAM Proxy Voting Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), which form the substantive basis of GSAM’s Policy on Proxy Voting for Client Accounts (“Policy”). As described in the main body of the Policy, one or more GSAM portfolio management teams may diverge from the Guidelines and a related Recommendation on any particular proxy vote or in connection with any individual investment decision in accordance with the Policy.

 

A.    

US proxy items:

  

1.

 

Operational Items

   page 1-B

2.

 

Board of Directors

   page 2-B

3.

 

Executive Compensation

   page 4-B

4.

 

Proxy Contests and Access

   page 6-B

5.

 

Shareholder Rights and Defenses

   page 7-B

6.

 

Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

   page 8-B

7.

 

State of Incorporation

   page 8-B

8.

 

Capital Structure

   page 8-B

9.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Issues

   page 9-B

B.

 

Non-U.S. proxy items:

  

1.

 

Operational Items

   page 10-B

2.

 

Board of Directors

   page 12-B

3.

 

Compensation

   page 14-B

4.

 

Board Structure

   page 14-B

5.

 

Capital Structure

   page 15-B

6.

 

Mergers and Corporate Restructurings & Other

   page 16-B

7.

 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Issues

   page 17-B

U.S. Proxy Items

The following section is a summary of the Guidelines, which form the substantive basis of the Policy with respect to U.S. public equity investments.

 

1. Operational Items

Auditor Ratification

Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply within the last year:

 

    An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent;

 

    There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

 

    Poor accounting practices are identified that rise to a serious level of concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; or material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures; or

 

    Fees for non-audit services are excessive.

Non-audit fees are excessive if:

 

    Non-audit fees exceed audit fees + audit-related fees + tax compliance/preparation fees.

 

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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit or limit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services or asking for audit firm rotation.

 

2. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors should promote the interests of shareholders by acting in an oversight and/or advisory role; the board should consist of a majority of independent directors and should be held accountable for actions and results related to their responsibilities. When evaluating board composition, GSAM believes a diversity of ethnicity, gender and experience is an important consideration.

Classification of Directors

Where applicable, the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ Listing Standards definition is to be used to classify directors as insiders or affiliated outsiders. General definitions are as follows:

 

    Inside Director

 

    Employee of the company or one of its affiliates

 

    Among the five most highly paid individuals (excluding interim CEO)

 

    Listed as an officer as defined under Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934

 

    Current interim CEO

 

    Beneficial owner of more than 50 percent of the company’s voting power (this may be aggregated if voting power is distributed among more than one member of a defined group)

 

    Affiliated Outside Director

 

    Board attestation that an outside director is not independent

 

    Former CEO or other executive of the company within the last 3 years

 

    Former CEO or other executive of an acquired company within the past three years

 

    Independent Outside Director

 

    No material connection to the company other than a board seat

Additionally, GSAM will consider compensation committee interlocking directors to be affiliated (defined as CEOs who sit on each other’s compensation committees).

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Vote on director nominees should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from individual directors who:

 

    Attend less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a disclosed valid excuse for each of the last two years;

 

    Sit on more than six public company boards;

 

    Are CEOs of public companies who sit on the boards of more than two public companies besides their own—withhold only at their outside boards.

Other items considered for an AGAINST vote include specific concerns about the individual or the company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities, sanctions from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues related to improper business practice.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from Inside Directors and Affiliated Outside Directors (per the Classification of Directors above) when:

 

    The inside or affiliated outside director serves on the audit, compensation, or nominating (vote against affiliated directors only for nominating) committees;

 

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    The company lacks an audit compensation, or nominating (vote against affiliated directors only for nominating) committee so that the full board functions as that committee and insiders are participating in voting on matters that independent committees should be voting on;

 

    The full board is less than majority independent (in this case withhold from affiliated outside directors); at controlled companies, GSAM will vote against the election of affiliated outsiders and nominees affiliated with the parent and will not vote against the executives of the issuer.

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from members of the appropriate committee for the following reasons (or independent Chairman or lead director in cases of a classified board and members of appropriate committee are not up for reelection). Extreme cases may warrant a vote against the entire board.

 

    Material failures of governance, stewardship, or fiduciary responsibilities at the company;

 

    Egregious actions related to the director(s)’ service on other boards that raise substantial doubt about his or her ability to effectively oversee management and serve the best interests of shareholders at any company;

 

    At the previous board election, any director received more than 50 percent withhold/against votes of the shares cast and the company has failed to address the underlying issue(s) that caused the high withhold/against vote (members of the Nominating or Governance Committees);

 

    The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of the majority of shares cast for the previous two consecutive years (a management proposal with other than a FOR recommendation by management will not be considered as sufficient action taken); an adopted proposal that is substantially similar to the original shareholder proposal will be deemed sufficient; (vote against members of the committee of the board that is responsible for the issue under consideration). If GSAM did not support the shareholder proposal in both years, GSAM will still vote against the committee member (s).

Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the Audit Committee if:

 

    The non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive;

 

    The company receives an adverse opinion on the company’s financial statements from its auditor; or

 

    There is persuasive evidence that the audit committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting practices, which rise to a level of serious concern are identified, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures.

Examine the severity, breadth, chronological sequence and duration, as well as the company’s efforts at remediation or corrective actions in determining whether negative vote recommendations are warranted against the members of the Audit Committee who are responsible for the poor accounting practices, or the entire board.

See section 3 on executive and director compensation for reasons to withhold from members of the Compensation Committee.

In limited circumstances, GSAM may vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from all nominees of the board of directors (except from new nominees who should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and except as discussed below) if:

 

    The company’s poison pill has a dead-hand or modified dead-hand feature for two or more years. Vote against/withhold every year until this feature is removed; however, vote against the poison pill if there is one on the ballot with this feature rather than the director;

 

    The board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of an newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold/against recommendation for this issue;

 

    The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares;

 

    If in an extreme situation the board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers.

 

3-B


Shareholder proposal regarding Independent Chair (Separate Chair/CEO)

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

GSAM will generally recommend a vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria:

 

    Designated lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties;

 

    Two-thirds independent board;

 

    All independent key committees; or

 

    Established, disclosed governance guidelines.

Shareholder proposal regarding board declassification

GSAM will generally vote FOR proposals requesting that the board adopt a declassified structure in the case of operating and holding companies.

Majority Vote Shareholder Proposals

GSAM will vote FOR proposals requesting that the board adopt majority voting in the election of directors provided it does not conflict with the state law where the company is incorporated.

GSAM also looks for companies to adopt a post-election policy outlining how the company will address the situation of a holdover director.

Cumulative Vote Shareholder Proposals

GSAM will generally support shareholder proposals to restore or provide cumulative voting unless:

 

    The company has adopted majority vote standard with a carve-out for plurality voting in situations where there are more nominees than seats, and a director resignation policy to address failed elections.

 

3. Executive Compensation

Pay Practices

Good pay practices should align management’s interests with long-term shareholder value creation. Detailed disclosure of compensation criteria is preferred; proof that companies follow the criteria should be evident and retroactive performance target changes without proper disclosure is not viewed favorably. Compensation practices should allow a company to attract and retain proven talent. Some examples of poor pay practices include: abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure, egregious employment contracts, excessive severance and/or change in control provisions, repricing or replacing of underwater stock options/stock appreciation rights without prior shareholder approval, and excessive perquisites. A company should also have an appropriate balance of short-term vs. long-term metrics and the metrics should be aligned with business goals and objectives.

If the company maintains problematic or poor pay practices, generally vote first:

 

    AGAINST Management Say on Pay (MSOP) Proposals or;

 

    AGAINST an equity-based incentive plan proposal if excessive non-performance-based equity awards are the major contributor to a pay-for-performance misalignment, then;

 

    If no MSOP or equity-based incentive plan proposal item is on the ballot, AGAINST/WITHHOLD from compensation committee members.

 

4-B


Equity Compensation Plans

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on equity-based compensation plans. Reasons to vote AGAINST the equity plan could include the following factors:

 

    The plan is a vehicle for poor pay practices; or

 

    The plan permits the repricing of stock options/stock appreciation rights (SARs) without prior shareholder approval; or

 

    The company’s three year burn rate and Shareholder Value Transfer (SVT) calculations both materially exceed industry group metrics.

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay, MSOP) Management Proposals

Vote FOR annual frequency and AGAINST shareholder or management proposals asking for any frequency less than annual.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals for an advisory vote on executive compensation. For U.S. companies, consider the following factors in the context of each company’s specific circumstances and the board’s disclosed rationale for its practices. In general more than one factor will need to be present in order to warrant a vote AGAINST.

Pay-for-Performance Disconnect:

 

    GSAM will consider there to be a disconnect based on a quantitative assessment of the following: CEO pay vs. TSR and peers, CEO pay as a percentage of the median peer group or CEO pay vs. shareholder return over time.

Additional Factors Considered Include:

 

    Boards responsiveness if company received 70% or less shareholder support in the previous years MSOP vote;

 

    Abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure;

 

    Egregious employment contracts;

 

    Excessive perquisites or excessive severance and/or change in control provisions;

 

    Repricing or replacing of underwater stock options without prior shareholder approval;

 

    Excessive executive pledging or hedging of stock by executives;

 

    Egregious pension/SERP (supplemental executive retirement plan) payouts;

 

    Extraordinary relocation benefits;

 

    Internal pay disparity;

 

    Depth of disclosure of compensation philosophy and goals and targets, including details on short-term and long-term performance incentives; and

 

    Long-term equity based compensation is 100% time-based.

Other Compensation Proposals and Policies

Employee Stock Purchase Plans — Non-Qualified Plans

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on nonqualified employee stock purchase plans taking into account the following factors:

 

    Broad-based participation;

 

    Limits on employee contribution;

 

    Company matching contribution; and

 

    Presence of a discount on the stock price on the date of purchase.

Option Exchange Programs/Repricing Options

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals seeking approval to exchange/reprice options, taking into consideration:

 

    Historic trading patterns—the stock price should not be so volatile that the options are likely to be back “in-the-money” over the near term;

 

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    Rationale for the re-pricing;

 

    If it is a value-for-value exchange;

 

    If surrendered stock options are added back to the plan reserve;

 

    Option vesting;

 

    Term of the option—the term should remain the same as that of the replaced option;

 

    Exercise price—should be set at fair market or a premium to market;

 

    Participants—executive officers and directors should be excluded.

Vote FOR shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote.

Other Shareholder Proposals on Compensation

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Frequency on Pay)

Vote FOR annual frequency.

Stock retention holding period

Vote FOR Shareholder proposals asking for a policy requiring that senior executives retain a significant percentage of shares acquired through equity compensation programs if the policy allows retention for two years or less following the termination of their employment (through retirement or otherwise) and a holding threshold percentage of 50% or less.

Also consider:

 

    Whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio, or officer ownership requirements in place.

Elimination of accelerated vesting in the event of a change in control

Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals seeking a policy eliminating the accelerated vesting of time-based equity awards in the event of a change in control.

Performance-based equity awards and pay-for-superior-performance proposals

Generally support unless there is sufficient evidence that the current compensation structure is already substantially performance-based. GSAM considers performance-based awards to include awards that are tied to shareholder return or other metrics that are relevant to the business.

Say on Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERP)

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking for shareholder votes on SERP.

 

4. Proxy Contests and Access

Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the election of directors in contested elections, considering the following factors:

 

    Long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry;

 

    Management’s track record;

 

    Background to the proxy contest;

 

    Qualifications of director nominees (both slates);

 

    Strategic plan of dissident slate and quality of critique against management;

 

    Likelihood that the proposed goals and objectives can be achieved (both slates);

 

    Stock ownership positions.

 

6-B


Proxy Access

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder or management proposals asking for open proxy access.

GSAM may support proxy access as an important right for shareholders and as an alternative to costly proxy contests and as a method for GSAM to vote for directors on an individual basis, as appropriate, rather than voting on one slate or the other. While this could be an important shareholder right, the following will be taken into account when evaluating the shareholder proposals:

 

    The ownership thresholds, percentage and duration proposed (GSAM will not support if the ownership threshold is less than 3%);

 

    The maximum proportion of directors that shareholders may nominate each year (GSAM will not support if the proportion of directors is greater than 25%); and

 

    The method of determining which nominations should appear on the ballot if multiple shareholders submit nominations.

Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate, vote FOR the reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election.

 

5. Shareholders Rights & Defenses

Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to act by written consent, unless:

 

    The company already gives shareholders the right to call special meetings at a threshold of 25% or lower; and

 

    The company has a history of strong governance practices.

Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings

Generally vote FOR management proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to call special meetings.

Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to call special meetings at a threshold of 25% or lower if the company currently does not give shareholders the right to call special meetings. However, if a company already gives shareholders the right to call special meetings at a threshold of at least 25%, do not support shareholder proposals to further reduce the threshold.

Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals/Nominations

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on advance notice proposals, giving support to proposals that allow shareholders to submit proposals/nominations reasonably close to the meeting date and within the broadest window possible, recognizing the need to allow sufficient notice for company, regulatory and shareholder review.

Poison Pills

Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it UNLESS the company has: (1) A shareholder-approved poison pill in place; or (2) the company has adopted a policy concerning the adoption of a pill in the future specifying certain shareholder friendly provisions.

Vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for poison pills to be put to a vote within a time period of less than one year after adoption.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals on poison pill ratification, focusing on the features of the shareholder rights plan.

In addition, the rationale for adopting the pill should be thoroughly explained by the company. In examining the request for the pill, take into consideration the company’s existing governance structure, including: board independence, existing takeover defenses, and any problematic governance concerns.

 

7-B


6. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions taking into account the following based on publicly available information:

 

    Valuation;

 

    Market reaction;

 

    Strategic rationale;

 

    Management’s track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions;

 

    Presence of conflicts of interest; and

 

    Governance profile of the combined company.

 

7. State of Incorporation

Reincorporation Proposals

GSAM may support management proposals to reincorporate as long as the reincorporation would not substantially diminish shareholder rights. GSAM may not support shareholder proposals for reincorporation unless the current state of incorporation is substantially less shareholder friendly than the proposed reincorporation, there is a strong economic case to reincorporate or the company has a history of making decisions that are not shareholder friendly.

Exclusive venue for shareholder lawsuits

Generally vote FOR on exclusive venue proposals, taking into account:

 

    Whether the company has been materially harmed by shareholder litigation outside its jurisdiction of incorporation, based on disclosure in the company’s proxy statement;

 

    Whether the company has the following good governance features:

 

    An annually elected board;

 

    A majority vote standard in uncontested director elections; and

 

    The absence of a poison pill, unless the pill was approved by shareholders.

 

8. Capital Structure

Common Stock Authorization

Votes on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. We consider company-specific factors that include, at a minimum, the following:

 

    Past Board performance;

 

    The company’s use of authorized shares during the last three years;

 

    One- and three-year total shareholder return;

 

    The board’s governance structure and practices;

 

    The current request;

 

    Disclosure in the proxy statement of specific reasons for the proposed increase;

 

    The dilutive impact of the request as determined through an allowable increase, which examines the company’s need for shares and total shareholder returns; and

 

    Risks to shareholders of not approving the request.

 

8-B


9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Issues

Overall Approach

GSAM recognizes that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors can affect investment performance, expose potential investment risks and provide an indication of management excellence and leadership. When evaluating ESG proxy issues GSAM balances the purpose of a proposal with the overall benefit to shareholders.

Shareholder proposals considered under this category could include: Reports asking for details on 1) labor and safety policies, 2) impact on the environment of the company’s oil sands or fracturing operations or 3) water-related risks

When evaluating social and environmental shareholder proposals the following factors should be considered:

 

    Whether adoption of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value;

 

    Whether the information requested concerns business issues that relate to a meaningful percentage of the company’s business;

 

    The degree to which the company’s stated position on the issues raised in the proposal could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to a boycott or selective purchasing;

 

    Whether the company has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in the proposal;

 

    What other companies have done in response to the issue addressed in the proposal;

 

    Whether the proposal itself is well framed and the cost of preparing the report is reasonable;

 

    Whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion of the board;

 

    Whether the company has material fines or violations in the area and if so, if appropriate actions have already been taken to remedy going forward;

 

    Whether the requested information is available to shareholders either from the company or from a publicly available source; and

 

    Whether providing this information would reveal proprietary or confidential information that would place the company at a competitive disadvantage.

Sustainability, climate change reporting

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting the company to report on its policies, initiatives, and oversight mechanisms related to social, economic, and environmental sustainability, or how the company may be impacted by climate change. The following factors will be considered:

 

    The company’s current level of publicly-available disclosure including if the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies

 

    If the company has formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines or a similar standard within a specified time frame;

 

    If the company’s current level of disclosure is comparable to that of its industry peers; and

 

    If there are significant controversies, fines, penalties, or litigation associated with the company’s environmental performance.

Establishing goals or targets for emissions reduction

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals that call for the adoption of Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) reduction goals from products and operations, taking into account:

 

    Overly prescriptive requests for the reduction in GHG emissions by specific amounts or within a specific time frame;

 

    Whether company disclosure lags behind industry peers;

 

    Whether the company has been the subject of recent, significant violations, fines, litigation, or controversy related to GHG emissions;

 

    The feasibility of reduction of GHGs given the company’s product line and current technology and;

 

    Whether the company already provides meaningful disclosure on GHG emissions from its products and operations.

 

9-B


Political Contributions and Trade Association Spending/Lobbying Expenditures and Initiatives

Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as:

 

    There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the company’s political contributions or trade association spending; and

 

    The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion.

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to improve the disclosure of a company’s political contributions and trade association spending, considering:

 

    Recent significant controversy or litigation related to the company’s political contributions or governmental affairs;

 

    The public availability of a company policy on political contributions and trade association spending including information on the types of organizations supported, the business rationale for supporting these organizations, and the oversight and compliance procedures related to such expenditures of corporate assets.

GSAM will not necessarily vote for the proposal merely to encourage further disclosure of trade association or lobbying spending.

Vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions. Businesses are affected by legislation at the federal, state, and local level and barring political contributions can put the company at a competitive disadvantage.

Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

A company should have a clear, public Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) statement and/or diversity policy. Generally vote FOR proposals seeking to amend a company’s EEO statement or diversity policies to additionally prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Labor and Human Rights Standards

Generally vote FOR proposals requesting a report or implementation of a policy on company or company supplier labor and/or human rights standards and policies unless such information is already publicly disclosed considering:

 

    The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed;

 

    Whether or not existing relevant policies are consistent with internationally recognized standards;

 

    Whether company facilities and those of its suppliers are monitored and how;

 

    Company participation in fair labor organizations or other internationally recognized human rights initiatives;

 

    Scope and nature of business conducted in markets known to have higher risk of workplace labor/human rights abuse;

 

    Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers;

 

    The scope of the request; and

 

    Deviation from industry sector peer company standards and practices.

Non-U.S. Proxy Items

The following section is a broad summary of the Guidelines, which form the basis of the Policy with respect to non-U.S. public equity investments. Applying these guidelines is subject to certain regional and country-specific exceptions and modifications and is not inclusive of all considerations in each market.

 

1. Operational Items

Financial Results/Director and Auditor Reports

Vote FOR approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports, unless:

 

    There are concerns about the accounts presented or audit procedures used; or

 

10-B


    The company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed.

Appointment of Auditors and Auditor Fees

Vote FOR the reelection of auditors and proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees, unless:

 

    There are serious concerns about the accounts presented, audit procedures used or audit opinion rendered;

 

    There is reason to believe that the auditor has rendered an opinion, which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position;

 

    Name of the proposed auditor has not been published;

 

    The auditors are being changed without explanation; non-audit-related fees are substantial or are in excess of standard annual audit-related fees; or the appointment of external auditors if they have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Appointment of Statutory Auditors

Vote FOR the appointment or reelection of statutory auditors, unless:

 

    There are serious concerns about the statutory reports presented or the audit procedures used;

 

    Questions exist concerning any of the statutory auditors being appointed; or

 

    The auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company.

Allocation of Income

Vote FOR approval of the allocation of income, unless:

 

    The dividend payout ratio has been consistently low without adequate explanation; or

 

    The payout is excessive given the company’s financial position.

Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternative

Vote FOR most stock (scrip) dividend proposals.

Vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

Amendments to Articles of Association

Vote amendments to the articles of association on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Change in Company Fiscal Term

Vote FOR resolutions to change a company’s fiscal term unless a company’s motivation for the change is to postpone its AGM.

Lower Disclosure Threshold for Stock Ownership

Vote AGAINST resolutions to lower the stock ownership disclosure threshold below 5 percent unless specific reasons exist to implement a lower threshold.

Amend Quorum Requirements

Vote proposals to amend quorum requirements for shareholder meetings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

 

11-B


Transact Other Business

Vote AGAINST other business when it appears as a voting item.

 

2. Board of Directors

Director Elections

Vote FOR management nominees taking into consideration the following:

 

    Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner; or

 

    There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements; or

 

    There have been questionable transactions or conflicts of interest; or

 

    There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests; or

 

    The board fails to meet minimum corporate governance standards. or

 

    There are reservations about:

 

    Director terms

 

    Bundling of proposals to elect directors

 

    Board independence

 

    Disclosure of named nominees

 

    Combined Chairman/CEO

 

    Election of former CEO as Chairman of the Board

 

    Overboarded directors

 

    Composition of committees

 

    Director independence

 

    Specific concerns about the individual or company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities; or

 

    Repeated absences at board meetings have not been explained (in countries where this information is disclosed); or

 

    Unless there are other considerations which may include sanctions from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues related to improper business practice, failure to replace management, or egregious actions related to service on other boards.

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis in contested elections of directors, e.g., the election of shareholder nominees or the dismissal of incumbent directors, determining which directors are best suited to add value for shareholders.

The analysis will generally be based on, but not limited to, the following major decision factors:

 

    Company performance relative to its peers;

 

    Strategy of the incumbents versus the dissidents;

 

    Independence of board candidates;

 

    Experience and skills of board candidates;

 

    Governance profile of the company;

 

    Evidence of management entrenchment;

 

    Responsiveness to shareholders;

 

    Whether a takeover offer has been rebuffed;

 

    Whether minority or majority representation is being sought.

Vote FOR employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee and are required by law to be on those committees.

Vote AGAINST employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee, if they are not required to be on those committees.

 

12-B


Classification of directors

Executive Director

 

    Employee or executive of the company;

 

    Any director who is classified as a non-executive, but receives salary, fees, bonus, and/or other benefits that are in line with the highest-paid executives of the company.

Non-Independent Non-Executive Director (NED)

 

    Any director who is attested by the board to be a non-independent NED;

 

    Any director specifically designated as a representative of a significant shareholder of the company;

 

    Any director who is also an employee or executive of a significant shareholder of the company;

 

    Beneficial owner (direct or indirect) of at least 10% of the company’s stock, either in economic terms or in voting rights (this may be aggregated if voting power is distributed among more than one member of a defined group, e.g., family members who beneficially own less than 10% individually, but collectively own more than 10%), unless market best practice dictates a lower ownership and/or disclosure threshold (and in other special market-specific circumstances);

 

    Government representative;

 

    Currently provides (or a relative provides) professional services to the company, to an affiliate of the company, or to an individual officer of the company or of one of its affiliates in excess of $10,000 per year;

 

    Represents customer, supplier, creditor, banker, or other entity with which company maintains transactional/commercial relationship (unless company discloses information to apply a materiality test);

 

    Any director who has conflicting or cross-directorships with executive directors or the chairman of the company;

 

    Relative of a current employee of the company or its affiliates;

 

    Relative of a former executive of the company or its affiliates;

 

    A new appointee elected other than by a formal process through the General Meeting (such as a contractual appointment by a substantial shareholder);

 

    Founder/co-founder/member of founding family but not currently an employee;

 

    Former executive (5 year cooling off period);

 

    Years of service is generally not a determining factor unless it is recommended best practice in a market and/or in extreme circumstances, in which case it may be considered; and

 

    Any additional relationship or principle considered to compromise independence under local corporate governance best practice guidance.

Independent NED

 

    No material connection, either directly or indirectly, to the company other than a board seat.

Employee Representative

 

    Represents employees or employee shareholders of the company (classified as “employee representative” but considered a non-independent NED).

Discharge of Directors

Generally vote FOR the discharge of directors, including members of the management board and/or supervisory board, unless there is reliable information about significant and compelling controversies that the board is not fulfilling its fiduciary duties warranted by:

 

    A lack of oversight or actions by board members which invoke shareholder distrust related to malfeasance or poor supervision, such as operating in private or company interest rather than in shareholder interest; or

 

    Any legal issues (e.g., civil/criminal) aiming to hold the board responsible for breach of trust in the past or related to currently alleged actions yet to be confirmed (and not only the fiscal year in question), such as price fixing, insider trading, bribery, fraud, and other illegal actions; or

 

    Other egregious governance issues where shareholders may bring legal action against the company or its directors; or

 

    Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis where a vote against other agenda items are deemed inappropriate.

 

13-B


3. Compensation

Good pay practices should align management’s interests with long-term shareholder value creation. Detailed disclosure of compensation criteria is preferred; proof that companies follow the criteria should be evident and retroactive performance target changes without proper disclosure is not viewed favorably. Compensation practices should allow a company to attract and retain proven talent. Some examples of poor pay practices include: abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure, egregious employment contracts, excessive severance and/or change in control provisions, repricing or replacing of underwater stock options/stock appreciation rights without prior shareholder approval, and excessive perquisites. A company should also have an appropriate balance of short-term vs. long-term metrics and the metrics should be aligned with business goals and objectives.

Director Compensation

Vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors unless the amounts are excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.

Vote non-executive director compensation proposals that include both cash and share-based components on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote proposals that bundle compensation for both non-executive and executive directors into a single resolution on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to introduce retirement benefits for non-executive directors.

Compensation Plans

Vote compensation plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Director, Officer, and Auditor Indemnification and Liability Provisions

Vote proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and officers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.

 

4. Board Structure

Vote AGAINST the introduction of classified boards and mandatory retirement ages for directors.

Vote AGAINST proposals to alter board structure or size in the context of a fight for control of the company or the board.

Chairman CEO combined role (for applicable markets)

GSAM will generally recommend a vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairman’s position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria:

 

    2/3 independent board, or majority in countries where employee representation is common practice;

 

    A designated, or a rotating, lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties;

 

    Fully independent key committees; and/or

 

    Established, publicly disclosed, governance guidelines and director biographies/profiles.

 

14-B


5. Capital Structure

Share Issuance Requests

General Issuances:

Vote FOR issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100 percent over currently issued capital.

Vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20 percent of currently issued capital.

Specific Issuances:

Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on all requests, with or without preemptive rights.

Increases in Authorized Capital

Vote FOR non-specific proposals to increase authorized capital up to 100 percent over the current authorization unless the increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding.

Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital to any amount, unless:

 

    The specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or

 

    The increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding

after adjusting for all proposed issuances.

Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.

Reduction of Capital

Vote FOR proposals to reduce capital for routine accounting purposes unless the terms are unfavorable to shareholders.

Vote proposals to reduce capital in connection with corporate restructuring on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Capital Structures

Vote FOR resolutions that seek to maintain or convert to a one-share, one-vote capital structure.

Vote AGAINST requests for the creation or continuation of dual-class capital structures or the creation of new or additional super voting shares.

Preferred Stock

Vote FOR the creation of a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50 percent of issued capital unless the terms of the preferred stock would adversely affect the rights of existing shareholders.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote AGAINST the creation of a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares.

Vote AGAINST the creation of blank check preferred stock unless the board clearly states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.

 

15-B


Vote proposals to increase blank check preferred authorizations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Debt Issuance Requests

Vote non-convertible debt issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with or without preemptive rights.

Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible debt instruments as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets guidelines on equity issuance requests.

Vote FOR proposals to restructure existing debt arrangements unless the terms of the restructuring would adversely affect the rights of shareholders.

Increase in Borrowing Powers

Vote proposals to approve increases in a company’s borrowing powers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Share Repurchase Plans

GSAM will generally recommend FOR share repurchase programs taking into account whether:

 

    The share repurchase program can be used as a takeover defense;

 

    There is clear evidence of historical abuse;

 

    There is no safeguard in the share repurchase program against selective buybacks;

 

    Pricing provisions and safeguards in the share repurchase program are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice.

Reissuance of Repurchased Shares

Vote FOR requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of this authority in the past.

Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issues/Increase in Par Value

Vote FOR requests to capitalize reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase par value.

 

6. Mergers and Corporate Restructuring & Other

Reorganizations/Restructurings

Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions taking into account the following based on publicly available information:

 

    Valuation;

 

    Market reaction;

 

    Strategic rationale;

 

    Management’s track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions;

 

    Presence of conflicts of interest; and

 

    Governance profile of the combined company.

 

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Antitakeover Mechanisms

Generally vote AGAINST all antitakeover proposals, unless they are structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on any proposal or offer.

Reincorporation Proposals

Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Related-Party Transactions

Vote related-party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering factors including, but not limited to, the following:

 

    The parties on either side of the transaction;

 

    The nature of the asset to be transferred/service to be provided;

 

    The pricing of the transaction (and any associated professional valuation);

 

    The views of independent directors (where provided);

 

    The views of an independent financial adviser (where appointed);

 

    Whether any entities party to the transaction (including advisers) is conflicted; and

 

    The stated rationale for the transaction, including discussions of timing.

Shareholder Proposals

Vote all shareholder proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.

Vote FOR proposals that would improve the company’s corporate governance or business profile at a reasonable cost.

Vote AGAINST proposals that limit the company’s business activities or capabilities or result in significant costs being incurred with little or no[t] benefit.

 

7. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Issues

Please refer to page 9 for our current approach to these important topics.

 

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PART C — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28. Exhibits

 

(a)    (1)   Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated September 16, 1997. 1/
   (2)   Amendment No. 1 dated October 21, 1997 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 2/
   (3)   Amendment No. 2 dated January 22, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 3/
   (4)   Amendment No. 3 dated April 28, 1999 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 4/
   (5)   Amendment No. 4 dated February 3, 2000 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 5/
   (6)   Amendment No. 5 dated August 1, 2000 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 6/
   (7)   Amendment No. 6 dated April 25, 2001 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 7/
   (8)   Amendment No. 7 dated August 1, 2002 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 8/
   (9)   Amendment No. 8 dated August 4, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 9/
   (10)   Amendment No. 9 dated August 4, 2005 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 9/
   (11)   Amendment No. 10 dated February 9, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 10/
   (12)   Amendment No. 11 dated March 16, 2006 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 10/
   (13)   Amendment No. 12 dated June 19, 2008 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 11/
   (14)   Amendment No. 13 dated December 17, 2009 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 12/
   (15)   Amendment No. 14 dated February 10, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 13/
   (16)   Amendment No. 15 dated July 25, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 14/
   (17)   Amendment No. 16 dated December 15, 2011 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 15/
   (18)   Amendment No. 17 dated December 13, 2012 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 16/
   (19)   Amendment No. 18 dated February 12, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust. 16/
   (20)   Amendment No. 19 dated September 19, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, filed herewith.
(b)      Amended and Restated By-Laws dated August 15, 2013, filed herewith.
(c)      Article II, Section 10, Article IV, Section 4, Article V, Article VI, Article VII, Article IX, Section 8, Section 9, and Section 12 of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit (a)(1) and Article III of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated By-Laws, filed herewith.
(d)    (1)   Management Agreement among Registrant, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International. 2/
   (2)   Assumption Agreement dated April 26, 2003 between Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. 17/
   (3)   Fee Reduction Commitment dated April 28, 2006 by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., Goldman Sachs Asset Management International and Registrant relating to the Growth and Income, Structured U.S. Equity, Capital Growth, Structured Small Cap Equity, Mid Cap Value and International Equity Funds. 18/

 

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   (4)   Annex A dated February 12, 2013 to Management Agreement among Registrant, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International on behalf of the Large Cap Value, Mid Cap Value, Structured Small Cap Equity, Structured U.S. Equity, Strategic Growth, Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Growth Opportunities, Money Market, Global Markets Navigator and Strategic International Equity Funds. 16/
   (5)   Management Agreement dated August 5, 2005 between Registrant and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. on behalf of the Equity Index Fund. 19/
   (6)   Sub-Advisory Agreement dated January 6, 2006 between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and SSgA Funds Management, Inc., on behalf of the Equity Index Fund. 9/
(e)    (1)   Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. dated February 3,2000. 5/
   (2)   Amended Exhibit A dated December 15, 2011 to the Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement dated February 3, 2000 between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. 15/
(f)      Not Applicable.
(g)    (1)   Global Custody Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 19/
   (2)   Custody Agreement dated April 5, 2011 among Registrant (on behalf of the Money Market Fund) and Goldman Sachs Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon. 13/
   (3)   Letter Amendment dated March 12, 2012 to the Custodian Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Global Markets Navigator Fund). 20/
(h)    (1)   Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement dated August 9, 2007 between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. 18/
   (2)   Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement Fee Schedule dated April 14, 2011 to the Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement dated August 9, 2007 between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. 13/
   (3)   Form of Participation Agreement. 2/
   (4)   Mutual Funds Service Agreement dated June 30, 2006 between Registrant and J.P. Morgan Investor Services Co. 19/
   (5)   Fund Administration and Accounting Agreement dated April 5, 2011 between the Registrant (on behalf of the Money Market Fund) and Goldman Sachs Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon. 13/
(i)      Opinion and Consent of Dechert LLP, to be filed.
(j)      Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, to be filed.
(k)      Not Applicable.
(l)      Purchase Agreement between Registrant and The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P. dated December 12, 1997. 2/
(m)      Service Class Distribution and Service Plan dated August 4, 2005. 9/
(n)      Plan in Accordance with Rule 18f-3 dated August 4, 2005. 9/
(o)      Not Applicable.
(p)    (1)   Code of Ethics — Goldman Sachs Trust and Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, dated April 23, 1997, as amended March 12, 2009. 13/

 

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   (2)   Code of Ethics – Goldman, Sachs & Co., Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, dated January 23, 1991, as amended February 6, 2012. 21/
   (3)   Code of Ethics – SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (sub-adviser to Goldman Sachs Equity Index Fund) dated April 1, 2012. 22/
(q)      Powers of Attorney for James A. McNamara, George F. Travers, Ashok N. Bakhru, Donald C. Burke, John P. Coblentz, Jr., Diana M. Daniels, Joseph P. LoRusso, Jessica Palmer, Alan A. Shuch and Richard P. Strubel. 16/

 

1/ Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Initial Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed September 18, 1997.
2/ Incorporated by reference from Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed December 23, 1997.
3/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed February 26, 1999.
4/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed January 31, 2000.
5/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 13, 2000.
6/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 13, 2001.
7/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 29, 2002.
8/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 15, 2003.
9/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 28, 2006.
10/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed May 22, 2006.
11/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 29, 2009.
12/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed February 3, 2010.
13/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 29, 2011.
14/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed December 2, 2011.
15/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 26 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed February 14, 2012.
16/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed February 13, 2013.

 

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17/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 15, 2004.
18/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC. File No. 333-35883, filed April 28, 2008.
19/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 30, 2007.
20/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 9, 2012.
21/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC File No. 333-35883, filed April 30, 2013.
22/ Incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement, SEC. File No. 333-35883, filed April 27, 2012.

Item 29. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with Registrant

Not applicable.

Item 30. Indemnification

Article IV of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, a Delaware business trust (incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit (a)(1) hereto), provides for indemnification of the Trustees and officers of the Trust, subject to certain limitations.

The Management Agreements provide that the applicable Investment Adviser will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Fund, except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Investment Adviser or from reckless disregard by the Investment Adviser of its obligations and duties under the Management Agreements. The Management Agreements are incorporated herein by reference as Exhibits (d)(1) and (d)(5).

Section 8 of the Sub-Advisory Agreement between Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (the “Investment Adviser”) and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (the “Sub-Adviser”) with respect to the Goldman Sachs Equity Index Fund (the “Fund”) provides that the Sub-Adviser will not be liable for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including legal and other expenses) suffered by the Investment Adviser or the Trust as a result of any error of judgment or mistake of law by the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund, except that the Sub-Adviser will remain liable for, and will indemnify the Trust, the Investment Adviser and their affiliated persons against, any losses suffered (a) as a result of the willful misconduct, bad faith, or gross negligence by the Sub-Adviser; (b) as a result of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to the Fund, or any material fact omitted therefrom, if such a statement or omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished by the Sub-Adviser; or (c) as a result of the failure of the Sub-Adviser to execute portfolio transactions according to the requirements of applicable law. The Sub-Advisory Agreement is incorporated by reference as Exhibit (d)(6).

Section 9 of the Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit (e)(1)) and Section 7 of the Amended and Restated Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit (h)(1)) provide that the Registrant will indemnify Goldman, Sachs & Co. against certain liabilities.

Mutual fund and Trustees and officers liability policies purchased jointly by the Registrant, Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Credit Strategies Fund, Goldman Sachs Trust II and Goldman Sachs BDC Inc., insure such persons and their respective trustees, partners, officers and employees, subject to the policies’ coverage limits and exclusions and varying deductibles, against loss resulting from claims by reason of any act, error, omission, misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty.

 

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Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM LP”) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International (“GSAMI”) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and serve as investment advisers to the Registrant. GSAM LP and GSAMI are engaged in the investment advisory business. GSAM LP and GSAMI are part of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., a public company that is a bank holding company, financial holding company and a world-wide, full-service financial services organization. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is the general partner and principal owner of GSAM. Information about the officers and partners of GSAM, and officers and directors of GSAMI, is included in their Forms ADV filed with the Commission (registration numbers 801-37591 and 801-38157, respectively) and is incorporated herein by reference.

SSgA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA”) serves as sub-adviser to Goldman Sachs Equity Index Fund. SSgA is primarily engaged in the investment management business. Information about the officers and directors of SSgA is included in its Form ADV filed with the Commission (registration number 801-60103) and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 32. Principal Underwriters.

(a) Goldman, Sachs & Co. or an affiliate or a division thereof currently serves as distributor for shares of Goldman Sachs Trust, Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust, Goldman Sachs Credit Strategies Fund and Goldman Sachs Trust II. Goldman, Sachs & Co., or a division thereof currently serves as administrator and distributor of the units or shares of The Commerce Funds.

(b) Set forth below is certain information pertaining to the Managing Directors of Goldman, Sachs & Co., the Registrant’s principal underwriter, who are members of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.’s Management Committee. None of the members of the management committee holds a position or office with the Registrant.

GOLDMAN SACHS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

   

Name and Principal

Business Address

   Position with Goldman, Sachs & Co.
  Lloyd C. Blankfein (1)    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
  Alan M. Cohen (1)    Global Head of Compliance, Managing Director
  Gary D. Cohn (1)    Managing Director
  Christopher A. Cole (1)    Managing Director
  Edith Cooper (1)    Managing Director
  Gordon E. Dyal (1)(2)    Managing Director
  Isabelle Ealet (3)    Managing Director
  J. Michael Evans (1)(4)    Managing Director
  Richard A. Friedman (1)    Managing Director
  Richard J. Gnodde (2)    Managing Director
  Gwen R. Libstag (1)    Managing Director
  Masanori Mochida (5)    Managing Director
  Timothy J. O’Neill (1)    Managing Director
  Gregory K. Palm (1)    General Counsel and Managing Director
  John F.W. Rogers (1)    Managing Director
  David C. Ryan (6)    Managing Director
  Pablo J. Salame (1)    Managing Director
  Jeffrey W. Schroeder (1)    Managing Director
  Harvey M. Schwartz (1)    Managing Director
  Michael S. Sherwood (2)    Managing Director
  David M. Solomon (1)    Managing Director
  Esta Stecher (1)    Managing Director
  Steven H. Strongin (1)    Managing Director
  John S. Weinberg (1)    Managing Director
  Eric S. Lane (1)    Managing Director

 

C-5


  Stephen M. Scherr (1)    Managing Director
  Ashok Varadhan (1)    Managing Director
  Mark Schwartz (7)    Managing Director
  Gene Sykes (8)    Managing Director
  R. Martin Chavez (1)    Managing Director
  Ken W. Hitchner (1)    Managing Director

 

(1) 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282
(2) Peterborough Court, 133 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BB, England
(3) River Court, 120 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2QQ, England
(4) Cheung Kong Center, 68th Floor, 2 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong, China
(5) 12-32, Akasaka I-chome, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 107-6006, Japan
(6) 1 Raffles Link, #07-01 South Lobby, Singapore 039393
(7) 7 Finance Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China 100104
(8) Fox Plaza, Suite 2600, 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

 

(c) Not Applicable.

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

The Agreement and Declaration of Trust, Amended and Restated By-laws and minute books of the Registrant and certain investment adviser records are in the physical possession of GSAM LP, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282. All other accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained under Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules promulgated thereunder are in the physical possession of The Bank of New York Mellon, One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, except for certain transfer agency records which are maintained by Goldman, Sachs & Co., 71 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Item 34. Management Services

Not applicable.

Item 35. Undertakings

Not applicable.

 

C-6


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of New York, and State of New York, on the 24rd day of September, 2013.

 

GOLDMAN SACHS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
Registrant
By:   /s/ Caroline Kraus
  Caroline Kraus
  Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment to said Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

 

Name

 

Title

     

Date

1James A. McNamara

James A. McNamara

  President (Chief Executive Officer) and Trustee     September 24, 2013

1George F. Travers

George F. Travers

  Principal Financial Officer and Senior Vice President     September 24, 2013

1Ashok N. Bakhru

Ashok N. Bakhru

  Chairman and Trustee     September 24, 2013

1Donald C. Burke

Donald C. Burke

  Trustee     September 24, 2013

1John P. Coblentz, Jr.

John P. Coblentz, Jr.

  Trustee     September 24, 2013

1Diana M. Daniels

Diana M. Daniels

  Trustee     September 24, 2013

1Joseph P. LoRusso

Joseph P. LoRusso

  Trustee     September 24, 2013

1Jessica Palmer

Jessica Palmer

  Trustee     September 24, 2013

1Alan A. Shuch

Alan A. Shuch

  Trustee     September 24, 2013

1Richard P. Strubel

Richard P. Strubel

  Trustee     September 24, 2013

 

  By:   /s/ Caroline Kraus
    Caroline Kraus,
    Attorney-In-Fact

 

1. Pursuant to powers of attorney previously filed.

 

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CERTIFICATE

The undersigned Secretary for Goldman Sachs Variable Insurance Trust (the “Trust”) hereby certifies that the Board of Trustees of the Trust duly adopted the following resolution at a meeting of the Board held on June 12-13, 2013.

RESOLVED, that the Trustees and Officers of each Trust who may be required to execute any amendments to each Trust’s Registration Statement be, and each hereby is, authorized to execute a power of attorney appointing James A. McNamara, Caroline Kraus, Andrew Murphy, Robert Griffith and Matthew Wolfe, jointly and severally, their attorneys-in-fact, each with power of substitution, for said Trustees and Officers in any and all capacities to sign the Registration Statement under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act of 1940 of each Trust and any and all amendments to such Registration Statement, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the SEC, the Trustees and Officers hereby ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may do or may have caused to be done by virtue hereof.

Dated: September 24, 2013

 

/s/ Caroline Kraus
Caroline Kraus,
Secretary

 

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EXHIBIT LIST

 

(a)(20) Amendment No. 19 dated September 19, 2013 to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust.

 

(b) Amended and Restated By-Laws dated August 15, 2013

 

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