485APOS 1 d16127d485apos.htm STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST State Street Institutional Investment Trust
Table of Contents

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 15, 2015

1933 Act File No. 333-30810

1940 Act File No. 811-09819

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

 

FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

x

Post-Effective Amendment No. 125

x

and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

x

Amendment No. 126

 

 

STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST

 

 

P.O. Box 5049, Boston, Massachusetts 02206

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(617) 662-1742

(Registrant’s Telephone Number)

David James, Secretary

State Street Bank and Trust Company

4 Copley Place, 5th floor

Boston, MA 02116

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

Copy to:

Timothy W. Diggins, Esq.

Ropes & Gray LLP

800 Boylston Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02199-3600

 

 

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)
¨ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
¨ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485.
x 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
¨ On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.

If appropriate, check the following box:

 

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

 

 

 


Table of Contents

State Street Institutional Investment Trust

 

 

STATE STREET CURRENT YIELD FUND

Institutional Class (    )

Administration Class (    )

Investment Class (    )

Investor Class (    )

Premier Class (    )

 

 

Prospectus Dated [[                     ]]

 

 

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 OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

THE FUND MAY OFFER MULTIPLE CLASSES OF SHARES. THIS PROSPECTUS COVERS ONLY THE INSTITUTIONAL CLASS, ADMINISTRATION CLASS, INVESTMENT CLASS, INVESTOR CLASS AND PREMIER CLASS.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Fund Summary

  3   

Additional Information About Investment Objective, Principal Strategies and Risks of Investing in the Fund and Portfolio

  8   

Additional Information About the Fund’s and Portfolio’s Non-Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

  12   

Portfolio Holdings Disclosure

  13   

Management and Organization

  13   

Shareholder Information

  15   

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

  21   

Dividends, Distributions and Tax Considerations

  21   

Financial Highlights

  24   


Table of Contents

FUND SUMMARY

Investment Objective

The investment objective of State Street Current Yield Fund (the “Fund”) is to provide current yield.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The expenses shown in the table and the Example reflect the expenses of the Fund and the Fund’s proportionate share of the expenses of the State Street Current Yield Portfolio (the “Portfolio”).

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)(1)

 

    Institutional   Administration   Investment   Investor   Premier

Management Fee

      0.08 %       0.08 %       0.08 %       0.08 %       0.08 %

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

      0.03 %       0.25 %       0.35 %       0.08 %       None  

Other Expenses

      1.17 %       1.17 %       1.17 %       1.17 %       1.17 %

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses

      1.28 %       1.50 %       1.60 %       1.33 %       1.25 %

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(2)

      (1.10 %)       (1.10 %)       (1.10 %)       (1.10 %)       (1.10 %)

Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement(3)

      0.18 %       0.40 %       0.50 %       0.23 %       0.15 %

 

(1)  Amounts reflect the total expenses of the Portfolio and the Fund.
(2)  [[The Fund’s investment adviser, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “SSGA FM”), is contractually obligated until [[    ]] to waive its management fee and/or to reimburse the Fund for expenses to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (exclusive of non-recurring account fees, extraordinary expenses, acquired fund fees and any class specific expenses such as Distribution, Shareholder Servicing, Administration, and Sub-Transfer Agency Fees, as measured on an annualized basis) exceed [[    ]]% of average daily net assets on an annual basis. This waiver and/or reimbursement may not be terminated prior to [[    ]] except with approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees.]]
(3)  [[The Adviser, may voluntarily reduce all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to avoid a negative yield (the “Voluntary Reduction”), or a yield below a specified level, which may vary from time to time in the Adviser’s sole discretion. The Fund has agreed, subject to certain limitations, to reimburse the Adviser for the full dollar amount of any Voluntary Reduction incurred after [ ]. As of [ ], the Adviser had not waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses under the Voluntary Reduction. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, irrevocably waive receipt of any or all reimbursement amounts due from the Fund. Any future reimbursement by the Fund of the Voluntary Reduction would increase the Fund’s expenses and reduce the Fund’s yield. There is no guarantee that the Voluntary Reduction will be in effect at any given time or that the Fund will be able to avoid a negative yield.]]

Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses remain the same. [[The Example reflects the Fund’s contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement only in the periods for which the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement is expected to continue.]] Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

     1 year      3 years  

Institutional Class

   $ 18       $ 181   

Administration Class

   $ 41       $ 251   

Investment Class

   $ 51       $ 282   

Investor Class

   $ 24       $ 197   

Premier Class

   $ 15       $ 171   

 

3


Table of Contents

Principal Investment Strategies

The State Street Current Yield Fund seeks its investment objective by investing in investment grade quality, short-term instruments. The Fund invests in many of the types of instruments in which a money market fund may invest, but without many of the same credit and other limitations that apply to a money market fund.

The Fund is not a money market fund, and its net asset value per share will fluctuate.

Under normal circumstances the Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in instruments with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less. These may typically include U.S. Government securities (including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds and other securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest, as applicable, by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities); certificates of deposit and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; municipal commercial paper; asset backed commercial paper; and repurchase agreements. All of the Fund’s investments will be denominated in the U.S. dollar.

The Fund will only purchase assets that have received a short-term debt rating of investment grade from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (rated at least A-3 by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”), P-3 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or F3 by Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”)) or, if unrated, that are considered to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. If the credit quality of a security declines below the equivalent of investment grade, the Fund may continue to hold the security if the Adviser determines that to be in the best interest of the Fund.

The Fund currently intends to invest nearly all of its assets in the State Street Current Yield Portfolio, another open-end investment company managed by the Adviser, with an investment objective and policies substantially identical to those of the Fund.

Principal Investment Risks

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit in a bank and it is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

In addition, the Fund is subject to the following risks:

 

    Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may decrease as a result of many factors, including, by way of example, general market fluctuations, increases in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, and illiquidity in debt securities markets. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. A rising interest rate environment would likely cause the value of a Fund’s fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations.

 

    Financial Institutions Risk. Changes in the creditworthiness of financial institutions (such as banks and broker-dealers) may adversely affect the values of instruments of issuers in financial industries. Adverse developments in banking and other financial industries may cause the Fund to underperform relative to other funds that invest more broadly across different industries or have a smaller exposure to financial institutions. Changes in governmental regulation and oversight of financial institutions may have an adverse effect on the financial condition of a financial institution.

 

    Large Shareholder Risk. To the extent a large proportion of the shares of the Portfolio held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Portfolio is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem the Portfolio shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. These transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Portfolio to conduct its investment program.

 

4


Table of Contents
    Liquidity Risk. Lack of a ready market or restrictions on resale may limit the ability of the Fund to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. Illiquidity of the Fund’s holdings may limit the ability of the Fund to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis.

 

    Low Short-Term Interest Rate Risk. At the date of this Prospectus, short-term interest rates are at historically low levels, and so the Fund’s yield is expected to be very low. It is possible that the Fund will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and that it will not be able to pay a daily dividend and may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). It is possible that the Fund will maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which it would earn little, if any, income.

 

    Market Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, and general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets.

 

    Master/Feeder Structure Risk. The Fund pursues its objective by investing substantially all of its assets in another pooled investment vehicle (a “master fund”). The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the ability of the master fund to meet its investment objective. The Adviser or an affiliate may serve as investment adviser to the master fund, leading to potential conflicts of interest. The Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the expenses incurred by the master fund. Substantial redemptions by other investors in a master fund may affect the master fund’s investment program adversely and limit the ability of the master fund to achieve its objective.

 

    Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Non-U.S. securities are subject to political, regulatory, and economic risks not present in domestic investments. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. company than about a U.S. company, and many non-U.S. companies are not subject to accounting, auditing, and financial report standards comparable to those in the Unites States. Foreign governments may impose restrictions on the repatriation of capital to the U.S. In addition, when the Fund buys securities denominated in a foreign currency, there are special risks such as changes in currency exchange rates and the risk that a foreign government could regulate foreign exchange transactions. In addition, to the extent investments are made in a limited number of countries, events in those countries will have a more significant impact on the Fund.

 

    Rapid Changes in Interest Rates. Rapid changes in interest rates may cause significant requests to redeem Fund shares, and possibly cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at a loss to satisfy those requests.

 

    Repurchase Agreement Risk. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Fund which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. If the Fund’s counterparty should default on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Fund may realize a loss.

 

    Restricted Securities Risk. The Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws. There can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility.

 

    Variable and Floating Rate Securities. During periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. In addition, investment in derivative variable rate securities, such as inverse floaters, whose rates vary inversely with market rates of interest, or range floaters or capped floaters, whose rates are subject to periodic or lifetime caps, or in securities that pay a rate of interest determined by applying a multiple to the variable rate involves special risks as compared to investment in a fixed-rate security and may involve leverage.

 

5


Table of Contents
    Zero-Coupon Bond Risk. Zero-coupon bonds usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par values and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest.

Performance

The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns based on net assets. Current performance information for the Fund is available toll free by calling (877) 521-4083 or by visiting our website at www.ssga.com/cash.

Investment Adviser

SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.

Jeff St. Peters has been the Portfolio Manager for the Fund and the Portfolio since inception.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

Purchase Minimums

 

Institutional Class

To establish an account

$ 25,000,000   

To add to an existing account

  No minimum   

Administration Class

To establish an account

$ 5,000,000   

To add to an existing account

  No minimum   

Investment Class

To establish an account

$ 25,000,000   

To add to an existing account

  No minimum   

Investor Class

To establish an account

$ 10,000,000   

To add to an existing account

  No minimum   

Premier Class

To establish an account

$ 250,000,000   

To add to an existing account

  No minimum   

You may redeem Fund shares on any day the Fund is open for business.

You may redeem Fund shares by written request or wire transfer. Written requests should be sent to:

By Mail:

State Street Institutional Trust Funds

P.O. Box 8048

Boston, MA 02205-8048

By Overnight:

State Street Institutional Trust Funds

30 Dan Road

Canton, MA 02021-2809

By Intermediary: If you wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open.

Intermediaries may contact Boston Financial Dealer Services Group at 877-332-6207 or email them at nsccresearch@bostonfinancial.com with questions.

 

6


Table of Contents

By Telephone:

For wire transfer instructions, please call (866) 392-0869 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time. Redemptions by telephone are permitted only if you previously have been authorized for these transactions.

If you wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open.

Tax Information

The Fund intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Website for more information.

 

7


Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES AND RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND AND PORTFOLIO

Investment Objective

The investment objective of the Fund, as stated in the Fund’s Fund Summary, may be changed without shareholder approval.

Principal Investment Strategies

The State Street Current Yield Fund seeks its investment objective by investing in investment grade quality, short-term instruments. The Fund invests in many of the types of instruments in which a money market fund may invest, but without many of the same credit and other limitations that apply to a money market fund.

The Fund is not a money market fund, and its net asset value per share will fluctuate.

Under normal circumstances the Fund pursues its investment objective by investing in instruments with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less. These may typically include U.S. Government securities (including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds and other securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest, as applicable, by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities); certificates of deposit and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; municipal commercial paper; asset backed commercial paper; and repurchase agreements. All of the Fund’s investments will be denominated in the U.S. dollar.

The Fund will only purchase assets that have received a short-term debt rating of investment grade from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (rated at least A-3 by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”), P-3 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or F3 by Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”)) or, if unrated, that are considered to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. If the credit quality of a security declines below the equivalent of investment grade, the Fund may continue to hold the security if the Adviser determines that to be in the best interest of the Fund.

The Fund currently intends to invest nearly all of its assets in the State Street Current Yield Portfolio, another open-end investment company managed by the Adviser, with an investment objective and policies substantially identical to those of the Fund.

Additional Information About Risks

 

    Call/Prepayment Risk. Call/prepayment risk is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Fund earlier than expected or required. This may occur, for example, when there is a decline in interest rates, and an issuer of bonds or preferred stock redeems the bonds or stock in order to replace them with obligations on which it is required to pay a lower interest or dividend rate. It may also occur when there is an unanticipated increase in the rate at which mortgages or other receivables underlying mortgage- or asset-backed securities held by the Fund are prepaid. In any such case, the Fund may be forced to invest the prepaid amounts in lower-yielding investments, resulting in a decline in the Fund’s income.

 

    Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer, guarantor or liquidity provider of a fixed-income security held by the Fund may be unable or unwilling, or may be perceived (whether by market participants, ratings agencies, pricing services or otherwise) as unable or unwilling, to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. It includes the risk that the security will be downgraded by a credit rating agency; generally, lower credit quality issuers present higher credit risks. An actual or perceived decline in creditworthiness of an issuer of a fixed-income security held by the Fund may result in a decrease in the value of the security. It is possible that the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will decline substantially during the period when the Fund owns securities of the issuer or that the issuer will default on its obligations or that the obligations of the issuer will be limited or restructured.

The credit rating assigned to any particular investment does not necessarily reflect the issuer’s current financial condition and does not reflect an assessment of an investment’s volatility or liquidity. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade are considered to have speculative characteristics. If a security held by the Fund loses its rating or its rating is downgraded, the Fund may nonetheless continue to hold the security in the discretion of the Adviser. In the case of asset-backed or mortgage-related securities, changes in the actual or perceived ability of the obligors on the underlying assets or mortgages may affect the values of those securities

 

8


Table of Contents
    Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may decrease as a result of many factors, including, by way of example, general market fluctuations, increases in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, illiquidity in debt securities markets[, prepayments of principal, which often must be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates, and slower-than-expected principal payments, which may lock in a below-market interest rate.]. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. A rising interest rate environment would likely cause the value of a Fund’s fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations.

 

    Extension Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower-than-expected principal payments. This may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the security’s duration and reduce the value of the security. Extension risk may be heightened during periods of adverse economic conditions generally, as payment rates decline due to higher unemployment levels and other factors.

 

    Financial Institutions Risk. Some instruments are issued or guaranteed by financial institutions, such as banks and brokers, or are collateralized by securities issued or guaranteed by financial institutions. Changes in the creditworthiness of any of these institutions may adversely affect the values of instruments of issuers in financial industries. Financial institutions may be particularly sensitive to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles. Adverse developments in banking and other financial industries may cause the Fund to underperform relative to other funds that invest more broadly across different industries or have a smaller exposure to financial institutions. Changes in governmental regulation and oversight of financial institutions may have an adverse effect on the financial condition or the earnings or operations of a financial institution and on the types and amounts of businesses in which a financial institution may engage. An investor may be delayed or prevented from exercising certain remedies against a financial institution. The amount of the Fund’s assets that may be invested in any financial institution, or financial institutions generally, may be limited by applicable law.

 

    Interest Rate Risk. The values of bonds and other debt instruments usually rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Declining interest rates generally result in increases in the values of existing debt instruments, and rising interest rates generally result in declines in the values of existing debt instruments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for investments with longer durations or maturities. Adjustable rate instruments also generally increase or decrease in value in response to changes in interest rates, although generally to a lesser degree than fixed-income securities (depending, however, on the characteristics of the reset terms, including the index chosen, frequency of reset, and reset caps or floors, among other factors). When interest rates decline, the income received by the Fund may decline, and the Fund’s yield may also decline. Changes in governmental policy, rising inflation rates, and general economic developments, among other factors, could cause interest rates to increase and could have a substantial and immediate negative effect on the values of the Fund’s investments. A rising interest rate environment could cause the value of a Fund’s fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk.

 

    Large Shareholder Risk. To the extent a large proportion of the shares of the Portfolio are highly concentrated or held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Portfolio is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem Portfolio shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. These transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Portfolio to conduct its investment program. For example, they could require the Portfolio to sell portfolio securities or purchase portfolio securities unexpectedly and incur substantial transaction costs and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and/or gains to shareholders, or the Portfolio may be required to sell its more liquid Portfolio investments to meet a large redemption, in which case the Portfolio’s remaining assets may be less liquid, more volatile, and more difficult to price. The Portfolio may hold a relatively large proportion of its assets in cash in anticipation of large redemptions, diluting its investment returns.

 

9


Table of Contents
    Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund may not be able to dispose of securities or close out derivatives transactions readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which the Fund currently values them. For example, certain investments are subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Fund to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities. The Fund may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of the Fund. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Fund may choose to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

 

    Low Short-Term Interest Rate Risk. At the date of this Prospectus, short-term interest rates are at historically low levels, and so the Fund’s yield is expected to be very low. It is possible that the Fund will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and that it will not be able to pay a daily dividend and may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). It is possible that the Fund will maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which it would earn little, if any, income.

 

    Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Likewise, natural and environmental disasters and systemic market dislocations may be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Those events as well as other changes in foreign and domestic economic and political conditions also could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Fund’s investments. Given the increasing interdependence among global economies and markets, conditions in one country, market, or region might adversely affect markets, issuers, and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries, including the U.S. Any partial or complete dissolution of the European Monetary Union, or any increased uncertainty as to its status, could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of the Fund’s investments.  

Securities and financial markets may be susceptible to market manipulation or other fraudulent trade practices, which could disrupt the orderly functioning of these markets or adversely affect the values of investments traded in these markets, including investments held by the Fund.

To the extent the Fund has focused its investments in the market or index of a particular region, adverse geopolitical and other events could have a disproportionate impact on the Fund.

 

    Market Risk. Market prices of investments held by the Fund will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers and general market liquidity. Even if general economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in the Fund could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which the Fund invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal, political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices.

 

    Market Volatility; Government Intervention Risk. Market dislocations and other external events, such as the failures or near failures of significant financial institutions, dislocations in investment or currency markets, corporate or governmental defaults or credit downgrades, or poor collateral performance, may subject the Fund to significant risk

 

10


Table of Contents
 

of substantial volatility and loss. Governmental and regulatory authorities have taken, and may in the future take, actions to provide or arrange credit supports to financial institutions whose operations have been compromised by credit market dislocations and to restore liquidity and stability to financial systems in their jurisdictions; the implementation of such governmental interventions and their impact on both the markets generally and the Fund’s investment program in particular can be uncertain. In recent periods, governmental and non-governmental issuers have defaulted on, or have been forced to restructure, their debts, and many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread, including, without limitation, in Europe or Asia. Defaults or restructurings by governments or others of their debts could have substantial adverse effects on economies, financial markets, and asset valuations around the world. In recent periods, financial regulators, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, have taken steps to maintain historically low interest rates, such as by purchasing bonds. Some governmental authorities have taken steps to devalue their currencies substantially or have taken other steps to counter actual or anticipated market or other developments. Steps by those regulators to implement, or to curtail or taper, such activities could have substantial negative effects on financial markets. The withdrawal of support, failure of efforts in response to a financial crisis, or investor perception that these efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the values and liquidity of certain securities.

 

    Master/Feeder Structure Risk. The Fund pursues its objective by investing substantially all of its assets in another pooled investment vehicle (a “master fund”). The ability of the Fund to meet its investment objective is directly related to the ability of the master fund to meet its investment objective. The ability of the Fund to meet its objective may be adversely affected by the purchase and redemption activities of other investors in the master fund. The ability of the Fund to meet redemption requests will depend on its ability to redeem its interest in the master fund. The Adviser or an affiliate may serve as investment adviser to the master fund, leading to potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees based on the amount of assets invested in the master fund. Investment by the Fund in the master fund may be beneficial in the management of the master fund, by helping to achieve economies of scale or enhancing cash flows. Due to this and other factors, the Adviser may have an incentive to invest the Fund’s assets in a master fund sponsored or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates in lieu of investments by the Fund directly in portfolio securities, or may have an incentive to invest in such master fund over a master fund sponsored or managed by others. Similarly, the Adviser may have an incentive to delay or decide against the sale of interests held by the Fund in a master fund sponsored or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates. It is possible that other clients of the Adviser or its affiliates will purchase or sell interests in a master fund sponsored or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates at prices and at times more favorable than those at which the Fund does so. The Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the expenses incurred by the master fund.

 

    Non-U.S. Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers (including depositary receipts) entail risks not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S. issuers. Similar risks may apply to securities traded on a U.S. securities exchange that are issued by companies with significant exposure to non-U.S. countries. In certain countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with regard to U.S. investments. Because non-U.S. securities are normally denominated and traded in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the value of the Fund’s assets may be affected favorably or unfavorably by currency exchange rates, exchange control regulations, and restrictions or prohibitions on the repatriation of non-U.S. currencies. Income and gains with respect to investments in certain countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. company than about a U.S. company, and many non-U.S. companies are not subject to accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards, regulatory framework and practices comparable to those in the United States. The securities of some non-U.S. companies are less liquid and at times more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies, and could become subject to sanctions or embargoes that adversely affect the Fund’s investment. Non-U.S. transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and custody costs may be higher than in the U.S. In addition, there may be a possibility of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability, and diplomatic developments that could adversely affect the values of the Fund’s investments in certain non-U.S. countries.

 

    Rapid Changes in Interest Rate. The values of most instruments held by the Fund are adversely affected by changes in interest rates generally, especially increases in interest rates. Rapid changes in interest rates may cause significant requests to redeem a Fund’s shares, and possibly cause the Fund to sell Fund securities at a loss to satisfy those requests.

 

11


Table of Contents
    Repurchase Agreement Risk. A repurchase agreement is an agreement to buy a security from a seller at one price and a simultaneous agreement to sell it back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price, typically representing the purchase price plus interest. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Fund which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. The Fund’s investment return on such transactions will depend on the counterparty’s willingness and ability to perform its obligations under a repurchase agreement. If the Fund’s counterparty should default on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Fund may realize a loss

 

    Restricted Securities Risk. The Fund may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws pursuant to an exemption from registration (including so-called Section 4(2) paper and Rule 144A securities). These securities may be less liquid than securities registered for sale to the general public. The liquidity of a restricted security may be affected by a number of factors, including, among others: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer; (ii) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (iii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (iv) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (v) the nature of any legal restrictions governing trading in the security; and (vi) the nature of the security and the nature of marketplace trades. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility.

 

    Variable and Floating Rate Securities. Variable or floating rate securities are debt securities with variable or floating interest rates payments. Variable or floating rate securities bear rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended generally to reflect market rates of interest and allow the Fund to participate (determined in accordance with the terms of the securities) in increases in interest rates through upward adjustments of the coupon rates on the securities. However, during periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. The Fund may also invest in variable or floating rate equity securities, whose dividend payments vary based on changes in market rates of interest or other factors.

 

    Zero-Coupon Bond Risk. Zero-coupon bonds are debt obligations that are generally issued at a discount and payable in full at maturity, and that do not provide for current payments of interest prior to maturity. Zero-coupon bonds usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par values and are subject to greater market value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make current distributions of interest. When interest rates rise, the values of zero-coupon bonds fall more rapidly than securities paying interest on a current basis, because the Fund is unable to reinvest interest payments at the higher rates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND’S NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

Temporary Defensive Positions. In response to actual or perceived adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions, the Fund may (but will not necessarily), without notice, depart from its principal investment strategies by temporarily investing for defensive purposes. Temporary defensive positions may include, but are not limited to, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities, money market funds, and high-quality debt investments. If the Fund invests for defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. In addition, the defensive strategy may not work as intended.

Conflicts of Interest Risk. An investment in the Fund may be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide services to the Fund, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Fund would compensate the Adviser and/or such affiliates. The Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser. There is

 

12


Table of Contents

no assurance that the rates at which the Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser or its affiliates will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser makes available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser may have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of the Fund with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest.

The Adviser and its affiliates serve as investment adviser to other clients and may make investment decisions that may be different from those that will be made by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund. For example, the Adviser may provide asset allocation advice to some clients that may include a recommendation to invest in or redeem from particular issuers while not providing that same recommendation to all clients invested in the same or similar issuers. The Adviser may (subject to applicable law) be simultaneously seeking to purchase (or sell) investments for the Fund and to sell (or purchase) the same investment for accounts, funds, or structured products for which it serves as asset manager, or for other clients or affiliates. The Adviser and its affiliates may invest for clients in various securities that are senior, pari passu or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by the Fund. The Adviser or its affiliates, in connection with its other business activities, may acquire material non-public confidential information that may restrict the Adviser from purchasing securities or selling securities for itself or its clients (including the Fund) or otherwise using such information for the benefit of its clients or itself.

The foregoing does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interests which may affect the Fund. The Fund may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of interest that are not listed or discussed above may arise.

Cyber Security Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform business and operational functions, funds (such as the Funds) and their service providers (including the Adviser) may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks include, among others, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and causing operational disruption. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, a Fund, the Adviser, or a custodian, transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect the Fund or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions, affect a Fund’s ability to calculate its net asset value, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject a Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and additional compliance costs. Cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. A Fund may also incur substantial costs for cyber security risk management in order to prevent cyber incidents in the future. A Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Adviser has established business continuity plans and systems designed to minimize the risk of cyber-attacks through the use of technology, processes and controls, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified given the evolving nature of this threat. Each Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of its day-to-day operations, and will be subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective to protect a Fund from cyber-attack. Similar types of cyber security risks or technical malfunctions also are present for issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause a Fund’s investment in such securities to lose value.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE

The Fund’s portfolio holdings disclosure policy is described in the SAI.

MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION

The Fund and the Portfolio. The Fund is a separate, diversified series of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the “Trust”), which is an open-end management investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

 

13


Table of Contents

The Fund invests as part of a “master-feeder” structure. The Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing substantially all of its investable assets in the Portfolio, a separate mutual fund, that has a substantially identical investment objective, investment policies, and risks as the Fund. Descriptions of the investment activities of the Fund also generally describe the expected investment activities of the Portfolio. The Portfolio’s shares are offered exclusively to investors (including without limitation, registered investment companies, private investment pools, bank collective funds, and investment separate accounts) that, like the Fund, pay fees to SSGA FM or its affiliates. The fees paid by those investment vehicles to SSGA FM (or its affiliates) vary depending on a number of factors, including by way of example, the services provided, the risks borne by SSGA FM (or its affiliates), fee rates paid by competitive investment vehicles, and in some cases direct negotiation with investors in the Portfolio.

The Fund can withdraw its investment in the Portfolio if, at any time, the Fund’s Board of Trustees determines that it would be in the best interests of the Fund’s shareholders, or if the investment objectives of the Portfolio changed so that they were inconsistent with the objectives of the Fund. If the Fund withdraws its investment from the Portfolio, the Fund may invest all of its assets in another mutual fund that has the same investment objective as the Fund, the Adviser may directly manage the Fund’s assets, or the Board may take such other action it deems appropriate and in the best interests of shareholders of the Fund, which may include liquidation of the Fund.

The Adviser. State Street Global Advisors (“SSGA”) is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company. SSGA is one of the world’s largest institutional money managers, and uses quantitative and traditional techniques to manage approximately $[        ] in assets as of [                    ]. SSGA FM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, is the investment adviser to the Fund and the Portfolio, and is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. SSGA FM had approximately $[        ] billion in assets under management as of [                    ].

[[The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement with the Adviser pursuant to which the Adviser will manage the Fund’s assets directly, for compensation paid at an annual rate of [    ]% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Portfolio pays no investment advisory fees to SSGA FM.

The Adviser also may voluntarily reduce all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund to the extent necessary to avoid negative yield which may vary from time to time in the Adviser’s sole discretion. Under an agreement with the Adviser relating to the Voluntary Reduction, the Fund has agreed to reimburse the Adviser for the full dollar amount of any Voluntary Reduction beginning on [         ], subject to certain limitations. The Fund will not be obligated to reimburse the Adviser: more than three years after the end of the fiscal year in which the Adviser provided a Voluntary Reduction; in respect of any business day for which the net annualized one-day yield is less than 0.00%; to the extent that the amount of the reimbursement to the Adviser on any day exceeds fifty percent of the yield (net of all expenses, exclusive of the reimbursement) of the Fund on that day; to the extent that the amount of such reimbursement would cause the Fund’s net yield to fall below the Fund’s minimum net yield as determined by the Adviser in its sole discretion; or in respect of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements that are necessary to maintain the Fund’s contractual total expense limit which is effective at the time of such fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. A reimbursement to the Adviser would increase fund expenses and negatively impact the Fund’s future yield. There is no guarantee that the Voluntary Reduction will be in effect at any given time or that a Fund will be able to avoid a negative yield. Reimbursement payments by the Fund to the Adviser in connection with the Voluntary Reduction are considered “extraordinary expenses” and are not subject to any contractual expense limitation agreement in effect for the Fund at the time of such payment. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, irrevocably waive receipt of any or all reimbursement amounts due from the Fund.]]

A summary of the factors considered by the Board of Trustees in connection with the initial approval of the investment advisory agreement for the Fund will be available in the Fund’s annual report or semi-annual report, as applicable, after the Fund commences operations.

Key professionals involved in the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund include the following:

Jeff St. Peters

Jeff is a Managing Director of State Street Global Advisors and the head of U.S. Cash Management within the Global Cash Management division. Jeff manages a team of portfolio managers that focus on traditional money market and securities lending cash collateral funds. He is also a Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for several securities lending, enhanced cash, offshore, and SSGA’s registered money market portfolios for both retail and institutional clients. He has been managing short duration cash and securities lending portfolios at SSGA for over 12 years. Jeff is a member of SSGA’s Senior Leadership Team.

 

14


Table of Contents

The Adviser’s principal address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.

[[The Administrator, Sub-Administrator and Custodian. The Adviser serves as administrator of the Fund. The amount of the fee paid to the Adviser for administrative services varies by share class. The Fund pays the Adviser an administrative fee at an annual rate of 0.05%. State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), a subsidiary of State Street Corporation, serves as the sub-administrator for the Fund for a fee that is paid by the Adviser. State Street also serves as custodian of the Fund for a separate fee that is paid by the Fund.

The Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent. Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. is the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent (the “Transfer Agent”).

The Distributor. State Street Global Markets, LLC serves as the Fund’s distributor (the “Distributor” or “SSGM”) pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between the Distributor and the Trust. ]]

Additional Information. The Trustees of the Trust oversee generally the operations of the Fund and the Trust. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others the Fund’s investment adviser, custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.

This prospectus provides information concerning the Trust and the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Fund. Neither this prospectus, nor the related statement of additional information, is intended, or should be read, to be or to give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Determination of Net Asset Value. The Fund determines its net asset value (“NAV”) per share once each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). Pricing does not occur on NYSE holidays. A business day is one on which the NYSE is open for regular trading. The Federal Reserve is closed on certain holidays on which the NYSE is open. These holidays are Columbus Day and Veterans Day. On these holidays, you will not be able to purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds because Federal Funds wiring does not occur on days when the Federal Reserve is closed. The NAV per share is based on the market value of the investments held in the Fund. The NAV of each class of the Fund’s shares is calculated by dividing the value of the assets of the Fund attributable to that class less the liabilities of the Fund attributable to that class by the number of shares in the class outstanding. The Fund values each security or other investment pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees. Securities or other investments may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the Portfolios’ Board of Trustees, under certain limited circumstances. For example, fair value pricing may be used when market quotations are not readily available or reliable, such as when (i) trading for a security is restricted; or (ii) a significant event, as determined by the Adviser, that may affect the value of one or more securities or other investments held by the Fund occurs after the close of a related exchange but before the determination of the Fund’s NAV. Attempts to determine the fair value of securities or other investments introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities or other investments. As a result, the price of a security or other investment determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the price the Fund would have received had it sold the investment. To the extent that the Fund invests in the shares of other registered open-end investment companies that are not traded on an exchange (mutual funds), such shares are valued at their published net asset values per share as reported by the funds. The prospectuses of these funds explain the circumstances under which the funds will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.

Purchasing Shares. The Fund offers five classes of shares through this Prospectus: Institutional Class, Administration Class, Investment Class, Investor Class and Premier Class, available to you subject to the eligibility requirements set forth

 

15


Table of Contents

below. All classes of the Fund share the same investment objective and investments, but the different share classes have different expense structures and eligibility requirements. You should choose the class with the expense structure that best meets your needs for which you are eligible. Some factors to consider are the amount you plan to invest, the time period before you expect to sell your shares, and whether you might invest more money in the Fund in the future. Your investment professional can help you choose the share class that best suits your investment needs.

The chart below summarizes the features of the different share classes. This chart is only a general summary, and you should read the description of the Fund’s expenses in the Fund Summary in this Prospectus.

The minimum purchase amount may be waived by for specific investors or types of investors, including, without limitation, retirement plans, employees of State Street Corporation and its affiliates and their family.

 

    Institutional     Administration     Investment     Investor     Premier  

Minimum Initial Investment

  $ 25,000,000      $ 5,000,000      $ 25,000,000      $ 10,000,000      $ 250,000,000   

Maximum Investment

    None.        None.        None.        None.        None.   

Initial Sales Charge

   
 
 
 
No. Entire
purchase price is
invested in shares
of a Fund.
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
No. Entire
purchase price is
invested in shares
of a Fund.
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
No. Entire
purchase price is
invested in shares
of a Fund.
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
No. Entire
purchase price is
invested in shares
of a Fund.
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
No. Entire
purchase price is
invested in shares
of a Fund.
  
  
  
  

Deferred Sales Charge

    No.        No.        No.        No.        No.   

Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees

    0.03% annual fee.        0.25% annual fee.        0.35% annual fee.        0.08% annual fee.        No.   

Redemption Fees

    No.        No.        No.        No.        No.   

Investors pay no sales load to invest in the shares of the Fund. The price for Fund shares is the NAV per share. Orders will be priced at the NAV next calculated after the order is accepted by the Fund.

For Purchases by Check, Exchange or Wire: Orders received in good form (a purchase order is in good form if it meets the requirements implemented from time to time by a Fund or the Transfer Agent, and for new accounts includes submission of a completed and signed application and all documentation necessary to open an account) by the Fund on a business day before the close of regular trading on the NYSE (ordinarily 4:00p.m., Eastern time), the trade date will be the same day. If the purchase request is received in good order on a business day after the close of regular trading on the NYSE, or on a non-business day, the trade date will be the next business day. Purchases made by check, Federal Wire or exchange from another fund advised by SSGA FM (a “State Street Fund”) will earn dividends and/or capital gains if they are invested in the Fund prior to the record date of the distribution.

The minimum initial investment in Institutional Class, Administration, Investment, Investor and Premier shares of the Fund is $25 million, $5 million, $25 million, $10 million and $250 million, respectively. Holdings of related customer accounts may be aggregated for purposes of determining the minimum investment amount. “Related customer accounts” include accounts held by the same investment or retirement plan, financial institution, broker, dealer or intermediary. The Fund and the Adviser reserve the right to increase or decrease the minimum amount required to open or maintain an account. There is no minimum subsequent investment, except in relation to maintaining certain minimum account balances (See “Redeeming Shares” below). The Fund requires prior notification of subsequent investments or redemptions in excess of: $[100,000,000.00].

 

16


Table of Contents

The Fund reserves the right to cease accepting investments at any time or to reject any investment order. In addition, the Fund may limit the amount of a purchase order.

How to Purchase Shares

By Mail:

An initial investment in the Fund must be preceded or accompanied by a completed, signed Institutional Account Application Form, sent to:

State Street Institutional Trust Funds

P.O. Box 8048

Boston, MA 02205-8048

By Overnight:

State Street Institutional Trust Funds

30 Dan Road

Canton, MA 02021-2809

By Telephone/Fax:

An initial investment in the Fund must be preceded or accompanied by a completed, signed Institutional Account Application Form, faxed to (816) 218-0400. Call the Fund at (866) 392-0869 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. ET to:

 

  confirm receipt of the faxed Institutional Account Application Form (initial purchases only),

 

  request your new account number (initial purchases only),

 

  confirm the amount being wired and wiring bank, and

 

  receive a confirmation number for your purchase order (your trade is not effective until you have received a confirmation number from the Fund).

For your initial investment, send the original, signed Institutional Account Application Form to the address above.

By Intermediary:

If you wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open.

Intermediaries may contact Boston Financial Dealer Services Group at 877-332-6207 or email them at nsccresearch@boston financial.com with questions.

Wire Instructions:

Instruct your bank to transfer money by Federal Funds wire to:

State Street Bank and

Trust Company

1 Iron Street

Boston, MA 02110

ABA# 011000028

DDA# 9905-801-8

State Street Institutional Investment Trust

Fund name

Institutional Class

Account Number

Account Registration

On Columbus Day and Veterans Day, you will not be able to purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds because the Federal Funds wiring does not occur on those days. Payment for Fund shares must be in Federal Funds (or converted to Federal Funds by the Transfer Agent) by the close of the Federal Reserve.

You will not be able to redeem shares from the account until the original Application has been received. The Fund and the Fund’s agents are not responsible for transfer errors by the sending or receiving bank and will not be liable for any loss incurred due to a wire transfer not having been received.

In accordance with certain federal regulations, the Trust is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each entity that applies to open an account. For this reason, when you open (or change ownership of) an account, the Trust will request certain information, including your name, residential/business address, date of birth (for individuals) and taxpayer identification number or other government identification number and other information that will allow us to identify you which will be used to verify your identity. The Trust may also request to review other identification documents such as driver license, passport or documents showing the existence of the business entity. If you do not provide sufficient information to verify your identity, the Trust will not open an account for you. As required by law, the Trust may employ various procedures, such as comparing your information to fraud databases or requesting additional information and documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is correct. The Trust reserves the right to reject any purchase for any reason, including failure to provide the Trust with information necessary to confirm your identity as required by law.

Redeeming Shares. An investor may redeem all or any portion of its investment at the NAV next determined after it submits a redemption request, in proper form, to the Fund. The Fund will pay the proceeds of the redemption either in Federal Funds or in securities at the discretion of the Adviser, normally on the next Fund business day after the redemption, but in any event no more than seven days after the redemption.

 

17


Table of Contents

The right of any investor to receive payment with respect to any redemption may be suspended or the payment of the redemption proceeds postponed during any period in which the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays) or trading on the NYSE is restricted or, to the extent otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended, if an emergency exists.

If your account is held through an Intermediary, please contact them for additional assistance and advice on how to redeem your shares.

A request for a partial redemption by an investor whose account balance is below the minimum amount or a request for partial redemption by an investor that would bring the account below the minimum amount may be treated as a request for a complete redemption of the account. These minimums may be different for investments made through certain financial intermediaries as determined by their policies and may be waived in the Adviser’s discretion. The Fund reserves the right to modify minimum account requirements at any time with or without prior notice. The Fund also reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an investor’s account if the investor’s account balance falls below the applicable minimum amount due to transaction activity.

How to Redeem Shares

 

By Mail

Send a signed letter to:

  State Street Institutional Investment Trust Funds

  P.O. Box 8048

  Boston, MA 02205-8048

 

The letter should include information necessary to process your request as described below. The Fund may require a medallion guarantee in certain circumstances. See “Medallion Guarantees” below.

By Overnight

State Street Institutional Investment Trust Funds

30 Dan Road

Canton, MA 02021-2809

By Telephone Please Call (866) 392-0869 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.
By Intermediary

If you wish to purchase or redeem Fund shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open.

 

Intermediaries may contact Boston Financial Dealer Services Group at 877-332-6207 or email them at nsccresearch@boston financial.com with questions.

The Fund will need the following information to process your redemption request:

 

    name(s) of account owners;

 

    account number(s);

 

    the name of the Fund;

 

    your daytime telephone number; and

 

    the dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed.

On any day that the Fund calculates NAV earlier than normal, the Fund reserves the right to adjust the times noted above for purchasing and redeeming shares.

Medallion Guarantees. Certain redemption requests must include a medallion guarantee for each registered account owner if any of the following apply:

 

    Your account address has changed within the last 10 business days.

 

    Redemption proceeds are being transferred to an account with a different registration.

 

    A wire is being sent to a financial institution other than the one that has been established on your Fund account.

 

    Other unusual situations as determined by the Transfer Agent.

All redemption requests regarding shares of the Fund placed after [4:00] p.m. ET may only be placed by telephone or pre-established other means such as a transmission. The Fund reserves the right to postpone payments for redemption requests received after [4:00] p.m. ET until the next business day. The Fund reserves the right to waive medallion guarantee

 

18


Table of Contents

requirements, require a medallion guarantee under other circumstances or reject or delay redemption if the medallion guarantee is not in good form. Medallion guarantees may be provided by an eligible financial institution such as a commercial bank, a FINRA member firm such as a stock broker, a savings association or a national securities exchange. A notary public cannot provide a medallion guarantee. The Fund reserves the right to reject a medallion guarantee if it is not provided by a STAMP Medallion guarantor.

About Telephone Transactions. Telephone transactions are convenient but are not free from risk. Neither the Fund nor the Fund’s agents will be responsible for any losses resulting from unauthorized telephone transactions if reasonable security procedures are followed. In addition, you are responsible for: (i) verifying the accuracy of all data and information transmitted by telephone, (ii) verifying the accuracy of your account statements immediately upon receipt, and (iii) promptly notifying the Fund of any errors or inaccuracies including, without limitation, any errors or inaccuracies relating to shareholder data or information transmitted by telephone. During periods of heavy market activity or other times, it may be difficult to reach the Fund by telephone. If you are unable to reach us by telephone, consider sending written instructions.

The Fund may terminate the receipt of redemption orders by telephone at any time, in which case you may redeem shares by other means.

If you choose to purchase or redeem shares by sending instructions by regular mail, they will not be deemed received in good order until they are released by the post office and redelivered to the Transfer Agent’s physical location at 30 Dan Road in Canton, MA 02021. There will be a time lag, which may be one or more days, between regular mail receipt at the Boston post office box and redelivery to such physical location in Canton, and the Fund’s net asset value may change over those days. You might consider using express rather than regular mail if you believe time of receipt of your transaction request to be sensitive.

Frequent-Trading Limits

Frequent, short-term trading, abusive trading practices and market timing (together, “Excessive Trading”), often in response to short-term fluctuations in the market, are not knowingly permitted by the State Street Funds. The State Street Funds do not accommodate frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by fund shareholders. Excessive Trading into and out of a State Street Fund may harm the fund’s performance by disrupting portfolio management strategies and by increasing expenses. These expenses are borne by all fund shareholders, including long-term investors who do not generate such costs.

The Board of Trustees of the State Street Funds has adopted a “Market Timing/Excessive Trading Policy” (the “Policy”) to discourage Excessive Trading. Under the Policy, the State Street Funds reserve the right to reject any exchanges or purchase orders or to suspend redemptions by any shareholder engaging in Excessive Trading activities.

As a means to protect each State Street Fund and its shareholders from Excessive Trading:

 

    The State Street Funds’ transfer agent compiles, monitors and reports account-level information on underlying shareholder activity using two proprietary systems, which are implemented on a risk-based approach designed to identify trading that could adversely impact the State Street Funds;

 

    The State Street Funds’ distributor has obtained information from each financial intermediary holding shares in an omnibus account with the State Street Funds regarding whether the intermediary has adopted and maintains procedures that are reasonably designed to protect the State Street Funds against harmful short-term trading; and

 

    With respect to State Street Funds that invest in securities that trade on foreign markets, pursuant to the State Street Funds’ fair valuation procedures, pricing adjustments may be made based on information received from a third-party, multi-factor fair valuation pricing service.  

Under the Policy, Excessive Trading includes certain “Round Trip” transactions (a purchase or exchange and redemption or exchange within the same State Street Fund, excluding the State Street money market funds), and uses the following notification process:

 

    If the State Street Funds discover that an investor or a client of an intermediary has engaged in Excessive Trading, the State Street Fund’s distributor may send a notice to the account owner or intermediary informing them that the account issued a warning and future Excessive Trading may result in further action including suspension or termination of the account;

 

19


Table of Contents
    If the same account engages in another Round Trip following the issuance of a warning, the State Street Funds’ distributor will instruct State Street Funds’ transfer agent or intermediary to stop all future purchases on the account for a period of 90 days which will prevent the account from effecting further purchases of the State Street Fund (the “Stop Purchase instruction”);

 

    At the end of 90 days from the date the Stop Purchase instruction was placed on the account, the Stop Purchase instruction will be removed and the account will be eligible to accept additional purchases; and

 

    If, after the Stop Purchase instruction has been removed, the account continues to engage in Excessive Trading, the State Street Funds’ distributor will take appropriate action, which may include issuing additional alert notices, placing further Stop Purchase instruction(s) on the account or directing immediate account closure.

Notwithstanding the foregoing notification process, the State Street Funds may take any reasonable action that they deem necessary or appropriate in support of the Policy without providing prior notification to the account holder. Such action may include rejecting any purchase, in whole or in part, including, without limitation, by a person whose trading activity in fund shares may be deemed harmful to the State Street Funds. While the State Street Funds attempt to discourage Excessive Trading, there can be no guarantee that it will be able to identify investors who are engaging in Excessive Trading or limit their trading practices. Additionally, frequent trades of small amounts may not be detected. It may not always be able to detect or prevent Excessive Trading or other activity that may disadvantage the Fund or its shareholders.

A State Street Fund shareholder’s right to purchase shares through an automatic investment plan or redeem shares in full (or in part through a systematic withdrawal plan) are unaffected by these restrictions.

Exchanging Shares

An exchange occurs when you use the proceeds from the redemption of shares of a mutual fund advised by SSGA FM (a “State Street Fund”) to simultaneously purchase shares of a different State Street Fund. Exchanges may be made within the same class or between classes that impose no sales charge. Any exchange for shares of a different class are subject to the conditions applicable to investments in such class, as described in the prospectus for that class of shares. The account holding the original shares must be registered in the same name as the account holding the new shares received in the exchange. You may make exchange requests by telephone, or by mail. See Purchasing Shares and Redeeming Shares. Exchanges are subject to the terms applicable to the purchases of the State Street Fund into which you are exchanging. Exchange privileges may not be available for all State Street Funds and may be suspended or rejected.

DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS

Distribution Arrangements and Rule 12b-1 Fees

The Fund has adopted a distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act under which the Fund may compensate its distributor (or others) for services in connection with the distribution of the Fund’s shares and for services provided the Fund shareholders (the “Plan”). The Plan calls for payments at an annual rate (based on average daily net assets) of 0.03%, 0.25%, 0.35%, and 0.08% of the Fund’s net assets attributable to its Institutional Class, Administration Class, Investment Class and Investor Class shares, respectively. Because these fees are paid out of the assets of the Fund attributable to its shares on an ongoing basis, they will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more over time than paying other types of sales charges. Long-term shareholders of the Fund may pay more in Rule 12b-1 fees than the economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).

In addition to payments under the Plan, the Fund may reimburse the Distributor or its affiliates for payments it makes to financial intermediaries that provide certain administrative, recordkeeping, and account maintenance services, including services described below under “Payments to Financial Intermediaries.” The amount of the reimbursement and the manner in which it is calculated are reviewed by the Trustees periodically.

Because the Fund pays distribution and other fees for the sale of their shares and for services provided to shareholders out of the Funds’ assets on an ongoing basis, over time those fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales loads.

The Fund may pay distribution fees and other amounts described in this Prospectus at a time when shares of that Fund are unavailable for purchase.

 

20


Table of Contents

PAYMENTS TO FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES

Financial intermediaries are firms that, for compensation, sell shares of mutual funds, including the Fund, and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund shareholders. Financial intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisors, banks, and insurance companies.

In some cases, a financial intermediary may hold its clients’ Fund shares in nominee or street name. Shareholder services provided by a financial intermediary may (though they will not necessarily) include, among other things: processing and mailing trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semiannual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; capturing and processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations.

The compensation paid by SSGM or its affiliates to a financial intermediary is typically paid continually over time, during the period when the intermediary’s clients hold investments in the Fund. The amount of continuing compensation paid by SSGM or its affiliates to different financial intermediaries for distribution and/or shareholder services varies. The compensation is typically a percentage of the value of the financial intermediary’s clients’ investments in the Fund or a per account fee. The variation in compensation may, but will not necessarily, reflect enhanced or additional services provided by the intermediary.

SSGM and its affiliates (including SSGA FM), at their own expense and out of their own assets, may also provide compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of the Fund’s shares or the servicing of shareholders or shareholder accounts. Such compensation may include, but is not limited to, financial assistance to financial intermediaries in connection with conferences, sales, or training programs for their employees; seminars for the public; advertising or sales campaigns; or other financial intermediary-sponsored special events. In some instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain financial intermediaries whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares. Dealers may not use sales of the Fund’s shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA.

If payments to financial intermediaries by the distributor or adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments by other mutual fund complexes, your financial advisor and the financial intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. Please speak with your financial advisor to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial advisor and his or her firm by SSGM and its affiliates and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your financial intermediary at the time of purchase.

Third-Party Transactions. Mutual funds advised by SSGA FM (the “State Street Funds”) have authorized certain financial intermediaries to accept purchase, redemption and exchange orders on the State Street Funds’ behalf. The financial intermediary is responsible transmitting your purchase request and funds in good form and in a timely manner to the applicable State Street Fund(s). The State Street Funds will not be responsible for delays by the financial intermediary in transmitting your purchase request, including timely transfer of payment, to a fund. Therefore, orders received for an State Street Fund by a financial intermediary that has been authorized to accept orders on the fund’s behalf (or other intermediaries designated by the intermediary) prior to the time the fund’s share price is determined will be deemed accepted by the fund the same day and will be executed at that day’s closing share price.

If you are purchasing, selling, exchanging or holding State Street Fund shares through a program of services offered by a financial intermediary, you may be required by the intermediary to pay additional fees. You should contact the intermediary for information concerning what additional fees, if any, may be charged.

DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO ACCOUNTS SHARING AN ADDRESS

To reduce expenses, we may mail only one copy of the Fund’s prospectus and each annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call us at (800) 647-7327, or contact your financial institution. We will begin sending you individual copies thirty (30) days after receiving your request.

 

21


Table of Contents

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The Fund intends to declare dividends on shares from net investment income daily and pay them as of the last business day of each month. Distributions from capital gains, if any, will be made annually in December.

The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Fund. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about foreign, federal, state, local or other tax laws applicable to you. Investors, including non-U.S. investors, should consult the Statement of Additional Information tax section for additional disclosure.

The Fund invests substantially all of its assets in the State Street Current Yield Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), which is expected to be treated as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes, and so substantially all of the Fund’s income will result from distributions or deemed distributions from the Portfolio.

The Fund intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company and intends each year to qualify and to be eligible to be treated as such. A regulated investment company generally is not subject to tax at the corporate level on income and gains that are timely distributed to shareholders. In to order qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund must, among other things, satisfy diversification, 90% gross income and distribution requirements. The Fund’s failure to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company would result in corporate level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.

The Fund generally expects to satisfy the requirements to qualify and be eligible to be treated as a regulated investment company, provided that the Portfolio also meets these requirements; the Fund currently expects that the Portfolio will meet these requirements. Because the Fund will invest substantially all its assets in the Portfolio, if the Portfolio were to fail to satisfy the diversification, 90% gross income, or distribution requirement and were not to cure that failure, the Fund itself would be unable to satisfy the diversification requirement. Such a failure to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company could subject the Fund or the Portfolio to regular corporate income taxes.

For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income generally are taxable to you as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains generally are determined by how long the Portfolio owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your Fund shares. Distributions are taxable to you even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before your investment (and thus were included in the price you paid for your shares). Distributions may also be subject to state and local taxes and are taxable whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. Distributions of net capital gains (that is, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) from the sale of investments that the Portfolio owned for more than one year that are properly reported by the Portfolio and the Fund as capital gain dividends generally will be treated as long-term capital gain includible in your net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates. Distributions of gains from investments that the Portfolio owned for one year or less generally will be taxable to you as ordinary income.

Any gain resulting from the redemption of Fund shares generally also will be taxable to you as either short-term or long-term capital gain, depending upon how long you held your shares in the Fund.

A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on the “net investment income” of individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Net investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends paid by the Fund, including any capital gain dividends, and net gains recognized on the redemption of shares of the Fund.

The Portfolio’s income from or proceeds of dispositions of its investments in non-U.S. assets may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. This will decrease the Portfolio’s, and thus the Fund’s, return on securities subject to such taxes. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes incurred by the Portfolio.

Certain of the Portfolio’s investment practices, including derivative transactions and investments in debt obligations issued or purchased at a discount will be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions. These special rules may affect the timing, character, and/or amount of the Portfolio’s distributions to the Fund, and, in turn, the Fund’s distributions to shareholders, and may require the Portfolio to liquidate its investments at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.

 

22


Table of Contents

The Fund’s investment in the Portfolio may cause the tax treatment of the Fund’s gains, losses and distributions to differ at times from the tax treatment that would apply if the Fund invested directly in the types of securities held by the Portfolio. As a result, investors may receive taxable distributions earlier and recognize higher amounts of capital gain or ordinary income than they otherwise would.

If you are not a U.S. person, the Fund’s dividends other than capital gain dividends generally will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. For distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning before January 1, 2015, a regulated investment company was permitted, but was not required, to report in a written notice to shareholders all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend” that if received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity generally was exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements were met. This exemption from withholding for interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends has expired for distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning on or after January 1, 2015. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend this exemption for distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning on or after January 1, 2015, or what the terms of such an extension would be, including whether such extension would have retroactive effect.

Cost Basis Reporting. Department of the Treasury regulations mandate cost basis reporting to shareholders and the IRS for redemptions of Fund shares. If you acquire and hold shares directly through the Fund and not through a Financial Intermediary, BFDS will use a default average cost basis methodology for tracking and reporting your cost basis, unless you request, in writing, another cost basis reporting methodology.

 

23


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The Financial Highlights table is not presented for the Fund because the Fund has not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.

 

24


Table of Contents

Contacting the State Street Funds

 

Online:

SSGAFUNDS.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Phone:

800-647-7327 Monday – Friday 8 am –5 pm EST

Written requests should be sent to:

 

  Regular mail Registered, Express, Certified Mail  

State Street Funds

P.O. Box 8317

Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8317

State Street Funds

30 Dan Road

Canton, Massachusetts 02021

The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposits in the mail or with such services or receipt at the Fund’s post office box, or purchase orders or redemption requests, do not constitute receipt by the Fund or the Transfer Agent.

 

25


Table of Contents

For more information about the Fund:

The Fund’s SAI includes additional information about the Fund and is incorporated by reference into this document. Additional information about the Fund’s investments is available in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

The SAI and the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports are available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders in the Fund may make inquiries to the Fund to receive such information by calling State Street Global Markets, LLC at (877) 521-4083 or by writing to the Fund, c/o State Street Global Markets, LLC, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2900.

Information about the Fund (including the SAI) 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. Reports and other information about the Fund are available free of charge on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information also may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

STATE STREET FINANCIAL CENTER

ONE LINCOLN STREET

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02111

The State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Investment Company Act File Number is 811-09819.

 

26


Table of Contents

STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST

(the “Trust”)

P.O. Box 5049

Boston, Massachusetts 02206

STATE STREET CURRENT YIELD FUND

Premier Class (    )

Institutional Class (    )

Investor Class (    )

Administration Class (    )

Investment Class (    )

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

[DATE]

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) relates to the prospectuses dated [                    ], as amended from time to time thereafter for the State Street Current Yield Fund (the “Prospectus”).

The SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. A copy of the Prospectus can be obtained free of charge by calling (866) 392-0869 or by written request to the Trust at the address listed above.

 

1


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

General

3

Description of the Fund and Its Investments and Risks

4

Additional Investments and Risks

5

Management of the Trust

16

Proxy Voting Procedures

25

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities

25

Investment Advisory and Other Services

25

Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices

32

Declaration of Trust, Capital Stock and Other Information

33

Pricing of Shares

33

Taxation of the Fund

34

Underwriter

43

Financial Statements

43

Appendix A - Ratings of Debt Instruments

A-1

Appendix B - Trust’s Proxy Voting Procedures

B-1

Appendix C - Adviser’s Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines

C-1

 

2


Table of Contents

GENERAL

The Trust was organized as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on February 16, 2000.

The Trust is an open-end management investment company. The Trust comprises the following diversified series:

 

    State Street Equity 500 Index Fund;

 

    State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street Strategic Real Return Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund;

 

    State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund;

 

    State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund;

 

    State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund;

 

    State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund;

 

3


Table of Contents
    State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio;

 

    State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio;

 

    State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio;

 

    State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio;

 

    State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund;

 

    State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund;

 

    State Street Cash Reserves Fund;

 

    State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio;

 

    State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio;

 

    State Street Conservative Income Fund;

 

    State Street Conservative Income Portfolio;

 

    State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio;

 

    State Street Current Yield Fund (the “Fund”);

 

    State Street Current Yield Portfolio;

 

    State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund; and

 

    State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Portfolio.

The Trust comprises the following non-diversified series:

 

    State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund.

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing substantially all of its investable assets in the State Street Current Yield Portfolio, a portfolio of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the “Portfolio”) that has the same investment objective as, and investment policies that are substantially similar to those of, the Fund, and so substantially all of the Fund’s income will result from distributions or deemed distributions from the Portfolio. Therefore, as applicable, references to the assets owned and the income earned by the Fund will be to or will include such treatment of the Portfolio, and, as applicable, the assets owned and the income earned by the Portfolio.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND AND ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

The Prospectus contains information about the investment objective and policies of the Fund. This SAI should only be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.

 

4


Table of Contents

In addition to the principal investment strategies and the principal risks of the Fund and Portfolio described in the Prospectus, the Fund or Portfolio may employ other investment practices and may be subject to additional risks, which are described below. In reviewing these practices of the Portfolio, you should assume that the practices of the Fund are the same in all material respects.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

To the extent consistent with its investment objective and restrictions, the Fund or Portfolio may invest in the following instruments and use the following techniques, and is subject to the following risks.

Cash Reserves

The Portfolio may hold portions of its assets in short-term debt instruments with remaining maturities of 397 days or less pending investment or to meet anticipated redemptions and day-to-day operating expenses. Short-term debt instruments consist of: (i) short-term obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities, authorities or political subdivisions; (ii) other short-term debt securities rated at the time of purchase Aa or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or AA or higher by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”) or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “SSGA FM”); (iii) commercial paper; (iv) bank obligations, including negotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances; and (v) repurchase agreements.

Cleared Derivatives Transactions

Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps are required to be centrally cleared. In a cleared derivatives transaction, the Portfolio’s counterparty to the transaction is a central derivatives clearing organization, or clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Because the Portfolio is not a member of a clearing house, and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, the Portfolio holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives transactions, the Portfolio will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house. Centrally cleared derivative arrangements may be less favorable to the Portfolio than bilateral (non-cleared) arrangements. For example, the Portfolio may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives transactions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in contrast to bilateral derivatives transactions, in some cases following a period of notice to the Portfolio, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time or an increase in margin requirements above the margin that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions or to terminate transactions at any time. The Portfolio is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or which the Adviser expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Portfolio’s behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Portfolio could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction, including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and loss of hedging protection. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between the Portfolio and clearing members is drafted by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Portfolio than typical bilateral derivatives documentation.

These clearing rules and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict the Portfolio’s ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Portfolio of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Portfolio, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. These regulations are new and evolving, so their potential impact on the Portfolio and the financial system are not yet known.

Illiquid Securities

The Portfolio may invest in illiquid securities. The Portfolio will invest no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities or securities that are not readily marketable, including repurchase agreements and time deposits of more than seven days’ duration. The absence of a regular trading market for illiquid securities imposes additional risks on investments in these securities. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value and may often be disposed of only after considerable expense and delay.

 

5


Table of Contents

Purchase of Other Investment Company Shares

The Portfolio may, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and exemptive rules and orders thereunder, invest in shares of other investment companies, which include Funds managed by SSGA FM, which invest exclusively in money market instruments or in investment companies with investment policies and objectives which are substantially similar to the Portfolio’s. These investments may be made temporarily, for example, to invest uncommitted cash balances or, in limited circumstances, to assist in meeting shareholder redemptions.

Repurchase Agreements

The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements with banks and other financial institutions, such as broker-dealers. Under a repurchase agreement, the Portfolio purchases securities from a financial institution that agrees to repurchase the securities at the Portfolio’s original purchase price plus interest within a specified time (normally one business day). The Portfolio will limit repurchase transactions to those member banks of the Federal Reserve System and broker-dealers whose creditworthiness the Adviser considers satisfactory. Should the counterparty to a transaction fail financially, the Portfolio may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the securities, or may be prevented from realizing on the securities. Further, the amount realized upon the sale of the securities may be less than that necessary to fully compensate the Portfolio.

Section 4(2) Commercial Paper/Rule 144A Securities

The Portfolio may also invest in commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”) (“Section 4(2) paper”) or in securities that that can be offered and sold only to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act (“Rule 144A securities”).

Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws and generally is sold to institutional investors that agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment and not with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. Section 4(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional investors like the Portfolios through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers that make a market in Section 4(2) paper. Rule 144A securities generally must be sold only to other institutional investors.

Section 4(2) paper and Rule 144A securities will not be considered illiquid for purposes of the Fund’s and Portfolio’s percentage limitations on illiquid securities when the Adviser (pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board of Trustees” or the “Board”)) determines that a liquid trading market exists for the securities in question. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular Section 4(2) paper or Rule 144A securities.

U.S. Government Securities

The Portfolio may purchase U.S. Government securities, including: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the U.S. Treasury, (c) discretionary authority of the U.S. Government agency or instrumentality, or (d) the credit of the instrumentality (examples of agencies and instrumentalities are: Federal Land Banks, Federal Housing Administration, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks, General Services Administration, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Development Bank, Asian-American Development Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Federal National Mortgage Association). No assurance can be given that in the future the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government securities it is not obligated to support.

 

6


Table of Contents

The Portfolio may purchase U.S. Government obligations on a forward commitment basis.

Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities

The Portfolio may invest in Inflation-Protection Securities (“IPSs”), a type of inflation-indexed Treasury security. IPSs typically provide for semiannual payments of interest and a payment of principal at maturity. In general, each payment will be adjusted to take into account any inflation or deflation that occurs between the issue date of the security and the payment date based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”).

Each semiannual payment of interest will be determined by multiplying a single fixed rate of interest by the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the security for the date of the interest payment. Thus, although the interest rate will be fixed, the amount of each interest payment will vary with changes in the principal of the security as adjusted for inflation and deflation.

IPSs also provide for an additional payment (a “minimum guarantee payment”) at maturity if the security’s inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date is less than the security’s principal amount at issuance. The amount of the additional payment will equal the excess of the security’s principal amount at issuance over the security’s inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date.

When-Issued Securities

The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued basis. Delivery of and payment for these securities may take place as long as a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuation during this period, and no income accrues to the Portfolio until settlement takes place. When entering into a when-issued transaction, the Portfolio will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, the Portfolio may be disadvantaged. [The Portfolio will not invest more than 25% of its net assets in when-issued securities.]

Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and held by the Portfolio are subject to changes in market value based upon actual or perceived changes in the level of interest rates. Generally, the value of such securities will fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates — i.e., they will appreciate in value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Therefore, if in order to achieve higher interest income the Portfolio remains substantially fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a “when-issued” basis, there will be a greater possibility of fluctuation in the Portfolio’s NAV.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

The Portfolio may enter into reverse repurchase agreements under the circumstances described in “Investment Restrictions.” Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio sells portfolio securities to a financial institution in return for cash in an amount equal to a percentage of the portfolio securities’ market value and agrees to repurchase the securities at a future date at a prescribed repurchase price equal to the amount of cash originally received plus interest on such amount. The Portfolio retains the right to receive interest and principal payments with respect to the securities while it is in the possession of the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements may create investment leverage and involve the risk that the market value of securities sold by the Portfolio may decline below the price at which it is obligated to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve a risk of default by the counterparty, which may adversely affect the Portfolio’s ability to reacquire the underlying securities.

 

7


Table of Contents

Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit (“ECDs”), Eurodollar Time Deposits (“ETDs”) and Yankee Certificates of Deposit (“YCDs”)

The Portfolio may invest in ECDs, ETDs and YCDs. ECDs and ETDs are U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by foreign branches of domestic banks and foreign banks. YCDs are U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by U.S. branches of foreign banks.

Different risks than those associated with the obligations of domestic banks may exist for ECDs, ETDs and YCDs because the banks issuing these instruments, or their domestic or foreign branches, are not necessarily subject to the same regulatory requirements that apply to domestic banks, such as loan limitations, examinations, and reserve, accounting, auditing, recordkeeping and public reporting requirements. Obligations of foreign issuers also involve risks such as future unfavorable political and economic developments, withholding tax, seizures of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, and other governmental restrictions that might affect repayment of principal or payment of interest, or the ability to honor a credit commitment.

Forward Commitments

The Portfolio may enter into contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time (“forward commitments”), consistent with the Portfolio’s ability to manage its investment portfolio and meet redemption requests. Forward commitments may be considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Portfolio’s other assets. Where such purchases are made through dealers, the Portfolio relies on the dealer to consummate the sale. The dealer’s failure to do so may result in the loss to the Portfolio of an advantageous yield or price.

Although the Portfolio will generally enter into forward commitments with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio or for delivery pursuant to options contracts it has entered into, the Portfolio may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. The Portfolio may realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of forward commitments. When effecting such transactions, cash or other liquid assets (such as liquid high quality debt obligations) held by the Portfolio of a dollar amount sufficient to make payment for the portfolio securities to be purchased will be segregated on the Portfolio’s records at the trade date and maintained until the transaction is settled. Such segregated assets will be marked to market on a daily basis, and if the market value of such assets declines, additional cash or assets will be segregated so that the market value of the segregated assets will equal the amount of such the Portfolio’s obligations. Forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, or if the other party fails to complete the transaction.

Investment-Grade Bonds

The Portfolio may invest in corporate notes and bonds that are rated investment-grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or, if unrated, are of comparable quality to the rated securities described above, as determined by the Adviser, in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees. Investment-grade securities include securities rated Baa or higher by Moody’s or BBB- or higher by S&P (and securities of comparable quality); securities rated Baa or BBB may have speculative characteristics.

Mortgage-Related Securities

The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related securities. Mortgage-related securities represent an interest in a pool of, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Mortgage-related securities may be issued or guaranteed by (i) US Government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) (also known as Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) (also known as Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) (also known as Freddie Mac) or (ii) other issuers, including private companies.

 

8


Table of Contents

Many mortgage-related securities provide regular payments which consist of interest and, in most cases, principal. In contrast, other forms of debt securities normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. In effect, payments on many mortgage-related securities are a “pass-through” of the payments made by the individual borrowers on their mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities.

Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, repayments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans. If property owners make unscheduled prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will typically result in early payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by a variety of factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage, and other social and demographic conditions. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase, thereby tending to decrease the life of mortgage-related securities. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments usually decreases, thereby tending to increase the life of mortgage-related securities.

Because of the possibility of prepayments (and due to scheduled repayments of principal), mortgage-related securities are less effective than other types of securities as a means of “locking in” attractive long-term interest rates. Prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Portfolios.

Collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) may be issued by a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality or by a private issuer. CMOs are typically structured with classes or series that have different maturities and are generally retired in sequence. Each class of obligations receives periodic interest payments according to its terms. However, monthly principal payments and any prepayments from the collateral pool are generally paid first to the holders of the most senior class. Thereafter, payments of principal are generally allocated to the next most senior class of obligations until that class of obligations has been fully repaid. Any or all classes of obligations of a CMO may be paid off sooner than expected because of an increase in the payoff speed of the pool. Changes in prepayment rates may have significant effects on the values and the volatility of the various classes and series of a CMO. Payment of interest or principal on some classes or series of a CMO may be subject to contingencies or some classes or series may bear some or all of the risk of default on the underlying mortgages.

Stripped mortgage-related securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different portions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage loans. The yield to maturity on an interest only or “IO” class of stripped mortgage-related securities is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying assets. A rapid rate of principal prepayments may have a measurable adverse effect on the Portfolio’s yield to maturity to the extent it invests in IOs. If the assets underlying the IO experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Portfolio may fail to recoup fully, or at all, its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, principal only securities or “POs” tend to increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are slower than anticipated. The secondary market for stripped mortgage-related securities may be more volatile and less liquid than that for other mortgage-related securities, potentially limiting the Portfolio’s ability to buy or sell those securities at any particular time.

Government Mortgage-Related Securities

GNMA is the principal federal government guarantor of mortgage-related securities. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It guarantees, with the full faith and credit of the United States, full and timely payment of all monthly principal and interest on its mortgage-related securities. GNMA pass-through securities are considered to have a relatively low risk of default in that (1) the underlying mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of government-backed loans and (2) the timely

 

9


Table of Contents

payment of both principal and interest on the securities is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, regardless of whether they have been collected. GNMA pass-through securities are, however, subject to the same interest rate risk as comparable privately issued mortgage-related securities. Therefore, the effective maturity and market value of the Portfolio’s GNMA securities can be expected to fluctuate in response to changes in interest rate levels.

Residential mortgage loans are also pooled by FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government. The mortgage loans in FHLMC’s portfolio are not government backed; FHLMC, not the U.S. Government, guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on FHLMC securities. FHLMC also issues guaranteed mortgage certificates, on which it guarantees semiannual interest payments and a specified minimum annual payment of principal.

FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers, which include savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest only by FNMA, not the U.S. Government.

Other Asset-Backed Securities

The Portfolio may invest in asset-backed securities that are not mortgage-related. Asset-backed securities other than mortgage-related securities represent undivided fractional interests in pools of instruments, such as consumer loans, and are typically similar in structure to mortgage-related pass-through securities. Payments of principal and interest are passed through to holders of the securities and are typically supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety bond, limited guarantee by another entity, or by priority to certain of the borrower’s other securities. The degree of credit-enhancement, if any, varies, applying only until exhausted and generally covering only a fraction of the security’s par value.

The value of such asset-backed securities is affected by changes in the market’s perception of the asset backing the security, changes in the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the instrument pool, the originator of the instruments, or the financial institution providing any credit enhancement and the expenditure of any portion of any credit enhancement. The risks of investing in asset-backed securities are ultimately dependent upon payment of the underlying instruments by the obligors, and the Fund would generally have no recourse against the obligee of the instruments in the event of default by an obligor. The underlying instruments are subject to prepayments which shorten the duration of asset-backed securities and may lower their return, in generally the same manner as described above for prepayments of pools of mortgage loans underlying mortgage-related securities.

Variable and Floating Rate Securities

The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating rate securities. Variable rate securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by entities such as (1) U.S. Government, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) corporations, (3) financial institutions, (4) insurance companies or (5) trusts that have a rate of interest subject to adjustment at regular intervals. A variable rate security provides for the automatic establishment of a new interest rate on set dates. Interest rates on these securities are ordinarily tied to, and are a percentage of, a widely recognized interest rate, such as the yield on 90-day U.S. Treasury bills or the prime rate of a specified bank. These rates may change as often as twice daily. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of variable and floating rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in variable and floating rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed income securities. Variable rate obligations will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate.

 

10


Table of Contents

Variable Amount Master Demand Notes

The Portfolio may invest in variable amount master demand notes which are unsecured obligations that are redeemable upon demand and are typically unrated. These instruments are issued pursuant to written agreements between their issuers and holders. The agreements permit the holders to increase (subject to an agreed maximum) and the holders and issuers to decrease the principal amount of the notes, and specify that the rate of interest payable on the principal fluctuates according to an agreed formula. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of these securities than on the market value of comparable fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in these securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed income securities. There may be no active secondary market with respect to a particular variable rate instrument.

Zero Coupon Securities

The Portfolio may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are notes, bonds and debentures that: (1) do not pay current interest and are issued at a substantial discount from par value; (2) have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons and receipts; or (3) pay no interest until a stated date one or more years into the future. These securities also include certificates representing interests in such stripped coupons and receipts. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a greater impact on the market value of a zero coupon security than on the market value of the comparable securities that pay interest periodically during the life of the instrument. The Portfolio will not receive cash payments on a current basis from the issuer in respect of accrued original issue discount (“OID”), but investors will be required to accrue OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To generate sufficient cash for the Fund to make the requisite distributions to maintain its qualification for treatment as a “regulated investment company” (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Fund may be required to redeem a portion of its interest in the Portfolio in order to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement with respect to the OID accrued on zero coupon bonds. The Portfolio in turn may sell investments in order to meet such redemption requests, including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so.

The Portfolio may invest no more than 25% of its respective total assets in stripped securities that have been stripped by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. A number of securities firms and banks have stripped the interest coupons and resold them in custodian receipt programs with different names such as Treasury Income Growth Receipts (“TIGRS”) and Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries (“CATS”). Privately-issued stripped securities such as TIGRS and CATS are not themselves guaranteed by the U.S. Government, but the future payment of principal or interest on U.S. Treasury obligations which they represent is so guaranteed.

Interest Rate Environment Risk

In the wake of the financial crisis that began in 2007, the Federal Reserve System attempted to stabilize the U.S. economy and support the U.S. economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate at or near zero percent. In addition, the Federal Reserve has purchased large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (the “quantitative easing program”). As a result, the United States is experiencing historically low interest rate levels. A low interest rate environment may have an adverse impact on the Portfolio’s ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders and pay expenses out of Portfolio assets because of the low yields from the Portfolio’s portfolio investments.

However, continued economic recovery and the cessation of the quantitative easing program increase the risk that interest rates will rise in the near future and that the Portfolio will face a heightened level of interest rate risk. Federal Reserve policy changes may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and may reduce liquidity for certain Portfolio investments, which could cause the value of the Portfolio’s investments and the Portfolio’s share price to decline or create difficulties for the Portfolio in disposing of investments. A Portfolio that invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income markets may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a Portfolio that does not invest in derivatives. The Portfolio could also be forced to liquidate its investments at disadvantageous times or prices, thereby adversely affecting the Portfolio. To the extent a Portfolio experiences high redemptions because of these policy changes, the Portfolio may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Portfolio incurs and lower the Portfolio’s performance.

 

11


Table of Contents

Municipal and Municipal-Related Securities

The Portfolio may invest in municipal and municipal-related securities. Municipal securities may bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest or may be zero coupon securities. Municipal securities are generally of two types: general obligations and revenue obligations. General obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuer. These securities include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, general obligation bonds and commercial paper. Revenue obligations are backed by the revenues generated from a specific project or facility and include industrial development bonds and private activity bonds. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities and are generally issued in anticipation of future tax revenues. Bond anticipation notes are issued in expectation of the issuer obtaining longer-term financing.

Municipal obligations are affected by economic, business or political developments. These securities may be subject to provisions of litigation, bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, or may become subject to future laws extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or limiting the rights of municipalities to levy taxes. The Portfolio may be more adversely impacted by changes in tax rates and policies than other funds. Because interest income from municipal securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to, or the continuing federal income tax-exempt status of, such interest income. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect the Portfolio’s ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels. Concentration of the Portfolio’s investments in these municipal obligations will subject the Portfolio, to a greater extent than if such investment was not so concentrated, to the risks of adverse economic, business or political developments affecting the particular state, industry or other area of concentration. Issuers, including governmental issuers, of municipal securities may be unable to pay their obligations as they become due. Recent declines in tax revenues, and increases in liabilities, such as pension and health care liabilities, may increase the actual or perceived risk of default on such securities.

Auction Rate Securities.

Auction rate municipal securities permit the holder to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The dividend or interest is typically reset by “Dutch” auction in which bids are made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of securities at a specified minimum yield. The rate set by the auction is the lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale. While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. The Portfolio will take the time remaining until the next scheduled auction date into account for purposes of determining the securities’ duration.

Industrial Development and Private Activity Bonds

Industrial development bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; ports and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. The principal security for these bonds is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue sources. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer’s obligations. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a state’s ability without obligation to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.

Private activity bonds are considered municipal securities if the interest paid thereon is exempt from federal income tax and they are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility’s user to meet its financial obligations and the value of any real or personal property pledged as security for such payment. Interest income on these bonds may be an item of tax preference subject to federal alternative minimum tax for individuals and corporations.

 

12


Table of Contents

Insured Municipal Securities

Insured municipal securities are those for which scheduled payments of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (non-governmental) insurance company. The insurance entitles the Portfolio to receive only the face or par value of the securities held by the Portfolio, but the ability to be paid is limited to the claims paying ability of the insurer. The insurance does not guarantee the market value of the municipal securities or the net asset value of the Portfolio’s shares. Insurers are selected based upon the diversification of their portfolios and the strength of the management team which contributes to the claims paying ability of the entity. However, the Adviser selects securities based upon the underlying credit, with bond insurance viewed as an enhancement only. The Adviser’s objective is to have an enhancement that provides additional liquidity to insulate against volatility in changing markets.

Municipal Leases

The Portfolio may purchase participation interests in municipal obligations, including municipal lease/purchase agreements. Municipal leases are an undivided interest in a portion of an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment or facilities. These instruments may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest, with remaining maturities of 13 months or less. Certain participation interests may permit the Portfolio to demand payment on not more than seven days’ notice, for all or any part of the Portfolio’s interest, plus accrued interest.

Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. Some leases or contracts include “non-appropriation” clauses, which provide that the governmental issuer has no 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. To reduce these risks, the Portfolio will only purchase municipal leases subject to a non-appropriation clause when the payment of principal and accrued interest is backed by a letter of credit or guarantee of a bank.

Whether a municipal lease agreement will be considered illiquid for the purpose of the Portfolio’s restriction on investments in illiquid securities will be determined in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees.

Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities

The interest and principal payments on pre-refunded municipal securities are typically paid from the cash flow generated from an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government securities. These payments have been “pre-refunded” using the escrow fund.

Tender Option Bonds

A tender option is a municipal obligation (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, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which such institution 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 municipal obligation’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. Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, the Portfolio may buy tender option bonds if the agreement gives the Portfolio the right to tender the bond to its sponsor no less frequently than once every 397 days. The Adviser will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying obligation, any custodian and the third party provider of the tender option. In certain instances and for certain tender option bonds, the option may be terminable in the event of a default in payment of principal or interest on the underlying municipal obligation and for other reasons.

 

13


Table of Contents

Asset Segregation and Coverage

The Portfolio may be required to earmark or otherwise segregate liquid assets in respect of its obligations under derivatives transactions that involve contractual obligations to pay in the future, or the Portfolio may engage in other measures to “cover” its obligations with respect to such transactions. The amounts that are earmarked or otherwise segregated may be based on the notional value of the derivative or on the daily mark-to-market obligation under the derivatives contract and may be reduced by amounts on deposit with the applicable broker or counterparty to the derivatives transaction. In certain circumstances, the Portfolio may enter into an offsetting position rather than earmarking or segregating liquid assets. The Portfolio may modify its asset segregation and coverage policies from time to time. Although earmarking or segregating may in certain cases have the effect of limiting the Portfolio’s ability to engage in derivatives transactions, the extent of any such limitation will depend on a variety of factors, including the method by which the Portfolio determines the nature and amount of assets to be earmarked or segregated.

Tax Exempt Commercial Paper

The Portfolio may invest in tax exempt commercial paper. Tax exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is typically issued to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer term financing. Each instrument may be backed only by the credit of the issuer or may be backed by some form of credit enhancement, typically in the form of a guarantee by a commercial bank. Commercial paper backed by guarantees of foreign banks may involve additional risk due to the difficulty of obtaining and enforcing judgments against such banks and the generally less restrictive regulations to which such banks are subject. The Portfolio will only invest in commercial paper rated at the time of purchase not less than Prime-1 by Moody’s, A-1 by S&P or F-1 by Fitch Ratings. See Appendix A for more information on the ratings of debt instruments.

Fundamental Investment Restrictions

The Portfolio in which the Fund invests has substantially the same investment restrictions as the Fund. In reviewing the description of the Fund’s investment restrictions below, you should assume that the investment restrictions of the Portfolio are the same in all material respects as those of the Fund.

The Trust has adopted the following restrictions applicable to the Fund, which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Fund, which is defined in the 1940 Act to mean the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund and (2) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present at the meeting in person or by proxy.

 

  1. The Fund may borrow money and issue senior securities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  2. The Fund may make loans, including to affiliated investment companies, to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  3. The Fund may purchase or sell commodities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  4. The Fund may purchase, sell or hold real estate to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  5. The Fund may underwrite securities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  6. The Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the Fund’s total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in a particular industry (for purposes of this restriction, investment companies are not considered to constitute a particular industry or group of industries), except as is consistent with applicable law from time to time and as follows: the Fund is permitted to invest without limit in “government securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and tax-exempt securities issued by a U.S. territory or possession, a state or local government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing.

 

14


Table of Contents

All percentage limitations (except the limitation to borrowings) on investments will apply at the time of the making of an investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment. Except for the investment restrictions expressly identified as fundamental, or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectus, the other investment policies described in this SAI or in the Prospectus are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees without shareholder approval.

The shareholders of the Portfolio have approved the same fundamental investment restrictions as the Fund.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

Introduction

The policies set forth below to be followed by the State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA FM” and, collectively, the “Service Providers”) for the disclosure of information about the portfolio holdings of the SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, and State Street Institutional Investment Trust (each, a “Trust”). These disclosure policies are intended to ensure compliance by the Service Providers and the Trust with applicable regulations of the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to the policy.

General Policy

It is the policy of the Service Providers to protect the confidentiality of client holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information concerning the Trust.

Exception

No information concerning the portfolio holdings of the Trust may be disclosed to any party (including shareholders) except as provided below.

Publicly Available Information. Any party may disclose portfolio holdings information after the holdings are publicly available.

Disclosure of the complete holdings of each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund”) is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of the Fund’s fiscal quarter in the Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Form N-Q (filed after the first and third fiscal quarters). These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund will also make complete portfolio holdings available generally no later than 60 calendar days after the end of such Fund’s fiscal quarter or subsequent to periodic portfolio holdings disclosure in the Fund’s filings with the SEC or on the Fund’s website.

Press Interviews Brokers and Other Discussions

Portfolio managers and other senior officers or spokespersons of the Service Providers or the Trust may disclose or confirm the ownership of any individual portfolio holding position to reporters, brokers, shareholders, consultants or other interested persons only if such information has been previously publicly disclosed in accordance with these disclosure policies. For example, a portfolio manager discussing the Trust may indicate that he owns XYZ Company for the Trust only if the Trust’s ownership of such company has previously been publicly disclosed.

 

15


Table of Contents

Trading Desk Reports

State Street Global Advisors’ trading desk may periodically distribute lists of investments held by its clients (including the Trust) for general analytical research purposes. In no case may such lists identify individual clients or individual client position sizes. Furthermore, in the case of equity securities, such lists shall not show aggregate client position sizes.

Miscellaneous

Confidentiality Agreement. No non-public disclosure of the Trust’s portfolio holdings will be made to any party unless such party has signed a written Confidentiality Agreement. For purposes of the disclosure policies, any Confidentiality Agreement must be in a form and substance acceptable to, and approved by, the Trust’s officers.

Evaluation Service Providers. There are numerous mutual fund evaluation services (Morningstar and Lipper) and due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wirehouses that regularly analyze the portfolio holdings of mutual funds in order to monitor and report on various attributes. These services and departments then distribute the results of their analysis to the public, paid subscribers and/or in-house brokers. In order to facilitate the review of the Trust by these services and departments, the Trust may distribute (or authorize the Service Providers and the Trust’s custodian or fund accountants to distribute) month-end portfolio holdings to such services and departments only if such entity has executed a confidentiality agreement.

Additional Restrictions. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trust’s Board of Trustees, State Street and SSGA FM may, on a case-by-case basis, impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of portfolio information beyond those found in these disclosure policies.

Waivers of Restrictions. These disclosure policies may not be waived, or exceptions made, without the consent of the Trust’s officers. All waivers and exceptions involving the Trust will be disclosed to the Board of Trustees of the Trust no later than its next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.

Disclosures Required by Law. Nothing contained herein is intended to prevent the disclosure of portfolio holdings information as may be required by applicable law. For example, SSGA FM, State Street, the Trust or any of its affiliates or service providers may file any report required by applicable law (such as Schedules 13D, 13G and 13F or Form N-MFP), respond to requests from regulators and comply with valid subpoenas.

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

The Trustees are responsible for generally overseeing the Trust’s business. The following table provides information with respect to each Trustee, including those Trustees who are not considered to be “interested” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), and each officer of the Trust.

 

16


Table of Contents

NAME, ADDRESS,

AND YEAR OF BIRTH

 

POSITION(S)

HELD WITH

TRUST

 

TERM OF

OFFICE AND

LENGTH OF

TIME

SERVED

 

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

AND RELEVANT

EXPERIENCE

 

NUMBER OF

FUNDS IN

FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN

BY TRUSTEE

 

OTHER

DIRECTORSHIPS

HELD BY TRUSTEE
DURING PAST FIVE
YEARS

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES        

Michael F. Holland

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1944

  Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Board  

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 7/99

  Chairman, Holland & Company L.L.C. (investment adviser) (1995- present).   [    ]   Trustee and Co-Chairman, State Street Master Funds; Trustee and Co-Chairman, SSGA Funds; Director, the Holland Series Fund, Inc.; Director, The China Fund, Inc.; Director, The Taiwan Fund, Inc.; Director, Reaves Utility Income Fund, Inc.; and Director, Blackstone/GSO Loan Funds.

Patrick J. Riley

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1948

  Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Board  

Term:

Indefinite

Elected:1/14

  2002 to May 2010, Associate Justice of the Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; 1985 to 2002, Partner, Riley, Burke & Donahue, L.L.P. (law firm); 1998 to Present, Independent Director, State Street Global Advisers Ireland, Ltd. (investment company); 1998 to Present, Independent Director, SSgA Liquidity plc (formerly, SSgA Cash Management Fund plc); January 2009 to Present, Independent Director, SSGA Fixed Income plc; and January 2009 to Present, Independent Director, SSGA Qualified Funds PLC.   [    ]   Trustee and Co-Chairman, State Street Master Funds; Trustee and Co-Chairman, SSGA Funds; Board Director and Chairman, SPDR Europe 1PLC Board (2011-Present); Board Director and Chairman, SPDR Europe II, PLC (2013- Present).

William L. Boyan

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1937

  Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Valuation Committee   Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99   President and Chief Operations Officer, John Hancock Financial Services (1959 – 1999). Mr. Boyan retired in 1999. Chairman Emeritus, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA (1984 – 2011); Former Trustee of Old Mutual South Africa Master Trust (investments) (1995 – 2008); Former Chairman, Boston Plan For Excellence, Boston Public Schools (1995 – 2010); Member of Advisory Board of Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Society; Trustee, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA.   [    ]   Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Former Trustee of Old Mutual South Africa Master Trust.

 

17


Table of Contents

William L. Marshall

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1942

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Audit Committee

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 1/14

April 2011 to Present, Chairman (until April 2011, Chief Executive Officer and President), Wm. L. Marshall Associates, Inc., Wm. L. Marshall Companies, Inc. and the Marshall Financial Group, Inc. (a registered investment adviser and provider of financial and related consulting services); Certified Financial Planner; Member, Financial Planners Association; Director, SPCA of Bucks County, PA; and the Ann Silverman Community Clinic of Doylestown, PA. [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Director, Marshall Financial Group, Inc.

Richard D. Shirk

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1945

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 1/14

March 2001 to April 2002, Chairman (1996 to March 2001, President and Chief Executive Officer), Cerulean Companies, Inc. (holding company) (Retired); 1992 to March 2001, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (health insurer, managed healthcare); 1998 to December 2008, Chairman, Board Member and December 2008 to Present, Investment Committee Member, Healthcare Georgia Foundation (private foundation); September 2002 to 2012, Lead Director and Board Member, Amerigroup Corp. (managed health care); 1999 to 2013, Board Member and (since 2001) Investment Committee Member, Woodruff Arts Center; and 2003 to 2009, Trustee, Gettysburg College. [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Board member, AeroCare Holdings (privately held healthcare services company) (February 2003-Present); Board member, Regenesis Biomedical (health care services) (April 2012-Present).

Rina K. Spence

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1948

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee and Co-Chairman of the Governance Committee Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 President of SpenceCare International LLC (international healthcare consulting) (1999 – present); Chief Executive Officer, IEmily.com (health internet company) (2000 – 2001); Chief Executive Officer of Consensus Pharmaceutical, Inc. (1998 – 1999); Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spence Center for Women’s Health (1994 – 1998); President and CEO Emerson Hospital (1984 – 1994); Trustee, Eastern Enterprise (utilities) (1988 – 2000); Director, Berkshire Life Insurance [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds.

 

18


Table of Contents
Company of America (1993 – 2009); Director, IEmily.com, Inc. (2000 – 2010); and Trustee, National Osteoporosis Foundation (2005 – 2008).

Bruce D. Taber

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1943

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Valuation Committee and Co-Chairman of the Governance Committee

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 1/14

1999 to Present, Partner, Zenergy LLC (a technology company providing Computer Modeling and System Analysis to the General Electric Power Generation Division); Until December 2008, Independent Director, SSGA Cash Management Fund plc; Until December 2008, Independent Director, State Street Global Advisers Ireland, Ltd. (investment companies); and Until August 1994, President, Alonzo B. Reed, Inc., (a Boston architect-engineering firm). [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds.

Douglas T. Williams

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1940

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Audit Committee Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 President, Oakmonst Homeowners Association; President, Mariner Sands Chapel; Executive Vice President and member of Executive Committee, Chase Manhattan Bank (1987 -1999); President, Boston Stock Exchange Depository Trust Company, 1981-1982; Treasurer, Nantucket Educational Trust, (2002-2007). [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds.
INTERESTED TRUSTEES(1)

James E. Ross

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111-2900

YOB: 1965

Trustee

Term:

Indefinite

Elected

Trustee: 2/07

Chairman and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2012 – present); President, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2005 – 2012); Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors (2006 – present); and Principal, State Street Global Advisors (2006 – present). [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Trustee, SPDR Series Trust; Trustee, SPDR Index Shares Funds; Trustee, Select Sector SPDR Trust; Trustee, SSGA Active ETF Trust; and Trustee, SSGA Master Trust.

 

(1)  Mr. Ross is an Interested Trustees because of their employment by SSGA Funds Management, Inc., an affiliate of the Trust.

 

19


Table of Contents

NAME, ADDRESS,

AND YEAR OF BIRTH

  

POSITION(S)

HELD WITH

TRUST

  

TERM OF

OFFICE AND

LENGTH OF

TIME SERVED

  

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

OFFICERS:

        

Ellen M. Needham

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111-2900

YOB: 1967

   President    Term: Indefinite Elected: 10/12    President and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (June 2012 – present); Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (May 2010 - June 2012); Senior Managing Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (1992-2012) and Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors (1992-present).*

Ann M. Carpenter

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111-2900

YOB: 1966

  

Vice President

and

Assistant Treasurer

  

Term: Indefinite

Elected: 4/15

   Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (April 2014- present); Vice President, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2008 – present); Principal, State Street Global Advisors (2005 – 2008 – present).*

Chad C. Hallett

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

YOB: 1969

   Treasurer   

Term: Indefinite

Elected: 4/15

   Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (November 2014 – present);Vice President, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2001-November 2014 ).*

Brian Harris

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

YOB: 1973

  

Chief

Compliance

Officer

  

Term: Indefinite

Elected: 11/13

   Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc.( June 2013- Present); Senior Vice President and Global Head of Investment Compliance, BofA Global Capital Management (September 2010 to May 2013); Director of Compliance, AARP Financial Inc. (July 2008 to August 2010).

Joshua A. Weinberg

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111-2900

YOB: 1978

   Chief Legal Officer   

Term: Indefinite

Elected: 2/15

   Vice President and Managing Counsel, State Street Global Advisors (2011 – present); Clerk, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2013 – present); Associate, Financial Services Group, Dechert LLP (2006 – 2011).

David K. James

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue, 3rd Floor

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1970

   Secretary   

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 4/13

   Managing Director and Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2009 - present); Vice President and Counsel, PNC Global Investment Servicing (US), Inc. (2006–2009).

Kristin Schantz

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue, 3rd Floor

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1979

  

Assistant

Secretary

  

Term: Indefinite

Elected: 2/14

   Vice President and Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2013- present); Vice President, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (2008-2013).

 

* Served in various capacities and/or with various affiliated entities during noted time period.

The By-Laws of the Trust provide that the Trust shall indemnify each person who is or was a Trustee of the Trust against all expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings if the person in good faith and reasonably believes that his or her conduct was in the Trust’s best interest. The Trust, at its expense, provides liability insurance for the benefit of its Trustees and officers.

 

20


Table of Contents

Summary of Trustees’ Qualifications

Following is a summary of the experience, attributes and skills which qualify each Trustee to serve on the Trust’s Board.

Michael F. Holland: Mr. Holland is an experienced business executive with over 44 years of experience in the financial services industry including 19 years as a portfolio manager of another registered mutual fund; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of State Street Institutional Investment Trust and State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts’ inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.

William L. Boyan: Mr. Boyan is an experienced business executive with over 42 years of experience in the insurance industry; his experience includes prior service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies and charities and an executive position with a major insurance company. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts’ inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.

Rina K. Spence: Ms. Spence is an experienced business executive with over 34 years of experience in the health care industry; her experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies, charities and utility companies and chief executive positions for various health care companies. She has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts’ inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.

Douglas T. Williams: Mr. Williams is an experienced business executive with over 41 years of experience in the banking industry; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies and charities and senior executive positions of major bank organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts’ inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.

James E. Ross: Mr. Ross is an experienced business executive with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for seven years and as President of the trusts for eight years and possesses significant experience regarding the trusts’ operations and history. Mr. Ross is also a senior executive officer of State Street Global Advisors.

William L. Marshall: Mr. Marshall is an experienced business executive with over 45 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as an advisor trustee or officer of various investment companies and charities. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.

Patrick J. Riley: Mr. Riley is an experienced business executive with over 39 years of experience in the legal and financial services industries; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies and Associate Justice of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.

Richard D. Shirk: Mr. Shirk is an experienced business executive with over 46 years of experience in the health care and insurance industries and with investment matters; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various health care companies and nonprofit organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.

 

21


Table of Contents

Bruce D. Taber: Mr. Taber is an experienced business executive with over 41 years of experience in the power generation, technology and engineering industries; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 23 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.

References to the experience, attributes and skills of Trustees above are pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.

Standing Committees

The Board of Trustees has established various committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of various matters of importance to Independent Trustees, the Trust, and the Trust’s shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Currently, the Board has created an Audit Committee, Governance Committee, Valuation Committee and Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee.

The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee meets twice a year, or more often as required, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Audit Committee oversees and monitors the Trust’s internal accounting and control structure, its auditing function and its financial reporting process. The Audit Committee is responsible for selecting and retaining the independent accountants for the Trust. The Audit Committee is responsible for approving the audit plans, fees and other material arrangements in respect of the engagement of the independent accountants, including non-audit services performed. The Audit Committee reviews the qualifications of the independent accountant’s key personnel involved in the foregoing activities and monitors the independent accountant’s independence. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Audit Committee held five meetings.

The Governance Committee is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the Governance Committee, including the Nominating Committee (a sub-committee of the Governance Committee), is to review and evaluate the composition and performance of the Board; make nominations for membership on the Board and committees; review the responsibilities of each committee; and review governance procedures, and compensation of Independent Trustees. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees to the Board recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter and should be submitted in writing to the Trust, to the attention of the Trust’s Secretary, at the address of the principal executive offices of the Trust. Shareholder recommendations must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Trust not less than sixty (60) calendar days nor more than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the date of the Board or shareholder meeting at which the nominee candidate would be considered for election. The Governance Committee performs an annual Board self-evaluation. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Governance Committee held two meetings.

The Valuation Committee is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The Valuation Committee’s primary purpose is to review the actions and recommendations of the Adviser’s Oversight Committee. The Trust has established procedures and guidelines for valuing portfolio securities and making fair value determinations from time to time. The Valuation Committee is responsible for overseeing the Fund’s valuation determinations, with the assistance of the Oversight Committee, State Street and SSGA FM. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Valuation Committee did not hold any meetings.

The Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee (the “QLCC”) is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the QLCC are to receive quarterly reports from the Trust’s chief compliance officer (the “Chief Compliance Officer”); to oversee generally the Trust’s responses to regulatory inquiries; and to investigate matters referred to it by the Chief Legal Officer and make recommendations to the Board regarding the implementation of an appropriate response to evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers or the Trustees. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee held five meetings.

 

22


Table of Contents

Leadership Structure and Risk Management Oversight

The Board has chosen to select different individuals as Co-Chairpersons of the Board of the Trust and as President of the Trust. Currently, Mr. Holland and Mr. Riley, both Independent Trustees, serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Board, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Williams serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Audit Committee, Mr. Shirk and Ms. Spence serve as Co-Chairpersons of the QLCC, Mr. Boyan and Mr. Taber serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Valuation Committee and Mr. Taber and Ms. Spence serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Governance Committee.

Mr. Ross, who is also an employee of the Adviser, serves as Trustee of the Trust and Ellen Needham, who is also an employee of the Adviser, serves as President of the Trust. The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate, since Mr. Ross and Ms. Needham provide the Board with insight regarding the Trust’s day-to-day management, while Mr. Holland and Mr. Riley provide an independent perspective on the Trust’s overall operation and Mr. Marshall and Mr. Williams provide a specialized perspective on audit matters.

The Board has delegated management of the Trust to service providers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of risks applicable to the Trust. The Board oversees risk management for the Trust in several ways. The Board receives regular reports from both the Chief Compliance Officer and Administrator, detailing the results of the Trust’s compliance with its Board-adopted policies and procedures, the investment policies and limitations of the Portfolio, and applicable provisions of the federal securities laws and the Code. As needed, the Adviser discusses management issues respecting the Trust with the Board, soliciting the Board’s input on many aspects of management, including potential risks to the Fund. The Board’s Audit Committee also receives reports on various aspects of risk that might affect the Trust and offers advice to management, as appropriate. The Trustees also meet in executive session with the independent counsel to the Independent Trustees, the independent registered public accounting firm, counsel to the Trust, the Chief Compliance Officer and representatives of management, as needed. Through these regular reports and interactions, the Board oversees the risk management parameters for the Trust, which are effected on a day-to-day basis by service providers to the Trust.

Trustee Ownership of Securities of the Trust, Adviser and Distributor

As of April 1, 2015 none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members had any ownership of securities of the Adviser or State Street Global Markets, LLC (“SSGM”), the Trust’s distributor, or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser or SSGM.

The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of the Trust’s equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2014.

 

Name of Independent Trustee

   Dollar Range Of Equity Securities In The Fund    Aggregate Dollar Range
Of Equity Securities In
All Registered Investment
Companies Overseen By
Trustees  In Family of
Investment Companies

William L. Boyan

   [None]    [None]

Michael F. Holland

   [None]    [None]

William L. Marshall

   [None]    Over $100,000

Patrick J. Riley

   [None]    Over $100,000

Richard D. Shirk

   [None]    Over $100,000

Rina K. Spence

   [None]    [None]

Bruce D. Taber

   [None]    Over $100,000

Douglas T. Williams

   [None]    [None]

Name of Interested Trustee

        Name of Interested
Trustee

Scott F. Powers1

   [None]    [None]

 

23


Table of Contents

Name of Independent Trustee

   Dollar Range Of Equity Securities In The Fund    Aggregate Dollar Range
Of Equity Securities In
All Registered Investment
Companies Overseen By
Trustees  In Family of
Investment Companies

James E. Ross

   [None]    [None]

 

1 Mr. Powers served as Trustee until May 2015.

Trustee Compensation

As of January 24, 2014, each Independent Trustee receives for his or her services to the State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust and SSGA Funds, a $141,500 annual base retainer in addition to $18,000 for each in-person meeting and $2,000 for each telephonic meeting from the Trust. The Trust pays a fixed allocation of $15,000 per Fund. The Co-Chairmen receive an additional $44,000 annual retainer. The Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and other out-of pocket expenses in connection with meeting attendance. As of the date of this annual report, the Trustees were not paid pension or retirement benefits as part of the Trust’s expenses.

The Trust’s officers are compensated by the Adviser and its affiliates.

The following table sets forth the total remuneration of Trustees and officers of the Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

 

    AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
FROM THE
TRUST
    PENSION OR
RETIREMENT
BENEFITS
ACCRUED AS PART
OF TRUST
EXPENSES
    ESTIMATED
ANNUAL
BENEFITS UPON
RETIREMENT
    TOTAL
COMPENSATION
FROM TRUST &
FUND COMPLEX
PAID TO
TRUSTEES
 

NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE

       

William L. Boyan, Trustee

  $ 193,085      $ 0      $ 0      $ 224,000   

Michael F. Holland, Trustee

  $ 225,109      $ 0      $ 0      $ 268,000   

William L. Marshall, Trustee

  $ 193,085      $ 0      $ 0      $ 267,500   

Patrick J. Riley, Trustee

  $ 225,950      $ 0      $ 0      $ 319,000   

Richard D. Shirk, Trustee

  $ 193,085      $ 0      $ 0      $ 266,250   

Rina K. Spence, Trustee

  $ 193,085      $ 0      $ 0      $ 224,000   

Bruce D. Taber, Trustee

  $ 193,085      $ 0      $ 0      $ 267,500   

Douglas T. Williams, Trustee

  $ 193,085      $ 0      $ 0      $ 224,000   

NAME OF INTERESTED TRUSTEE

       

Scott F. Powers, Trustee1

  $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0   

James E. Ross, Trustee

  $ 0      $ 0      $ 0      $ 0   

 

1 Mr. Powers served as a Trustee until May 2015.

 

24


Table of Contents

Codes of Ethics

The Trust, the Adviser and SSGM have each adopted a code of ethics (together, the “Codes of Ethics”) under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. The Codes of Ethics permit personnel, subject to the Codes of Ethics and their provisions, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Trust, Adviser, State Street or SSGM.

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES

The Trust has adopted proxy voting procedures pursuant to which the Trust delegates the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Portfolio to the Adviser as part of the Adviser’s general management of the Portfolio, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. A copy of the Trust’s proxy voting procedures is located in Appendix B and a copy of the Adviser’s proxy voting procedures is located in Appendix C.

Shareholders may receive information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 (i) by calling (877) 521-4083 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

Because the Fund commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, as of [[                    ]], the Trustees and officers of the Trust owned in the aggregate less than 1% of the shares of each class of the Fund.

Persons or organizations owning 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the Fund. As a result, these persons or organizations could have the ability to approve or reject those matters submitted to the shareholders of the Fund for their approval. Because the Fund commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, as of [[                    ]], to the knowledge of the Trust, no persons held of record or beneficially through one or more accounts 25% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of the Fund.

Because the Fund commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, as of [[                    ]], to the knowledge of the Trust, no persons held of record or beneficially through one or more accounts 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of the Fund.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

Investment Advisory Agreements

The Adviser is responsible for the investment management of the Fund pursuant Investment Advisory Agreements dated May 1, 2001, February 14, 2002, February 7, 2007, October 2, 2007 and February 18, 2011, as amended from time to time (the “Advisory Agreement”), by and between the Adviser and the Trust. The Adviser and State Street are wholly-owned subsidiaries of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company.

The Fund currently invests all of its assets in the Portfolio, which has the same investment objectives and substantially the same investment policies as the relevant Fund. As long as the Fund remains completely invested in the Portfolio (or any other investment company), the Adviser is not entitled to receive any investment advisory fee with respect to the Fund. The Fund may withdraw its investment from the Portfolio at any time. The Trust has retained the Adviser as investment adviser to manage the Fund’s assets in the event that the Fund withdraws its investment from its related Portfolio.

The Adviser is also the investment adviser to the Portfolio pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the “Portfolio Advisory Agreement”) between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio. The Adviser receives an investment advisory fee with respect to the Portfolio. The Portfolio Advisory Agreement is the same in all material respects as the Advisory Agreement between the Trust on behalf of the Funds and the Adviser. The Fund bears a proportionate part of the management fees paid by the Portfolio (based on the percentage of the Portfolio’s assets attributable to the Fund).

 

25


Table of Contents

The Advisory Agreement will continue from year to year provided that a majority of the Trustees and a majority of the Independent Trustees or a majority of the shareholders of the Trust approve its continuance. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or the Trust without penalty upon sixty days’ notice and will terminate automatically upon its assignment. The Advisory Agreement was most recently approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, on May 19, 2015.

The Adviser and its affiliates may have deposit, loan and other commercial banking relationships with the issuers of obligations that may be purchased on behalf of the Fund, including outstanding loans to such issuers that could be repaid in whole or in part with the proceeds of securities so purchased. Such affiliates deal, trade and invest for their own accounts in such obligations and are among the leading dealers of various types of such obligations. The Adviser has informed the Fund that, in making its investment decisions, it will not obtain or use material non-public information in its possession or in the possession of any of its affiliates. In making investment recommendations for the Fund, the Adviser will not inquire or take into consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by the Fund is a customer of the Adviser, its parent or its subsidiaries or affiliates and, in dealing with its customers, the Adviser, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates will not inquire or take into consideration whether securities of such customers were held by any fund managed by the Adviser or any such affiliate.

In certain instances there may be securities that are suitable for the Fund as well as for one or more of the Adviser’s other clients. Investment decisions for the Trust and for the Adviser’s other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients.. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. The Trust recognizes that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Fund is concerned. However, it is believed that the ability of the Fund to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Fund.

[Discussion of contractual expense caps and voluntary fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if applicable.]

Administrator

SSGA FM serves as the administrator for the Fund pursuant to an Amended and Restated Administration Agreement. Under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, SSGA FM is obligated to continuously provide business management services to the Trust and the Fund and will generally, subject to the general oversight of the Trustees and except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, manage all of the business and affairs of the Trust. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, SSGA FM supplies the Trust and the Fund with the following services, among others, under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement: provide the Trust with adequate office space and all necessary office equipment and services; prepare and submit reports and meeting materials to the Board of Trustees and to existing shareholders for meetings of shareholders; assist the Fund in posting and maintaining required schedules of investments and related information on its websites; prepare reports relating to the business and affairs of the Trust as may be mutually agreed upon; provide to the Board of Trustees periodic and special reports and recommendations; coordinate the meetings of the Board and its Committees; provide consultation on regulatory matters relating to portfolio management; act as liaison to legal counsel to the Trust; assist the Chief Compliance Officer with issues regarding the Trust’s compliance program; perform certain compliance procedures for the Trust; provide consultation and advice for resolving compliance questions together with the Fund’s outside legal counsel; provide periodic testing of portfolios; maintain and preserve, or oversee the maintenance and preservation of, accounts, books, financial records and other documents as required by the 1940 Act, applicable federal and state laws and any other law or administrative rules or procedures which may be applicable to the Fund (including in accordance with generally

 

26


Table of Contents

accepted accounting principles to the extent required under applicable law); facilitate audits of accounts by the Fund’s independent public accountants; oversee the determination and publication of the Trust’s net asset value in accordance with the Trust’s policy as adopted from time to time by the Board; prepare the Trust’s federal, state and local income tax returns for review by the Trust’s independent accountants and filing by the Trust’s treasurer; review the calculation of, submit for approval by officers of the Trust and arrange for payment of the Trust’s expenses; and prepare and file with the SEC amendments to the Trust’s registration statement, including updating the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The nature and amount of services provided by SSGA under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement may vary as between classes of shares of the Fund, and the Fund may pay fees to SSGA FM under that Agreement at different rates in respect of its different share classes.

Except as noted below, as consideration for SSGA FM’s services as administrator to the Fund, SSGA FM receives an annual fee of [0.05%] of the average daily net assets of the Fund, accrued daily at the rate of 1/365th and payable monthly on the first business day of each month.

The administration fees paid by the Fund have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.

Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent

State Street serves as the sub-administrator for the Fund pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement among SSGA FM, State Street and, for certain limited purposes, the Trust. Under the Sub-Administration Agreement for the Fund (the “Sub-Administration Agreement”), State Street is obligated to provide administrative services to the Trust and the Fund. State Street provides the following services, among others, to the Trust and the Fund under the Sub-Administration Agreement: supply and maintain office facilities (which may be in State Street’s own offices); provide statistical and research data, data processing services, clerical, accounting, bookkeeping and recordkeeping services (including without limitation the maintenance of such books and records as are required under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, except as maintained by other agents), internal auditing, executive and administrative services, and stationery and office supplies; prepare reports to shareholders or investors; prepare and file tax returns; supply financial information and supporting data for reports to and filings with the SEC and various state Blue Sky authorities; supply supporting documentation for meetings of the Board of Trustees; provide monitoring reports and assistance regarding compliance with Declarations of Trust, by-laws, the Fund’s investment objectives and policies and with federal and state securities laws; arrange for appropriate insurance coverage; calculate NAVs, net income and realized capital gains or losses; and negotiate arrangements with, and supervise and coordinate the activities of, agents and others to supply services. State Street also provides such other services with respect to the Trust or the Fund as agreed with SSGA FM from time to time.

State Street serves as custodian for the Fund pursuant to the Custody Agreement and holds the Fund’s assets.

As consideration for State Street’s services as sub-administrator, custodian and accounting agent for the Fund, State Street receives annual fees, accrued daily at the rate of 1/365th and payable monthly on the first business day of each month, pursuant to the following schedule:

Annual Fee Schedule

$25,000 for Sub-Administration Services (payable by SSGA FM with respect to the Fund)

$12,600 for Custody and Accounting Services (payable by the Fund)

The sub-administration and custodian fees paid to State Street for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) serves as the Transfer and Dividend Paying Agent. BFDS is a joint venture of State Street Corporation and DST Systems, Inc. BFDS is paid for the following annual account services: opening an account; closing an account; investor services; contingent deferred sales charge services; omnibus transparency services; and investigation services. BFDS is also paid for the following activities: telephone calls; teleservicing; telephone transactions; fulfillment; IRA custodial services; and charges related to compliance and regulatory services.

 

27


Table of Contents

Portfolio fees are allocated to the Fund based on the average net asset value of the Fund and are billable on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/12 of the annual fee. BFDS is reimbursed by the Fund for supplying out-of-pocket expenses including those related to confirmation statements, investor statements, banking fees, postage, forms, audio response, telephone, records retention, customized programming/enhancements, reports, transcripts, microfilm, microfiche, and expenses incurred at the specific direction of the Fund. BFDS’s principal business address is 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, MA 02171.

The transfer agency fees paid to BFDS for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.

Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan

To compensate SSGM for the services it provides and for the expenses it bears in connection with the distribution of shares of the Fund, the Fund may make payments (“Rule 12b-1 Fees) from the assets attributable to certain classes of its shares to SSGM under a distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Distribution Plan”). The Distribution Plan is a compensation plan that provides for payments at annual rates (based on average daily net assets) set out below. Because Rule 12b-1 Fees are paid on an ongoing basis, they will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales loads. It is expected that SSGM will pay substantially all of the amounts it receives under the Plan to intermediaries involved in the sale of shares of the Fund, including affiliates of the Adviser. The principal business address of SSGM is One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111.

The Distribution Plan will continue in effect with respect to a class of shares of the Fund only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of both a majority of the Board of Trustees and a majority of the Independent Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any agreements related thereto (the “Qualified Distribution Plan Trustees”). The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the Fund’s permitted expenses thereunder without the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the affected share class and may not be materially amended in any case without a vote of the majority of both the Trustees and the Qualified Distribution Plan Trustees. As of December 31, 2014 none of the Independent Trustees had a direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Rule 12b-1 Plan. The Rule 12b-1 Plan calls for payments at an annual rate (based on average net assets) as follows:

 

Premier Class

     [     ]% 

Institutional Class

     [     ]% 

Investor Class

     [     ]% 

Administration Class

     [     ]% 

Investment Class

     [     ]% 

Total Rule 12b-1 Fees paid to SSGM and other intermediaries for the last fiscal year have been omitted because the Fund had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.

 

Investment Class

   Service Class   Administration Class   Institutional Class   Investor Class

[    ]

   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]

[    ]

   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]

[    ]

   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]

[    ]

   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]

[    ]

   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]   [    ]

 

28


Table of Contents

Pursuant to a Shareholder Servicing Plan, the Trust may pay a shareholder servicing fee for the provision of personal services to and the maintenance of shareholder accounts of investors in the Investment Class, Administration Class, Institutional Class and Investor Class shares of the Fund. Shareholder servicing fees paid for the last fiscal year included amounts paid to State Street Bank and Trust Company, Wealth Management Services (“WMS”), an affiliate of the Adviser. WMS is among the financial intermediaries which may receive fees from the Rule 12b-1 Plan.

The Shareholder Servicing Plan calls for payments at an annual rate (based on average net assets) as follows:

Payments to Financial Intermediaries

Financial intermediaries are firms that, for compensation, sell shares of mutual funds, including the Fund, and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund shareholders. Financial intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisors, banks, and insurance companies. In some cases, a financial intermediary may hold its clients’ Fund shares in nominee or street name. Shareholder services provided by a financial intermediary may (though they will not necessarily) include, among other things: processing and mailing trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semi-annual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; capturing and processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts; and establishing and maintaining systematic withdrawals and automated investment plans and shareholder account registrations.

 

29


Table of Contents

Some portion of SSGM’s payments to financial intermediaries will be made out of amounts received by SSGM under the Fund’s Distribution Plan.

SSGM and its affiliates (including SSGA FM), at their own expense and out of their own assets, may also provide compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of the Fund’s shares or servicing of shareholders or shareholder accounts by financial intermediaries. Such compensation may include, but is not limited to, ongoing payments, financial assistance to financial intermediaries in connection with conferences, sales, or training programs for their employees, seminars for the public, advertising or sales campaigns, or other financial intermediary-sponsored special events. In some instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain financial intermediaries whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares. Financial intermediaries may not use sales of the Fund’s shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). The level of payments made to a financial intermediary in any given year will vary and, in the case of most financial intermediaries, will not exceed 0.05% of the value of assets attributable to the financial intermediary invested in shares of funds in the SSGA FM-fund complex. In certain cases, the payments described in the preceding sentence are subject to minimum payment levels.

If payments to financial intermediaries by the distributor or adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments by other mutual fund complexes, your financial advisor and the financial intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. Please speak with your financial advisor to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial advisor and his or her firm by SSGM and its affiliates, and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your financial intermediary at the time of purchase.

Because the Fund pays distribution, service and other fees for the sale of its shares and for services provided to shareholders out of the Fund’s assets on an ongoing basis, over time those fees will increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.

The Fund may pay distribution fees, service fees and other amounts described above at a time when shares of the Fund are not being actively promoted to new investors generally, or when shares of the Fund are unavailable for purchase.

Set forth below is a list of those financial intermediaries that are FINRA members and to which SSGM (and its affiliates) expects, as of March 31, 2015, to pay compensation in the manner described in this “Payments to Financial Intermediaries” section. Other financial intermediaries that are not members of FINRA also may receive compensation that is described in this section.

 

•    Highland Capital Management

•    Institutional Cash Distributors LLC

•    Van Eck

•    JP Morgan

•    Neuberger Berman

•    Morgan Stanley LLC & Co

•    Wealth Management Services

•    SG AMERICAS SECURITIES LLC

•    Bancorp

•    Sungard

•    Bank of New York Mellon

•    Union Bank

•    Brown Brothers

•    Goldman Sachs & Co

•    Chicago Mercantile Exchange

•    Common Fund

Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ropes & Gray LLP serves as counsel to the Trust. The principal business address of Ropes & Gray LLP is 800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02199. Joseph P. Barri LLC, located at 259 Robbins Street, Milton, Massachusetts 02186, serves as independent counsel to the Independent Trustees.

 

30


Table of Contents

Ernst & Young LLP serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust and provides (i) audit services and (ii) tax services. In connection with the audit of the 2014 financial statements, the Trust entered into an engagement agreement with Ernst & Young LLP that sets forth the terms of Ernst & Young LLP’s audit engagement. The principal business address of Ernst & Young LLP is 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The following persons serve as the portfolio managers of the Fund as of the date of this SAI. The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each individual and assets under management in those accounts as of [                    ]:

As indicated in the tables above, portfolio managers at the Adviser may manage numerous accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include registered investment companies (which include exchange-traded funds), other types of pooled accounts (e.g., collective investment funds), and separate accounts (i.e., accounts managed on behalf of individuals or public or private institutions). Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that portfolio. The portfolio managers do not beneficially own any shares of any Fund as of [                    ].

When a portfolio manager has responsibility for managing more than one account, potential conflicts of interest may arise. Those conflicts may arise out of: (a) the portfolio manager’s execution of different investment strategies for various accounts; or (b) the allocation of resources or investment opportunities.

A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio managers’ responsibility for multiple accounts with similar investment guidelines. Under these circumstances, a potential investment may be suitable for more than one of the portfolio manager’s accounts, but the quantity of the investment available for purchase is less than the aggregate amount the accounts would ideally devote to the opportunity. Similar conflicts may arise when multiple accounts seek to dispose of the same investment. The portfolio manager may also manage accounts whose objectives and policies differ from that of the respective Fund. These differences may be such that under certain circumstances, trading activity appropriate for one account managed by the portfolio manager may have adverse consequences for another account managed by the portfolio manager. For example, an account may sell a significant position in a security, which could cause the market price of that security to decrease, while the fund maintained its position in that security.

A potential conflict may arise when the portfolio manager is responsible for accounts that have different advisory fees. The difference in fees could create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another, for example, in terms of access to investment opportunities. This conflict may be heightened if an account is subject to a performance-based fee. Another potential conflict may arise when the portfolio manager has an investment in one or more accounts that participates in transactions with other accounts. His or her investment(s) may create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to address these potential material conflicts. For instance, portfolio managers within the Adviser are normally responsible for all accounts within a certain investment discipline and do not, absent special circumstances, differentiate among the various accounts when allocating resources. Additionally, the Adviser and its advisory affiliates have processes and procedures for allocating investment opportunities among portfolios that are designed to be fair and equitable.

The compensation of SSGA’s investment professionals is based on a number of factors, including external benchmarking data and market trends, State Street performance, SSGA performance, and individual performance. Each year our Global Human Resources department participates in compensation surveys in order to provide SSGA with critical, market-based compensation information that helps support individual pay decisions. Additionally, subject to State Street and SSGA business results, State Street allocates an incentive pool to SSGA to reward its employees. Because the size of the incentive pool is based on the firm’s overall profitability, each staff member is motivated to contribute both as an individual and as a team member.

 

31


Table of Contents

The incentive pool is allocated to the various functions within SSGA. The discretionary determination of the allocation amounts to business units is influenced by market-based compensation data, as well as the overall performance of the group. Individual compensation decisions are made by the employee’s manager, in conjunction with the senior management of the employee’s business unit. These decisions are based on the performance of the employee and, as mentioned above, on the performance of the firm and business unit.

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES

The Fund invests all of its investable assets in the Portfolio and therefore does not directly incur transactional costs for purchases and sales of portfolio investments. The Fund purchases and redeems shares of the Portfolio each day depending on the number of shares of the Fund purchased or redeemed by investors on that day. Shares of the Portfolio are available for purchase by the Fund at their NAV without any sales charges, transaction fees, or brokerage commissions being charged.

All portfolio transactions are placed on behalf of the Portfolio by the Adviser. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. Ordinarily commissions are not charged on over the counter orders (including, for example, debt securities and money market investments) because the Portfolio pays a spread which is included in the cost of the security, and is the difference between the dealer’s cost and the cost to the Portfolio. When the Portfolio executes an over the counter order with an electronic communications network, an alternative trading system or a non-market maker, a commission is charged because there is no spread on the trade. Securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees. [The Portfolio normally does not pay a stated brokerage commission on transactions.]

The Portfolio’s investment advisory agreement authorizes the Adviser to place, in the name of the Portfolio, orders for the execution of the securities transactions in which the Portfolio is authorized to invest, provided the Adviser, and as applicable, the sub-adviser seeks the best overall terms for the transaction. In selecting brokers or dealers (including affiliates of the Adviser, and as applicable, the sub-adviser), the Adviser, and as applicable, the sub-adviser chooses the broker-dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution (the most favorable cost or net proceeds reasonably obtainable under the circumstances). The full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction may be considered when making this judgment, which may include, but is not limited to: liquidity, price, commission, timing, aggregated trades, capable floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability, reliable and accurate communications and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge of other buyers or sellers, arbitrage skills, administrative ability, brokerage and research services, underwriting, and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending on the nature of the transaction, the market in which it is executed, and the extent to which it is possible to select from among multiple broker-dealers. The Adviser, and as applicable, the sub-adviser does not currently use any Portfolio’s assets for soft-dollar arrangements. The Adviser, and as applicable, the sub-adviser does not presently participate in any soft dollar arrangements. It may aggregate trades with clients of State Street Global Advisors whose commission dollars are used to generate soft dollar credits for State Street Global Advisors. Although the Adviser’s clients’ commissions are not used for soft dollars, the Adviser and State Street Global Advisors’ clients may benefit from the soft dollar products/services received by State Street Global Advisors.

The Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of the Trust for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities.

 

32


Table of Contents

DECLARATION OF TRUST, CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER INFORMATION

Capitalization

Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of the Fund. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Fund, investors are entitled to share pro rata in the Fund’s net assets available for distribution to its investors. Investments in the Fund have no preference, preemptive, conversion or similar rights, except as determined by the Trustees or as set forth in the Bylaws, and are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.

Declaration of Trust

The Declaration of Trust of the Trust provides that the Trust may redeem shares of the Fund at the redemption price that would apply if the share redemption were initiated by a shareholder. It is the policy of each Trust that, except upon such conditions as may from time to time be set forth in the then current prospectus of the Fund or to facilitate the Trust’s or the Fund’s compliance with applicable law or regulation, the Trust would not initiate a redemption of shares unless it were to determine that failing to do so may have a substantial adverse consequence for the Fund or the Trust.

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee who is not an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust will be deemed independent and disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding. It is the policy of the Trust that it will not assert that provision to preclude a shareholder from claiming that a Trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding; provided, however, that the foregoing policy will not prevent the Trust from asserting applicable law (including Section 2B of Chapter 182 of the Massachusetts General Laws) to preclude a shareholder from claiming that a Trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding.

The Trust will not deviate from the foregoing policies in a manner that adversely affects the rights of shareholders of the Fund without the approval of “a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund.

Voting

Each shareholder is entitled to a vote in proportion to the number of Fund shares it owns. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of Trustees, and shareholders holding more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding shares in the Trust may elect all of the Trustees if they choose to do so. The Trust is not required and has no current intention to hold annual meetings of shareholders but the Trust will hold special meetings of shareholders when in the judgment of the Trustees it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote.

Massachusetts Business Trust

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders in a Massachusetts business trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides for indemnification out of the property of the applicable series of the Trust for any loss to which the shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder of that series and for reimbursement of the shareholder for all expense arising from such liability. Thus the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability should be limited to circumstances in which the series would be unable to meet its obligations.

PRICING OF SHARES

Multiple-class funds do not have a single share price. Rather, each class has a share price, called its NAV. The price per share for each class of the Fund is determined each business day (unless otherwise noted) at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (ordinarily 4:00 p.m. Eastern time).

Pricing of shares of the Fund does not occur on New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) holidays. The NYSE is open for trading every weekday except for: (a) the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s

 

33


Table of Contents

Birthday, Washington’s Birthday (the third Monday in February), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas; and (b) the preceding Friday or the subsequent Monday when one of the calendar-determined holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Purchases and withdrawals will be effected at the time of determination of NAV next following the receipt of any purchase or withdrawal order which is determined to be in good order.

The Fund’s securities will be valued pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.

TAXATION OF THE FUND

The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Fund is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authority, as of the date of this SAI. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Fund. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular situation and the possible application of foreign, state and local tax laws.

The Fund invests substantially all of its assets in the State Street Current Yield Portfolio (the “Portfolio”), and so substantially all of the Fund’s income will result from distributions or deemed distributions from the Portfolio. Therefore, as applicable, references to the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the Fund, including to the assets owned and the income earned by the Fund, will be to or will include such treatment of the Portfolio, and, as applicable, the assets owned and the income earned by the Portfolio.

Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situations.

Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company

The Fund intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code and intends each year to qualify and be eligible to be treated as such. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined below); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Fund’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s total assets consists of cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of its assets are invested (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. Government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades and businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); and (c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid — generally taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net tax-exempt income, for such year.

In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the RIC.

However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (a partnership (x) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or

 

34


Table of Contents

the substantial equivalent thereof, and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in section (a)(i) above), will be treated as qualifying income. In general, such entities will be treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, because they meet the passive income requirement under Code section 7704(c)(2). In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.

For purposes of the diversification test in (b) above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. Also, for purposes of the diversification test in (b) above, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Portfolio investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) with respect to issuer identification for a particular type of investment may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to meet the diversification test in (b) above.

If the Fund qualifies as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including Capital Gain Dividends, as defined below). If the Fund were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test described above, the Fund could in some cases cure such failure, including by paying a Fund-level tax, paying interest or disposing of certain assets. If the Fund were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or if the Fund were otherwise to fail to qualify as a RIC accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to tax at the Fund level on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and may be eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income” in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals, provided, in both cases, the shareholder meets certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the Fund’s shares (as described below). In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before re-qualifying as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment.

The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing substantially all of its investable assets in the Portfolio, which itself intends each year to elect to be treated and to qualify and be eligible to be treated as a RIC. Whether the Fund meets the asset diversification test described above will depend on whether the Portfolio meets such test. If the Portfolio were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test and were ineligible to or otherwise were not to cure such failure, the Fund would as a result itself fail to meet the asset diversification test and may be ineligible or unable to or may otherwise not cure such failure.

The Fund intends to distribute at least annually to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and its net tax-exempt income (if any), and may distribute its net capital gain. Any taxable income retained by the Fund will be subject to tax at the Fund level at regular corporate rates. If the Fund retains any net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but is permitted to designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a timely notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds on a properly-filed U.S. tax return to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If the Fund makes this designation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal under current law to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income under clause (a) of the preceding sentence and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (b) of the preceding sentence. The Fund is not required to, and there can be no assurance the Fund will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.

In determining its net capital gain, including in connection with determining the amount available to support a Capital Gain Dividend (as defined below), its taxable income, and its earnings and profits, the Fund generally may elect to treat part or all of any post-October capital loss (defined as any net capital loss attributable to the portion of

 

35


Table of Contents

the taxable year after October 31 or, if there is no such loss, the net long-term capital loss or net short-term capital loss attributable to such portion of the taxable year) or late-year ordinary loss (generally, its net ordinary loss, if any, from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

If the Fund were to fail to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal, in general, to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 of such year (or a later date if the Fund is eligible to elect and so elects), plus any such amounts retained from the prior year, the Fund would be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For purposes of the required excise tax distribution, a RIC’s ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would otherwise be taken into account after October 31 of a calendar year (or a later date, if the RIC makes the election referred to above) generally are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. Also, for these purposes, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it is subject to corporate income tax for the taxable year ending within the calendar year. The Fund intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Distributions declared by the Fund during October, November and December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Fund during the following January will be treated for federal tax purposes as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31 of the year in which declared.

Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against the Fund’s net investment income. Instead, potentially subject to certain limitations, the Fund may carry net capital losses from any taxable year forward to subsequent taxable years to offset capital gains, if any, realized during such subsequent taxable years. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Fund retains or distributes such gains. The Fund may carry incurred net capital losses forward to one or more subsequent taxable years without expiration. The Fund must apply such carryforwards first against gains of the same character. The Fund’s available capital loss carryforwards, if any, will be set forth in its annual shareholder report for each fiscal year. The Fund’s ability to use net capital losses to offset gains may be limited as a result of certain (a) acquisitive reorganizations and (b) shifts in the ownership of the Fund by a shareholder owning or treated as owning 5% or more of the stock of the Fund.

Taxation of Distributions Received by Shareholders

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned such shareholder’s Fund shares.

Distributions of net capital gain from the sale of investments that the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for more than one year that are properly reported by the Portfolio as capital gain dividends (“Capital Gain Dividends”) also may be reported as Capital Gain Dividends by the Fund, and generally will be taxable to a shareholder receiving such distributions as long-term capital gains includible in net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates relative to ordinary income. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryovers. Distributions of net short-term capital gain from the sale of investments that the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for one year or less (as reduced by any net long-term capital loss of the Portfolio for the taxable year) will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of investment income properly reported by the Portfolio and the Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income,” if any, will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to net capital gain, provided holding period and other requirements are met at the shareholder, the Fund and Portfolio level. The Fund does not expect to receive distributions from the Portfolio derived from qualified dividend income.

The Code generally imposes a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the net investment income of certain individuals, trusts and estates to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. For these purposes, “net investment income” generally includes, among other things, (i) distributions paid by the Fund of net investment income and capital gains, and (ii) any net gain from the sale, redemption or exchange of Fund shares. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this additional tax on their investment in the Fund.

 

36


Table of Contents

If the Fund makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of such shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of its shares.

Shareholders of the Fund will be subject to federal income taxes as described herein on distributions made by the Fund whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

Distributions with respect to the Fund’s shares are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund’s realized income and gains, even though such distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder’s investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Fund’s net asset value reflects either unrealized gains, or realized but undistributed income or gains, that were therefore included in the price the shareholder paid. Such distributions may reduce the fair market value of the Fund’s shares below the shareholder’s cost basis in those shares. As described above, the Fund is required to distribute realized income and gains regardless of whether the Fund’s net asset value also reflects unrealized losses.

As required by federal law, detailed federal tax information with respect to each calendar year will be furnished to each shareholder early in the succeeding year.

Tax Implications of Certain Fund Investments

Special Rules for Debt Obligations. Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) will be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in the Fund’s income and required to be distributed by the Fund over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. In addition, payment-in-kind securities will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are acquired by the Fund in the secondary market may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt security. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Fund’s income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.

If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of securities, or other debt securities subject to special rules under the Code, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or, if necessary, by disposition of portfolio securities including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so. These dispositions may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates) and, in the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger Capital Gain Dividend than if the Fund had not held such securities.

 

37


Table of Contents

Securities Purchased at a Premium. Very generally, where the Fund purchases a bond at a price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity – that is, at a premium – the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond. In the case of a taxable bond, if the Fund makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Fund reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds acquired on or after January 4, 2013, the Fund is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period.

A portion of the OID accrued on certain high yield discount obligations may not be deductible to the issuer and will instead be treated as a dividend paid by the issuer for purposes of the dividends received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends received deduction to the extent attributable to the deemed dividend portion of such OID.

At-risk or Defaulted Securities. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount; whether, when, or to what extent the Fund should recognize market discount on a debt obligation; when and to what extent the Fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities; and how the Fund should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a RIC and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

Certain Investments in Mortgage Pooling Vehicles. The Fund may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”) (including by investing in residual interests in collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) with respect to which an election to be treated as a REMIC is in effect) or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”). Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of the Fund’s income (including income allocated to the Fund from certain pass-through entities) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or an equity interest in a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a RIC, such as the Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly. As a result, a RIC holding such interests may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts, as noted below.

In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and that otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign shareholder will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. A shareholder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such inclusions notwithstanding any exemption from such income tax otherwise available under the Code.

Foreign Currency Transactions. Any transaction by the Fund in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations or certain foreign currency options, futures contracts or forward contracts (or similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Any such net gains could require a larger dividend toward the end of the calendar year. Any such net losses will generally reduce and potentially require the recharacterization of prior ordinary income distributions. Such ordinary income treatment may accelerate Fund distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Fund to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.

Options and Futures. In general, option premiums received by the Fund are not immediately included in the income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Fund is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying stock, the Fund generally will

 

38


Table of Contents

recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Fund’s basis in the stock. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying stock. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. Gain or loss arising in respect of a termination of the Fund’s obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.

The Fund’s options activities may include transactions constituting straddles for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is, that trigger the U.S. federal income tax straddle rules contained primarily in Section 1092 of the Code. Such straddles include, for example, positions in a particular security, or an index of securities, and one or more options that offset the former position, including options that are “covered” by the Fund’s long position in the subject security. Very generally, where applicable, Section 1092 requires (i) that losses be deferred on positions deemed to be offsetting positions with respect to “substantially similar or related property,” to the extent of unrealized gain in the latter, and (ii) that the holding period of such a straddle position that has not already been held for the long-term holding period be terminated and begin anew once the position is no longer part of a straddle. Options on single stocks that are not “deep in the money” may constitute qualified covered calls, which generally are not subject to the straddle rules; the holding period on stock underlying qualified covered calls that are “in the money” although not “deep in the money” will be suspended during the period that such calls are outstanding. Thus, the straddle rules and the rules governing qualified covered calls could cause gains that would otherwise constitute long-term capital gains to be treated as short-term capital gains, and distributions that would otherwise constitute “qualified dividend income” or qualify for the dividends-received deduction to fail to satisfy the holding period requirements and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income or fail to qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction, as the case may be.

The tax treatment of certain positions entered into by the Fund, including regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency positions and certain listed non-equity options, will be governed by section 1256 of the Code (“section 1256 contracts”). Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses (“60/40”), although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code) are “marked to market” with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or 60/40 gain or loss, as applicable.

Derivatives, Hedging, and Related Transactions. In addition to the special rules described above in respect of futures and options transactions, the Fund’s transactions in other derivative instruments (e.g., forward contracts and swap agreements), as well as any of its hedging, short sale, securities loan or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (e.g., notional principal contract, straddle, constructive sale, wash sale and short sale rules). These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary or capital, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund’s securities, thereby affecting whether capital gains and losses are treated as short-term or long-term. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders.

Because these and other tax rules applicable to these types of transactions are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a RIC and avoid a Fund-level tax.

Book-Tax Differences. Certain of the Fund’s investments in derivative instruments and foreign currency-denominated instruments, and any of the Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies and hedging activities, are likely to produce a difference between its book income and the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any). If such a difference arises, and the Fund’s book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment and to avoid an entity-level tax. In the alternative, if the Fund’s book income exceeds

 

39


Table of Contents

the sum of its taxable income (including realized capital gains) and net tax-exempt income, the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund’s remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient’s basis in its shares, and (iii) thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset.

Investment in the Portfolio. Because the Fund will invest substantially all of its assets in shares of the Portfolio, its distributable income and gains will normally consist substantially of distributions from the Portfolio. To the extent that the Portfolio realizes net losses on its investments for a given taxable year, the Fund will not be able to benefit from those losses until (i) the Portfolio realizes gains that it can reduce by those losses, or (ii) the Fund recognizes its share of those losses when it disposes of shares of the Portfolio. Moreover, even when the Fund does make such a disposition, any loss will be recognized as a capital loss, a portion of which may be a long-term capital loss. The Funds will not be able to offset any capital losses from its dispositions of shares of the Portfolio against its ordinary income (including distributions of any net short-term capital gains realized by a Portfolio), and the Fund’s long-term capital losses first offset its capital gains, increasing the likelihood that the Fund’s short-term capital gains are distributed to shareholders as ordinary income.

In addition, in certain circumstances, the “wash sale” rules under Section 1091 of the Code may apply to the Fund’s sales of the Portfolio shares that have generated losses. A wash sale occurs if shares of an issuer are sold by the Fund at a loss and the Fund acquires additional shares of that same issuer 30 days before or after the date of the sale. The wash-sale rules could defer losses in the Fund’s hands on Portfolio shares (to the extent such sales are wash sales) for extended (and, in certain cases, potentially indefinite) periods of time.

The foregoing rules may cause the tax treatment of the Fund’s gains, losses and distributions to differ at times from the tax treatment that would apply if the Fund invested directly in the types of securities held by the Portfolio. As a result, investors may receive taxable distributions earlier and recognize higher amounts of capital gain or ordinary income than they otherwise would.

Foreign Taxation

The Portfolio’s income from or proceeds of dispositions of its investments in non-U.S. assets may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes. This will decrease the Portfolio’s, and thus the Fund’s, return on securities subject to such taxes. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes incurred by the Fund. Backup Withholding

The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding rate is 28%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

Tax-Exempt Shareholders

Income of a RIC that would be unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) if earned directly by a tax-exempt entity will not generally be attributed as UBTI to a tax-exempt shareholder of the RIC. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).

A tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICS or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).

 

40


Table of Contents

In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI as a result of investing in a RIC that recognizes “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in a RIC that recognizes “excess inclusion income,” then the RIC will be subject to a tax on that portion of its “excess inclusion income” for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Fund may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in the Fund. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in the Fund.

Redemptions and Exchanges

Redemptions and exchanges of the Fund’s shares are taxable events and, accordingly, shareholders may realize gain or loss on these transactions. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Fund shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares held by a shareholder for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any Capital Gain Dividends received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. Further, all or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares will be disallowed under the Code’s “wash-sale” rule if other substantially identical shares are purchased, including by means of dividend reinvestment, within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Upon the redemption or exchange of shares of the Fund, the Fund or, in the case of shares purchased through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may be required to provide you and the IRS with cost basis and certain other related tax information about the Fund shares you redeemed or exchanged.

Tax Shelter Reporting

Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct holders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

Non-U.S. Shareholders

Non-U.S. shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of ownership of shares in the Fund. Distributions properly reported as Capital Gain Dividends generally will not be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. In general, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Fund to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code ( a “foreign person”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding. For distributions with respect to taxable years of a RIC beginning before January 1, 2015, a RIC was not required to withhold any amounts (a) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (i) that had not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner was not a U.S. person, (ii) to the extent that the dividend was attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person was the issuer or was a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (iii) that was within

 

41


Table of Contents

certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (iv) to the extent the dividend was attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person was a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions were properly reported by the RIC in a written notice to shareholders (“interest-related dividends”), and (b) with respect to distributions (other than (i) distributions to an individual foreign person who was present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (ii) distributions subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests (described below)) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions were properly reported by the RIC in a written notice to shareholders (“short-term capital gain dividends”). A RIC was permitted to report such parts of its dividends as were eligible to be treated as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends, but was not required to do so. In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may have withheld even if a RIC reported all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend.

This exemption has expired for distributions with respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning on or after January 1, 2015. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend this exemption for distributions with respect to taxable years of the Fund beginning on or after January 1, 2015, and what the terms of any such extension would be, including whether such extension would have retroactive effect.

A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or on Capital Gain Dividends or exempt-interest dividends (if any) unless (a) such gain or dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (b) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the Capital Gain Dividend and certain other conditions are met, or (c) the gain or loss realized on the sale of shares of the Fund or the Capital Gain Dividends are attributable to gains from the sale or exchange of “U.S. real property interests”.

Foreign persons with respect to whom income from the Fund is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the foreign person within the United States will in general be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income derived from the Fund at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. citizens, residents or domestic corporations, whether such income is received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Fund and, in the case of a foreign corporation, may also be subject to a branch profits tax. If a foreign person is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States. More generally, foreign shareholders who are residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the United States may obtain different tax results than those described herein, and are urged to consult their tax advisors.

Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisers and, if holding shares through intermediaries, their intermediaries, concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Fund.

In order for a foreign person to qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or from lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from back back-up withholding, the foreign person must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or substitute form). Non-U.S. investors in the Fund should consult their tax advisers in this regard.

Special rules (including withholding and reporting requirements) apply to foreign partnerships and those holding Fund shares through foreign partnerships. Additional considerations may apply to foreign trusts and estates. Investors holding Fund shares through foreign entities should consult their tax advisers about their particular situation.

A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the U.S. federal income tax on income referred to above.

 

42


Table of Contents

Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect To Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts

Shareholders that are U.S. persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the Fund by vote or value could be required to report annually their “financial interest” in the Fund’s “foreign financial accounts,” if any, on FinCEN Form TD 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Shareholders should consult a tax advisor, and persons investing in the Fund through an intermediary should contact their intermediary, regarding the applicability to them of this reporting requirement.

Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements

Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, “FATCA”) generally require the Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA or under an applicable intergovernmental agreement (an “IGA”). If a shareholder fails to provide this information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA or an IGA, the Fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on ordinary dividends it pays after June 30, 2014 (or, in certain cases, after later dates), and 30% of the gross proceeds of share redemptions or exchanges and certain Capital Gain Dividends it pays after December 31, 2016. If a payment by the Fund is subject to FATCA withholding, the Fund is required to withhold even if such payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders described above (e.g., Capital Gain Dividends).

Each prospective investor is urged to consult its tax adviser regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the prospective investor’s own situation, including investments through an intermediary.

General Considerations

The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information only. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the specific federal tax consequences of purchasing, holding, and disposing of shares of the Fund, as well as the effects of state, local, foreign, and other tax law and any proposed tax law changes.

UNDERWRITER

State Street Global Markets, LLC serves as the Fund’s Distributor (the “Distributor”) pursuant to the Distribution Agreement by and between the Distributor and the Trust. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund pays the Distributor fees under the Rule 12b-1 Plan in effect for the Fund. For a description of the fees paid to the Distributor under the Rule 12b-1 Plan, see “Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan,” above. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific number of shares and will sell shares of the Fund on a continuous basis only against orders to purchase shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements for the first fiscal year of the Fund’s operation will be included in the first Annual Report of the Trust (the “Annual Report”) following the Fund’s first fiscal year end. The Annual Report will be available, without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 392-0869.

 

43


Table of Contents

APPENDIX A

RATINGS OF DEBT INSTRUMENTS

MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (“MOODY’S”) — LONG TERM DEBT RATINGS. The following is a description of Moody’s debt instrument ratings.

Aaa — Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.

Aa — Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

A — Bonds that are rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa — Baa rated bonds are considered medium-grade obligations, and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics and are subject to moderate credit risk.

Ba — Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B and Lower — Bonds which are rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Bonds which are rated

Caa are of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Moody’s applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a midrange ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

P-1 — Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers (or supporting institutions) to honor short-term financial obligations. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The designation “Prime-1” or “P-1” indicates a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-2 — Issuers (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-3 — Issuers (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

STANDARD & POOR’S RATING GROUP (“S&P”). S&P’s ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (i) the likelihood of default — capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation; (ii) the nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (iii) the protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

AAA — Bonds rated AAA are highest grade debt obligations. This rating indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest.

AA — Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality obligations. Their capacity to pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they differ from AAA issues only by a small degree.

A — Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest, although they are more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher-rated categories.

 

A-1


Table of Contents

BBB — Bonds rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and principal.

BB and Lower — Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds may have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

The ratings AA to C may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

A-1- Standard & Poor’s short-term issue credit ratings are current assessments of the likelihood of timely payments of debt having original maturity of no more than 365 days. The A-1 designation indicates that the capacity for payment is extremely strong.

A-2- The capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong. However, a short-term debt with this rating is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debts in higher rating categories.

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.

        FITCH RATINGS. (“FITCH”).

Fitch Ratings cover a 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.

AAA — Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA — Very high credit quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A High credit quality. ‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB — Good credit quality. ‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB Speculative — ‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.

Fitch Rating’s appends the modifiers “+” or “-” to denote relative status within the major rating categories.

A short-term rating has a time horizon of up to 13 months for most obligations, or up to 36 months for US public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

 

A-2


Table of Contents

F1. Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F2. Good short-term credit quality. A Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

F3. Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

B. Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

C. High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

D. Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a specific short-term obligation.

E. Restricted Default. Indicates an entity has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations.

 

A-3


Table of Contents

APPENDIX B

SSGA FUNDS

STATE STREET MASTER FUNDS

STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

As of February 13, 2014

The Boards of Trustees of the SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust (each a “Trust”)1 have adopted the following policy and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trust’s investment portfolios.

 

1. Proxy Voting Policy

The policy of the Trust is to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trust to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., the Trust’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”), subject to the Trustees’ continuing oversight.

 

2. Fiduciary Duty

The right to vote proxies with respect to a portfolio security held by the Trust is an asset of the Trust. The Adviser acts as a fiduciary of the Trust and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Trust and its shareholders.

 

3. Proxy Voting Procedures

A. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board its policies, procedures and other guidelines for voting proxies (“Policy”). In addition, the Adviser shall notify the Trustees of material changes to its Policy promptly and not later than the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees after such amendment is implemented.

B. With respect to any proxies that the Adviser has identified as involving a conflict of interest, the Adviser shall submit a report indicating the nature of the conflict of interest and how that conflict was resolved with respect to the voting of the proxy at the next regular meeting of the Board or Trustees. For this purpose, a “conflict of interest” shall be deemed to occur when the Adviser, the principal underwriter of the Trust (the “Principal Underwriter”) or an affiliated person of the Adviser or the Principal Underwriter has a financial interest in a matter presented by a proxy to be voted on behalf of a Trust, other than the obligations the Adviser or the Principal Underwriter incurs as a service provider to the Trust, which may compromise the Adviser’s or Principal Underwriter’s independence of judgment and action in voting the proxy.

C. At least annually, the Adviser shall inform the Trustees that a record is available with respect to each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Trust during the year. Also see Section 5 below.

 

4. Revocation of Authority to Vote

The delegation by the Trustees of the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Trust may be revoked by the Trustees, in whole or in part, at any time.

 

 

1  Unless otherwise noted, the singular term “Trust” used throughout this document means each of SSgA Funds, State Street Master Funds and State Street Institutional Investment Trust.

 

B-1


Table of Contents
5. Annual Filing of Proxy Voting Record

The Adviser shall provide the required data for each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Trust to the Trust or its designated service provider in a timely manner and in a format acceptable to be filed in the Trust’s annual proxy voting report on Form N-PX for the twelve-month period ended June 30. Form N-PX is required to be filed not later than August 31 of each year.

 

6. Disclosures

 

  A. The Trust shall include in its registration statement:

1. A description of this policy and of the policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities; and

2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust’s toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) website.

 

  B. The Trust shall include in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders:

1. A statement disclosing that a description of the policies and procedures used by or on behalf of the Trust to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust’s toll-free telephone number; through a specified Internet address, if applicable; and on the SEC’s website; and

2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust’s toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC’s website.

 

7. Review of Policy

The Trustees shall review this policy to determine its continued sufficiency as necessary from time to time.

 

B-2


Table of Contents

APPENDIX C

 

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM”), one of the industry’s largest institutional asset managers, is the investment management arm of State Street Bank and Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a leading provider of financial services to institutional investors. As an investment manager, SSgA FM has discretionary proxy voting authority over most of its client accounts, and SSgA FM votes these proxies in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments as described in the SSgA FM Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles.

SSgA FM maintains Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines for select markets, including: the US, the EU, the UK, Australia, emerging markets and Japan. International markets that do not have specific guidelines are reviewed and voted consistent with our Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles; however, SSgA FM also endeavors to show sensitivity to local market practices when voting in these various markets.

 

C-1


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM’s APPROACH TO

PROXY VOTING AND ISSUER ENGAGEMENT

At SSgA FM, we take our fiduciary duties as an asset manager very seriously. We have a dedicated team of corporate governance professionals who help us carry out our duties as a responsible investor. These duties include engaging with companies, developing and enhancing in-house corporate governance policies, analyzing corporate governance issues on a case-by-case basis at the company level, and exercising our voting rights—all to maximize shareholder value.

SSgA FM’s Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles (the “Principles”) may take different perspectives on common governance issues that vary from one market to another and, likewise, engagement activity may take different forms in order to best achieve long-term engagement goals. We believe that proxy voting and engagement with portfolio companies is often the most direct and productive way shareholders can exercise their ownership rights, and taken together, we view these tools to be an integral part of the overall investment process.

We believe engagement and voting activity have a direct relationship. As a result, the integration of our engagement activities, while leveraging the exercise of our voting rights, provides a meaningful shareholder tool that we believe protects and enhances the long-term economic value of the holdings in our client accounts. SSgA FM maximizes its voting power and engagement by maintaining a centralized proxy voting and active ownership process covering all holdings, regardless of strategy. Despite the different investment views and objectives across SSgA FM, depending on the product or strategy, the fiduciary responsibilities of share ownership and voting for which SSgA FM has voting discretion are carried out with a single voice and objective.

The Principles support governance structures that we believe add to, or maximize shareholder value at the companies held in our clients’ portfolios. SSgA FM conducts issuer specific engagements with companies to discuss our principles, including sustainability related risks. In addition, we encourage issuers to find ways of increasing the amount of direct communication board members have with shareholders. We believe direct communication with executive board members and independent non-executive directors is critical to helping companies understand shareholder concerns. Conversely, where appropriate, we conduct collaborative engagement activities with multiple shareholders and communicate with company representatives about common concerns.

In conducting our engagements, SSgA FM also evaluates the various factors that play into the corporate governance framework of a country, including the macroeconomic conditions and broader political system, the quality of regulatory oversight, the enforcement of property and shareholder rights and the independence of the judiciary to name a few. SSgA FM understands that regulatory requirements and investor expectations relating to governance practices and engagement activities differ from country-to-country. As a result, SSgA FM engages with issuers, regulators, or both, depending on the market. SSgA FM also is a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy at the country level as well as issuer specific concerns at a company level.

To help mitigate company specific risk, the team may collaborate with members of the active investment teams to engage with companies on corporate governance issues and address any specific concerns, or to get more information regarding shareholder items that are to be voted on at upcoming shareholder meetings. Outside of proxy voting season, SSgA FM conducts issuer specific engagements with companies covering various corporate governance and sustainability related topics.

The SSgA FM Governance Team uses a blend of quantitative and qualitative research and data to support screens to help identify issuers where active engagement may be necessary to protect and promote shareholder value. Issuer engagement may also be event driven, focusing on issuer specific corporate governance, sustainability concerns or wider industry related trends. SSgA FM also gives consideration to the size of our total position of the issuer in question and/or the potential negative governance, performance profile, and circumstance at hand. As a result, SSgA FM believes issuer engagement can take many forms and be triggered under numerous circumstances. The following methods represent how SSgA FM defines engagement methods:

Active

SSgA FM uses screening tools designed to capture a mix of company specific data including governance and sustainability profiles to help us focus our voting and engagement activity.

 

C-2


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM will actively seek direct dialogue with the board and management of companies we have identified through our screening processes. Such engagements may lead to further monitoring to ensure the company improves its governance or sustainability practices. In these cases, the engagement process represents the most meaningful opportunity for SSgA FM to protect long-term shareholder value from excessive risk due to poor governance and sustainability practices.

Recurring

SSgA FM has ongoing dialogue with its largest holdings on corporate governance and sustainability issues. SSgA FM maintains regular face-to-face meetings with these issuers, allowing SSgA FM to reinforce key tenets of good corporate governance and actively advise these issuers around concerns that SSgA FM feels may negatively impact long-term shareholder value.

Reactive

Reactive engagement is initiated by the issuers. SSgA FM routinely discusses specific voting issues and items with the issuer community. Reactive engagement is an opportunity to address not only voting items, but also a wide range of governance and sustainability issues.

Measurement

Assessing the effectiveness of our issuer engagement process is often difficult. To limit the subjectivity of measuring our success we actively seek issuer feedback and monitor the actions issuers take post-engagement to identify tangible changes. By doing so, we are able to establish indicators to gauge how issuers respond to our concerns and to what degree these responses satisfy our requests. It is also important to note that successful engagement activity can be measured over differing time periods depending on the facts and circumstances involved. Engagements can last as short as a single meeting or span multiple years.

Depending on the issue and whether the engagement activity is reactive, recurring, or active, engagement with issuers can take the form of written communication, conference calls, or face-to-face meetings. SSgA FM believes active engagement is best conducted directly with company management or board members. Collaborative engagement, where multiple shareholders communicate with company representatives, can serve as a potential forum for issues that are not identified by SSgA FM as requiring active engagement, such as shareholder conference calls.

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURE

Oversight

The SSgA FM Corporate Governance Team is responsible for implementing the Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), case-by-case voting items, issuer engagement activities, and research and analysis of governance-related issues. The implementation of the Guidelines is overseen by the SSgA Global Proxy Review Committee (“SSgA PRC”), a committee of investment, compliance and legal professionals, who provide guidance on proxy issues as described in greater detail below. Oversight of the proxy voting process is ultimately the responsibility of the SSgA Investment Committee. The SSgA Investment Committee reviews and approves amendments to the Guidelines. The SSgA PRC reports to the SSgA Investment Committee, and may refer certain significant proxy items to that committee.

Proxy Voting Process

In order to facilitate SSgA FM’s proxy voting process, SSgA FM retains Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”), a firm with expertise in proxy voting and corporate governance. SSgA FM utilizes ISS’s services in three ways: (1) as SSgA FM’s proxy voting agent (providing SSgA FM with vote execution and administration services); (2) for applying the Guidelines; and (3) as providers of research and analysis relating to general corporate governance issues and specific proxy items.

The SSgA FM Corporate Governance Team reviews the Guidelines with ISS on an annual basis or on a case-by- case basis as needed. On most routine proxy voting items (e.g., ratification of auditors), ISS will affect the proxy votes in accordance with the Guidelines.

In other cases, the Corporate Governance Team will evaluate the proxy solicitation to determine how to vote based on facts and circumstances, consistent with the Principles, and the accompanying Guidelines, that seek to maximize the value of our client accounts.

 

C-3


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

In some instances, the Corporate Governance Team may refer significant issues to the SSgA PRC for a determination of the proxy vote. In addition, in determining whether to refer a proxy vote to the SSgA PRC, the Corporate Governance Team will consider whether a material conflict of interest exists between the interests of our client and those of SSgA FM or its affiliates (as explained in greater detail below under “Conflict of Interest”).

SSgA FM votes in all markets where it is feasible; however, SSgA FM may refrain from voting meetings when power of attorney documentation is required, where voting will have a material impact on our ability to trade the security, where issuer-specific special documentation is required or where various market or issuer certifications are required. SSgA FM is unable to vote proxies when certain custodians, used by our clients, do not offer proxy voting in a jurisdiction, or when they charge a meeting specific fee in excess of the typical custody service agreement.

Conflict of Interest

From time to time, SSgA FM will review a proxy which may present a potential conflict of interest. In general, we do not believe matters that fall within the Guidelines and are voted consistently with the Guidelines present any potential conflicts, since the vote on the matter has effectively been determined without reference to the soliciting entity. However, where matters do not fall within the Guidelines or where we believe that voting in accordance with the Guidelines is unwarranted, we conduct an additional review to determine whether there is a conflict of interest. Although various relationships could be deemed to give rise to a conflict of interest, SSgA FM has determined that two categories of relationships present a serious concern to warrant an alternative process: (1) clients of SSgA FM or its affiliates which are among the top 100 clients of State Street Corporation or its affiliates based upon revenue; and (2) the 10 largest broker-dealers used by SSgA, based upon revenue (a “Material Relationship”).

In circumstances where either: (i) the matter does not fall clearly within the Guidelines; or (ii) SSgA FM determines that voting in accordance with such policies or guidance is not in the best interests of its clients, the Head of SSgA FM’s Corporate Governance Team will determine whether a Material Relationship exists. If so, the matter is referred to the SSgA PRC. The SSgA PRC then reviews the matter and determines whether a conflict of interest exists, and if so, how to best resolve such conflict. For example, the SSgA PRC may (i) determine that the proxy vote does not give rise to a conflict due to the issues presented, (ii) refer the matter to the SSgA Investment Committee for further evaluation or (iii) retain an independent fiduciary to determine the appropriate vote.

PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

Directors and Boards

The election of directors is one of the most important fiduciary duties SSgA FM performs as a shareholder. SSgA FM believes that well-governed companies can protect and pursue shareholder interests better and withstand the challenges of an uncertain economic environment. As such, SSgA FM seeks to vote director elections in a way which we, as a fiduciary, believe will maximize the long-term value of each portfolio’s holdings.

Principally, a board acts on behalf of shareholders by protecting their interests and preserving their rights. This concept establishes the standard by which board and director performance is measured. To achieve this fundamental principle, the role of the board, in SSgA FM’s view, is to carry out its responsibilities in the best long-term interest of the company and its shareholders. An independent and effective board oversees management, provides guidance on strategic matters, selects the CEO and other senior executives, creates a succession plan for the board and management, provides risk oversight and assesses the performance of the CEO and management. In contrast, management implements the business and capital allocation strategies and runs the company’s day-to-day operations. As part of SSgA FM’s engagement process, SSgA FM routinely discusses the importance of these responsibilities with the boards of issuers.

SSgA FM believes the quality of a board is a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board evaluations and refreshment and company governance practices. In voting to elect nominees, SSgA FM considers many factors. SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. A sufficiently independent

 

C-4


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

board will effectively monitor management, maintain appropriate governance practices, and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests. SSgA FM also believes the right mix of skills, independence and qualifications among directors provides boards with the knowledge and direct experience to deal with risks and operating structures that are often unique and complex from one industry to another.

Accounting and Audit Related Issues

SSgA FM believes audit committees are critical and necessary as part of the board’s risk oversight role. The audit committee is responsible for setting out an internal audit function to provide robust audit and internal control systems designed to effectively manage potential and emerging risks to the company’s operations and strategy. SSgA FM believes audit committees should have independent directors as members, and SSgA FM will hold the members of the audit committee responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function.

The disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for the investment process. As a result, board oversight of the internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely on financial statements. Also, it is important for the audit committee to appoint external auditors who are independent from management as we expect auditors to provide assurance as of a company’s financial condition.

Capital Structure, Reorganization and Mergers

The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholder’s ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards and in making such a critical decision, SSgA FM believes the company should have a well explained business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilute its shareholders.

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.

Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In evaluating mergers and acquisitions, SSgA FM considers the adequacy of the consideration and the impact of the corporate governance provisions to shareholders. In all cases, SSgA FM uses its discretion in order to maximize shareholder value.

Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer making an offer, or reducing the likelihood of a successful offer. SSgA FM does not support proposals that reduce shareholders’ rights, entrench management or reduce the likelihood of shareholder’s right to vote on reasonable offers.

Compensation

SSgA FM considers the board’s responsibility to include setting the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive compensation; SSgA FM believes that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long-term.

Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSgA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests, as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSgA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders’ interests. SSgA FM may also consider executive compensation practices when re-electing members of the remuneration committee.

SSgA FM recognizes that compensation policies and practices are unique from market to market; often with significant differences between the level of disclosures, the amount and forms of compensation paid, and the ability of shareholders to approve executive compensation practices. As a result, our ability to assess the appropriateness of executive compensation is often dependent on market practices and laws.

 

C-5


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Environmental and Social Issues

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. Environmental and social factors may not only have an impact on the reputation of companies but may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could be the result of anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends to shifts in consumer behavior.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on a company, its industry, operations, and geographic footprint. SSgA FM may also take action against the re-election of board members if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder requests to amend them.

General/Routine

Although SSgA FM does not seek involvement in the day-to-day operations of an organization, SSgA FM recognizes the need for conscientious oversight and input into management decisions that may affect a company’s value. SSgA FM supports proposals that encourage economically advantageous corporate practices and governance, while leaving decisions that are deemed to be routine or constitute ordinary business to management and the board of directors.

Securities on Loan

For funds where SSgA FM acts as trustee, SSgA FM may recall securities in instances where SSgA FM believes that a particular vote will have a material impact on the fund(s). Several factors shape this process. First, SSgA FM must receive notice of the vote in sufficient time to recall the shares on or before the record date. In many cases, SSgA FM does not receive timely notice, and is unable to recall the shares on or before the record date. Second, SSgA FM, exercising its discretion may recall shares if it believes the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the foregone lending income. This determination requires SSgA FM, with the information available at the time, to form judgments about events or outcomes that are difficult to quantify. Given past experience in this area, however, we believe that the recall of securities will rarely provide an economic benefit that outweighs the cost of the foregone lending income.

Reporting

Any client who wishes to receive information on how its proxies were voted should contact its SSgA FM relationship manager.

 

C-6


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com
© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ID1061-INST-4625 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-7


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’s (“SSgA FM”) US Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in the US. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s US Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, director tenure, audit related issues, capital structure, executive compensation, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

LOGO

 

C-8


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSgA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSgA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a country’s regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSgA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.

In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in the US, SSgA FM expects all companies to act in a transparent manner and provide detailed disclosure on board profiles, related-party transactions, executive compensation and other governance issues that impact shareholders’ long-term interests.

SSgA FM’S PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagements to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagements and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the US.

SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practices, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

Director related proposals at US companies include issues submitted to shareholders that deal with the composition of the board or with members of a corporation’s board of directors. In deciding which director nominee to support, SSgA FM considers numerous factors.

Director Elections

SSgA FM’s director election policy focuses on companies’ governance profile to identify if a company demonstrates appropriate governance practices or if it exhibits negative governance practices. Factors SSgA FM considers when evaluating governance practices include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Shareholder rights;

 

  Board independence; and

 

  Board structure.

If a company demonstrates appropriate governance practices, SSgA FM believes a director should be classified as independent based on the relevant listing standards or local market practice standards. In such cases, the composition of the key oversight committees of a board should meet the minimum standards of independence. Accordingly, SSgA FM will vote against a nominee at a company with

 

C-9


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

appropriate governance practices if the director is classified as non-independent under relevant listing standards or local market practice AND serves on a key committee of the board (compensation, audit, nominating or committees required to be fully independent by local market standards).

Conversely, if a company demonstrates negative governance practices, SSgA FM believes the classification standards for director independence should be elevated. In such circumstances, we will evaluate all director nominees based on the following classification standards:

 

  Is the nominee an employee of or related to an employee of the issuer or its auditor;

 

  Does the nominee provide professional services to the issuer;

 

  Has the nominee attended an appropriate number of board meetings; or

 

  Has the nominee received non-board related compensation from the issuer.

Where companies demonstrate negative governance practices, these stricter standards will apply not only to directors who are a member of a key committee but to all directors on the board as market practice permits. Accordingly, SSgA FM will vote against a nominee (with the exception of the CEO) where the board has inappropriate governance practices and is considered not independent based on the above independence criteria.

Additionally, SSgA FM may withhold votes from directors based on the following:

 

  When overall average board tenure is excessive and/or individual director tenure is excessive. In assessing excessive tenure, SSgA FM gives consideration to factors such as the preponderance of long tenured directors, board refreshment practices, and classified board structures;

 

  When directors attend less than 75% of board meetings without appropriate explanation or providing reason for their failure to meet the attendance threshold;

 

  CEOs of a public company who sit on more than three public company boards;

 

  Director nominees who sit on more than six public company boards;

 

  Directors of companies that have ignored a shareholder proposal which received a majority of the shares outstanding at the last annual or special meeting, unless management submits the proposal(s) on the ballot as a binding management proposal, recommending shareholders vote for the particular proposal(s);

 

  Compensation committee members where there is a weak relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period;

 

  Audit committee members if non-audit fees exceed 50% of total fees paid to the auditors; and

 

  Directors who appear to have been remiss in their duties.

Director Related Proposals

SSgA FM generally votes for the following director related proposals:

 

  Discharge of board members’ duties, in the absence of pending litigation, regulatory investigation, charges of fraud or other indications of significant concern;

 

  Proposals to restore shareholders’ ability to remove directors with or without cause;

 

  Proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies; and

 

  Shareholder proposals seeking disclosure regarding the company, board, or compensation committee’s use of compensation consultants, such as company name, business relationship(s) and fees paid.

SSgA FM generally votes against the following director related proposals:

 

  Requirements that candidates for directorships own large amounts of stock before being eligible to be elected;

 

  Proposals that relate to the “transaction of other business as properly comes before the meeting”, which extend “blank check” powers to those acting as proxy; and

 

  Proposals requiring two candidates per board seat.

 

C-10


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Majority Voting

SSgA FM will generally support a majority vote standard based on votes cast for the election of directors.

SSgA FM will generally vote to support amendments to bylaws that would require simple majority of voting shares (i.e. shares cast) to pass or repeal certain provisions.

Annual Elections

SSgA FM generally supports the establishment of annual elections of the board of directors. Consideration is given to the overall level of board independence and the independence of the key committees as well as whether there is a shareholders rights plan.

Cumulative Voting

SSgA FM does not support cumulative voting structures for the election of directors.

Separation Chair/CEO

SSgA FM analyzes proposals for the separation of Chair/CEO on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration numerous factors, including but not limited to, a company’s performance and the overall governance structure of the company.

Proxy Access

SSgA FM will consider proposals relating to Proxy Access on a case-by-case basis.

SSgA FM will evaluate the company’s specific circumstances, the impact of the proposal on the target company and its potential effect on shareholder value.

Considerations include but are not limited to the following:

 

  The ownership thresholds and holding duration proposed in the resolution;

 

  The binding nature of the proposal;

 

  The number of directors that shareholders may be able to nominate each year;

 

  Company performance;

 

  Company governance structure;

 

  Shareholder rights; and

 

  Board performance.

Age/Term Limits

Generally, SSgA FM will vote against age and term limits.

Approve Remuneration of Directors

Generally, SSgA FM will support directors’ compensation, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other issuers in the market or industry. In making our determination, we review whether the compensation is overly dilutive to existing shareholders.

Indemnification

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

Classified Boards

SSgA FM generally supports annual elections for the board of directors. In certain cases, SSgA FM will support a classified board structure; if the board is composed of 80 percent independent directors, the board’s key committees (auditing, nominating and compensation) are composed of independent directors, and consideration of other governance factors, including, but not limited to, shareholder rights and antitakeover devices.

Confidential Voting

SSgA FM will support confidential voting.

Board Size

SSgA FM will support proposals seeking to fix the board size or designate a range for the board size and will vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board outside of a specified range without shareholder approval.

 

C-11


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

Ratifying Auditors and Approving Auditor Compensation

SSgA FM supports the approval of auditors and auditor compensation provided that the issuer has properly disclosed audit and non-audit fees relative to market practice and the audit fees are not deemed excessive. SSgA FM deems audit fees to be excessive if the non-audit fees for the prior year constituted 50% or more of the total fees paid to the auditor. SSgA FM will support the disclosure of auditor and consulting relationships when the same or related entities are conducting both activities and will support the establishment of a selection committee responsible for the final approval of significant management consultant contract awards where existing firms are already acting in an auditing function.

In circumstances where “other” fees include fees related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to the standard “non-audit fee” category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining whether non-audit fees are excessive.

SSgA FM will support the discharge of auditors and requirements that auditors attend the annual meeting of shareholders.1

CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

Capital structure proposals include requests by management for approval of amendments to the certificate of incorporation that will alter the capital structure of the company. The most common request is for an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock, usually in conjunction with a stock split or dividend. Typically, requests that are not unreasonably dilutive or enhance the rights of common shareholders are supported. In considering authorized share proposals, the typical threshold for approval is 100% over current authorized shares. However, the threshold may be increased if the company offers a specific need or purpose (merger, stock splits, growth purposes, etc.). All proposals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis taking into account the company’s specific financial situation.

Increase in Authorized Common Shares

In general, SSgA FM supports share increases for general corporate purposes up to 100% of current authorized stock.

SSgA FM supports increases for specific corporate purposes up to 100% of the specific need plus 50% of current authorized common stock for US firms.

When applying the thresholds, SSgA FM will also consider the nature of the specific need, such as mergers and acquisitions and stock splits.

Increase in Authorized Preferred Shares

SSgA FM votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to increase the number of preferred shares.

Generally, SSgA FM will vote for the authorization of preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

SSgA FM will support proposals to create “declawed” blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense). However, SSgA FM will vote against proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose.

Unequal Voting Rights

SSgA FM will not support proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will vote against new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSgA FM will not support capitalization changes that add “blank check” classes of stock (i.e. classes of stock with undefined voting rights) or classes that dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.

However, SSgA FM will support capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.

 

C-12


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock, especially in some non-US markets;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

ANTI–TAKEOVER ISSUES

Typically, these are proposals relating to requests by management to amend the certificate of incorporation or bylaws to add or delete a provision that is deemed to have an antitakeover effect. The majority of these proposals deal with management’s attempt to add some provision that makes a hostile takeover more difficult or will protect incumbent management in the event of a change in control of the company.

Proposals that reduce shareholders’ rights or have the effect of entrenching incumbent management will not be supported.

Proposals that enhance the right of shareholders to make their own choices as to the desirability of a merger or other proposal are supported.

Shareholder Rights Plans

SSgA FM will support mandates requiring shareholder approval of a shareholder rights plans (“poison pill”) and repeals of various anti-takeover related provisions.

In general, SSgA FM will vote against the adoption or renewal of a US issuer’s shareholder rights plan (“poison pill”).

SSgA FM will vote for an amendment to a shareholder rights plan (“poison pill”) where the terms of the new plans are more favorable to shareholders’ ability to accept unsolicited offers (i.e. if one of the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no “dead hand,” “slow hand,” “no hand” or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, and (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced).

Special Meetings

SSgA FM will vote for shareholder proposals related to special meetings at companies that do not provide shareholders the right to call for a special meeting in their bylaws if:

 

  The company also does not allow shareholders to act by written consent; or

 

  The company allows shareholders to act by written consent but the ownership threshold for acting by written consent is set above 25% of outstanding shares.

 

C-13


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM will vote for shareholder proposals related to special meetings at companies that give shareholders (with a minimum 10% ownership threshold) the right to call for a special meeting in their bylaws if:

 

  The current ownership threshold to call for a special meeting is above 25% of outstanding shares.

SSgA FM will vote for management proposals related to special meetings.

Written Consent

SSgA FM will vote for shareholder proposals on written consent at companies if:

 

  The company does not have provisions in their bylaws giving shareholders the right to call for a special meeting; or

 

  The company allows shareholders the right to call for a special meeting but the current ownership threshold to call for a special meeting is above 25% of outstanding shares; and

 

  The company has a poor governance profile.

SSgA FM will vote management proposals on written consent on a case-by-case basis.

Super–Majority

SSgA FM will generally vote against amendments to bylaws requiring super-majority shareholder votes to pass or repeal certain provisions. SSgA FM will vote for the reduction or elimination of super-majority vote requirements, unless management of the issuer was concurrently seeking to or had previously made such a reduction or elimination.

REMUNERATION ISSUES

Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides the analysis of all compensation plans; namely, are the terms of the plan designed to provide an incentive for executives and/or employees to align their interests with those of the shareholders and thus work toward enhancing shareholder value. Plans which benefit participants only when the shareholders also benefit are those most likely to be supported.

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation and Frequency

SSgA FM believes executive compensation plays a critical role in aligning executives interest with shareholder’s, attracting, retaining and incentivizing key talent, and ensuring positive correlation between the performance achieved by management and the benefits derived by shareholders. SSgA FM supports management proposals on executive compensation where there is a strong relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period. SSgA FM seeks adequate disclosure of different compensation elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long term and short term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. Further, shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance on an annual basis.

Employee Equity Award Plans

SSgA FM considers numerous criteria when examining equity award proposals. Generally, SSgA FM does not vote against plans for lack of performance or vesting criteria. Rather, the main criteria that will result in a vote against an equity award plan are:

Excessive voting power dilution To assess the dilutive effect, we divide the number of shares required to fully fund the proposed plan, the number of authorized but unissued shares and the issued but unexercised shares by the fully diluted share count. SSgA FM reviews that number in light of certain factors, including the industry of the issuer.

Historical option grants Excessive historical option grants over the past three years. Plans that provide for historical grant patterns of greater than eight to twelve percent are generally not supported.

Repricing SSgA FM will vote against any plan where repricing is expressly permitted. If a company has a history of repricing underwater options, the plan will not be supported.

Other criteria include the following:

 

  Number of participants or eligible employees;

 

  The variety of awards possible; and

 

  The period of time covered by the plan.

There are numerous factors that we view as negative, and together, may result in a vote against a proposal:

 

  Grants to individuals or very small groups of participants;

 

C-14


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

  “Gun-jumping” grants which anticipate shareholder approval of a plan or amendment;

 

  The power of the board to exchange “underwater” options without shareholder approval; this pertains to the ability of a company to reprice options, not the actual act of repricing described above;

 

  Below market rate loans to officers to exercise their options;

 

  The ability to grant options at less than fair market value;

 

  Acceleration of vesting automatically upon a change in control; and

 

  Excessive compensation (i.e. compensation plans which are deemed by SSgA FM to be overly dilutive).

Share Repurchases If a company makes a clear connection between a share repurchase program and its intent to offset dilution created from option plans and the company fully discloses the amount of shares being repurchased, the voting dilution calculation may be adjusted to account for the impact of the buy back.

Companies who do not (i) clearly state the intentions of any proposed share buy-back plan or (ii) disclose a definitive number of the shares to be bought back and, (iii) disclose the time frame during which the shares will be bought back, will not have any such repurchase plan factored into the dilution calculation.

162(m) Plan Amendments If a plan would not normally meet the SSgA FM criteria described above, but is primarily being amended to add specific performance criteria to be used with awards designed to qualify for performance-based exception from the tax deductibility limitations of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, then SSgA FM will support the proposal to amend the plan.

Employee Stock Option Plans

SSgA FM generally votes for stock purchase plans with an exercise price of not less than 85% of fair market value. However, SSgA FM takes market practice into consideration.

Compensation Related Items

SSgA FM will generally support the following proposals:

 

  Expansions to reporting of financial or compensation-related information, within reason; and

 

  Proposals requiring the disclosure of executive retirement benefits if the issuer does not have an independent compensation committee.

SSgA FM will generally vote against the following proposals:

 

  Retirement bonuses for non-executive directors and auditors.

MISCELLANEOUS/ROUTINE ITEMS

SSgA FM generally supports the following miscellaneous/routine governance items:

 

  Reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election when voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate;

 

  Opting out of business combination provision;

 

  Proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management;

 

  Liquidation of the company if the company will file for bankruptcy if the proposal is not approved;

 

  Shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote;

 

  General updating of or corrective amendments to charter and bylaws not otherwise specifically addressed herein, unless such amendments would reasonably be expected to diminish shareholder rights (e.g. extension of directors’ term limits, amending shareholder vote requirement to amend the charter documents, insufficient information provided as to the reason behind the amendment);

 

  Change in corporation name;

 

  Mandates that amendments to bylaws or charters have shareholder approval;

 

C-15


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

  Management proposals to change the date, time, and/or location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable;

 

  Repeals, prohibitions or adoption of anti-greenmail provisions;

 

  Management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of authorized shares will be proportionately reduced and proposals to implement a reverse stock split to avoid delisting; and

 

  Exclusive forum provisions.

SSgA FM generally does not support the following miscellaneous/ routine governance items:

 

  Proposals asking companies to adopt full tenure holding periods for their executives;

 

  Reincorporation to a location that we believe has more negative attributes than its current location of incorporation;

 

  Shareholder proposals to change the date, time, and/or location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable;

 

  Proposals to approve other business when it appears as voting item;

 

  Proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the bylaws; and

 

  Proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding unless there are compelling reasons to support the proposal.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

As a fiduciary, we consider the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business.

Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer-by-issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.

 

C-16


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

1  Common for non-US issuers; request from the issuer to discharge from liability the directors or auditors with respect to actions taken by them during the previous year.

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com
© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ID01060-INST-4624 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-17


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’, (“SSgA FM”) European Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines cover different corporate governance frameworks and practices in European markets excluding the United Kingdom and Ireland. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines in European markets address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management and monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

 

LOGO

 

C-18


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in European markets, SSgA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSgA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a country’s regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSgA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.

In its analysis and research in to corporate governance issues in European companies, SSgA FM also considers guidance issued by the European Commission. Companies should provide detailed explanations under diverse ‘comply or explain’ approaches, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders’ long-term interests.

SSgA FM’S PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active fundamental and EMEA investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in European markets. SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re–election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices.

A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

SSgA FM’s broad criteria for director independence in European companies include factors such as:

 

  Participation in related–party transactions and other business relations with the company;

 

  Employment history with company;

 

  Relations with controlling shareholders;

 

  Family ties with any of the company’s advisers, directors or senior employees;

 

  Employee and government representatives; and

 

  Overall average board tenure and individual director tenure at issuers with classified and de-classified boards, respectively.

While, overall board independence requirements and board structures differ from market to market, SSgA FM considers voting against directors it deems non–independent if overall board independence is below one third. SSgA FM also assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case–by–case basis, giving consideration to factors such

 

C-19


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

as overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. SSgA FM may also not support a proposal to discharge the board, if a company fails to meet adequate governance standards or board level independence.

When considering the election or re-election of a non-executive director, SSgA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive can undertake and attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSgA FM may vote against the election of a director whose biographical disclosures are insufficient to assess his or her role on the board and/or independence.

Although we generally are in favour of the annual election of directors, we recognise that director terms vary considerably in different European markets. SSgA FM may vote against article/ bylaw changes that seek to extend director terms. In addition, in certain markets, SSgA FM may vote against directors if their director terms extend beyond four years.

SSgA FM believes companies should have relevant board level committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Similarly, executive pay is an important aspect of corporate governance, and it should be determined by the board of directors and SSgA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. SSgA FM may vote against nominees who are executive members of audit or remuneration committees.

In its analysis of boards, SSgA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint.

In certain European markets it is not uncommon for the election of directors to be presented in a single slate. In these cases, where executives serve on the audit or the remuneration committees, SSgA FM may vote against the entire slate.

SSgA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities)

Indemnification and limitations on liability

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.

Appointment of External Auditors

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSgA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSgA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSgA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.

Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors

SSgA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.

 

C-20


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

In some European markets, differential voting rights continue to exist. SSgA FM supports the “one share one vote” policy and favours a share structure where all shares have equal voting rights. SSgA FM believes pre-emption rights should be introduced for shareholders in order to provide adequate protection from being overly diluted from the issuance of new shares or convertible securities to third parties or a small number of select shareholders.

Unequal Voting Rights

SSgA FM generally opposes proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will generally oppose new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSgA FM will not support capitalization changes that add classes of stock with undefined voting rights or classes that may dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders. SSgA FM supports proposals to abolish voting caps and capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.

Increase in Authorized Capital

The ability raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholder’s ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSgA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a company’s existing capital base.

Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seek to issue new shares whilst dis–applying pre–emption rights, SSgA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSgA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.

Share Repurchase Programs

SSgA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSgA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.

Dividends

SSgA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSgA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the company’s long-term financial health.

Related Party Transactions

Certain companies in European markets have a controlled ownership structure and have complex cross-shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies (related companies). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, SSgA FM expects companies to provide details of the transaction, such as the nature, value and purpose of such a transaction. It also encourages independent directors to ratify such transactions. Further, SSgA FM encourages companies to describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

 

C-21


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

Anti–Takeover Measures

European markets have diverse regulations concerning the use of share issuances as takeover defenses with legal restrictions lacking in some markets. SSgA FM supports a one-share, one-vote policy, for example, given that dual-class capital structures entrench certain shareholders and management, insulating them from possible takeovers. SSgA FM opposes unlimited share issuance authorizations as they may be used as antitakeover devices, and they have the potential for substantial voting and earnings dilution. SSgA FM also monitors the duration of authorities to issue shares and whether there are restrictions and caps on multiple issuance authorities during the specified time periods. SSgA FM opposes antitakeover defenses such as authorities for the board, when subject to a hostile takeover, to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.

REMUNERATION

Executive Pay

Despite the differences among the types of plans and awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive pay—there should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term.

Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSgA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSgA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders’ interests. SSgA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure to review its approach.

Equity Incentives Plans

SSgA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSgA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.

Non–Executive Director Pay

In European markets, authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors’ fees are generally not controversial. SSgA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors’ fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSgA FM will evaluate on a company-by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.

 

C-22


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

RISK MANAGEMENT

SSgA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSgA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSgA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.

Environmental and Social Issues

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSgA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.

 

C-23


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com

 

© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ID1058-INST-4622 0414 Exp. Date: 3/31/2015

 

C-24


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’, (“SSgA FM”) UK Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s UK Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

LOGO

 

C-25


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSgA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSgA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a country’s regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSgA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.

In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in the UK and Ireland, SSgA FM expects all companies, regardless of domicile, that obtain a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange or the Irish Stock Exchange to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. Companies should provide detailed explanations under the Code’s ‘comply or explain’ approach, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders’ long-term interests.

SSgA FM’S PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active fundamental and EMEA investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the UK and European markets.

SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices.

A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

SSgA FM’s broad criteria for director independence in UK companies include factors such as:

 

  Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company;

 

  Employment history with company;

 

  Excessive tenure and a preponderance of long-tenured directors:

 

  Relations with controlling shareholders; and

 

  Family ties with any of the company’s advisers, directors or senior employees.

When considering the election or re-election of a director, SSgA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive and an executive may undertake as well as attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSgA FM monitors other factors that may influence the independence

 

C-26


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

of a non-executive director, such as performance related pay, cross-directorships, significant shareholdings and tenure. SSgA FM supports the annual election of directors.

While SSgA FM is generally supportive of having the roles of chairman and CEO separated in the UK market, SSgA FM assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to factors such as the company’s specific circumstances, overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. Similarly, SSgA FM will monitor for circumstances where a combined chairman/CEO is appointed or where a former CEO becomes chairman.

SSgA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities when considering their suitability for reappointment. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities).

SSgA FM believes companies should have committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Similarly, executive pay is an important aspect of corporate governance, and it should be determined by the board of directors and SSgA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. SSgA FM will vote against nominees who are executive members of audit or remuneration committees.

In its analysis of boards, SSgA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. The nomination committee is responsible for evaluating and keeping under review the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the board and ensuring that adequate succession plans are in place for directors and the CEO. SSgA FM may vote against the re-election of members of the nomination committee if, over time, the board has failed to address concerns over board structure or succession.

Indemnification and limitations on liability

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.

Appointment of External Auditors

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSgA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if an adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSgA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSgA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.

Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors

SSgA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.

 

C-27


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

Share Issuances

The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholder’s ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSgA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a company’s existing capital base.

Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seeks to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSgA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSgA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.

Share Repurchase Programs

SSgA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSgA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.

Dividends

SSgA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSgA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the company’s long term financial health.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize share-holder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

Anti-Takeover Measures

SSgA FM opposes antitakeover defenses such as authorities for the board when subject to a hostile takeover to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.

REMUNERATION

Executive Pay

Despite the differences among the types of plans and awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive pay—there should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term.

 

C-28


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration policies and reports, SSgA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSgA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders’ interests. SSgA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.

Equity Incentives Plans

SSgA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSgA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.

Non-Executive Director Pay

Authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors’ fees are generally not controversial. SSgA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors’ fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSgA FM will evaluate on a company- by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.

RISK MANAGEMENT

SSgA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSgA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSgA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.

Environmental and Social Issues

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSgA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.

 

C-29


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

State Street Globoal Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com
© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ID1059-INST-4623 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-30


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’, (“SSgA FM”) Emerging Market Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines cover different corporate governance frameworks and practices in emerging markets. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provides a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

At SSgA FM, we recognize that countries in emerging markets are disparate in their corporate governance frameworks and practices. Concurrent with developing a company specific voting and engagement program, SSgA FM also evaluates the various factors that play into the corporate governance framework of a country. These factors include: (i) the macroeconomic conditions and broader political system in a country: (ii) quality of regulatory oversight, enforcement of property and shareholder rights; and (iii) the independence of judiciary—to name a few. While emerging market countries tend to pose broad common governance issues across all markets, such as concentrated ownership, poor disclosure of financial and related-party transactions, and weak enforcement of rules and regulation, SSgA FM’s emerging market proxy voting policy is designed to identify and address specific governance concerns in each market.

 

 

LOGO

 

C-31


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM’S PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY IN EMERGING MARKETS

SSgA FM’s approach to proxy voting and issuer engagement in emerging markets is designed to increase the value of our investments through the mitigation of governance risks. Since the overall quality of the corporate governance framework in an emerging market country drives the level of governance risks investors assign to a country, improving the macro governance framework in a country may help reduce governance risks, in turn, increasing the overall value of SSgA FM’s holdings over time. Therefore, in order to improve the overall governance framework and practices in a country, members of our proxy voting and engagement team endeavor to visit emerging market countries and meet with representatives from regulatory agencies and stock markets to highlight potential concerns with the macro governance framework of a country. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in emerging markets. To help mitigate company specific risk, the team works alongside members of the active fundamental and emerging market teams to engage with emerging market companies on governance issues and address any specific concerns or to get more information regarding shareholder items that are to be voted on at upcoming shareholder meetings. This integrated approach to engagement drives SSgA FM’s proxy voting and engagement philosophy in emerging markets.

SSgA FM’s proxy voting guidelines in emerging markets addresses six broad areas:

 

  Directors and Boards;

 

  Accounting and Audit Related Issues;

 

  Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues;

 

  Remuneration;

 

  Environmental and Social Issues; and

 

  General/Routine Issues.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. However, several factors such as low overall independence level requirements by market regulators, poor biographical disclosure of director profiles, prevalence of related-party transactions and the general resistance from controlling shareholders to increase board independence renders the election of directors as one of the most important fiduciary duties SSgA FM performs in emerging market companies.

SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise.

SSgA FM’s broad criteria for director independence in emerging market companies include factors such as:

 

  Participation in related-party transactions;

 

  Employment history with company;

 

  Relations with controlling shareholders and other employees; and

 

  Attendance levels.

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

The disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for the investment process. As a result, board oversight of internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely on financial statements. SSgA FM believes that audit committees provide the necessary oversight on the selection and appointment of auditors, a company’s internal controls and accounting policies, and the overall audit process. In emerging markets, SSgA FM encourages boards to appoint an audit committee composed of a majority of independent auditors.

Appointment of External Auditors

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. SSgA FM believes that it is imperative for audit committees to select outside auditors who are independent from management.

 

C-32


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

SSgA FM believes that changes to a company’s capital structure such as changes in authorized share capital, share repurchase and debt issuances are critical decisions made by the board. SSgA FM believes the company should have a well explained business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and should not overly dilute its shareholders.

Related Party Transcations

Most companies in emerging markets have a controlled ownership structure that often include complex cross- shareholding between subsidiaries and parent companies (related companies). As a result, there is a high prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders such as directors and management. In addition, inter-group loan and loan guarantees provided to related companies are some of the other related-party transactions that increase the risk profile of companies. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, SSgA FM expects companies to provide details of the transaction, such as the nature, value and purpose of such a transaction. It also encourages independent directors to ratify such transactions.Further, SSgA FM encourages companies to describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.

Share Repurchase Programs

With regard to share repurchase programs, SSgA FM expects companies to clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

SSgA FM evaluates mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis. SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

REMUNERATION

SSgA FM considers it to be the board’s responsibility to set appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive compensation; there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term. In emerging markets we encourage companies to disclose information on senior executive remuneration.

With regard to director remuneration, SSgA FM supports director pay provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other issuers in the market or industry and are not overly dilutive to existing shareholders.

 

C-33


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors can not only have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We supportefforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.

In emerging markets, shareholders seldom vote on environmental and social issues. Therefore, SSgA FM addresses a company’s approach to identifying and managing environmental and social risks stemming for various aspects of its operations in its one-on-one engagement with companies.

GENERAL /ROUTINE ISSUES

Some of the other issues that are routinely voted on in emerging markets include approving the allocation of income and accepting financial statements and statutory reports. For these voting items, SSgA FM’s policies consider several factors including historical dividend payouts, pending litigation, governmental investigation, charges of fraud or other indication of significant concerns.

 

C-34


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without State Street Global Advisors’ express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business

of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading

providers of financial services to institutional investors.

ssga.com

© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

ID1056-INST-4621 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-35


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’s, (“SSgA FM”) Japan Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines complement and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles, which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines in Japan address areas including; board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

LOGO

 

 

C-36


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in Japan, SSgA FM takes into consideration the unique aspects of Japanese corporate governance structures. We recognize that under Japanese corporate law, companies may choose between two structures of corporate governance: the statutory auditor system or the committee structure. Most Japanese boards predominantly consist of executives and non-independent outsiders affiliated through commercial relationships or cross-shareholdings. Nonetheless, when evaluating companies, SSgA FM expects Japanese companies to address conflicts of interest, risk management and demonstrate an effective process for monitoring management. In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in Japanese companies, SSgA FM also considers guidance issued by the Corporate Law Subcommittee of the Legislative Council within the Ministry of Justice as well as private study groups.

SSgA FM’s PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, and environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in Japan.

SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice.

Japanese companies have the option of having a traditional board of directors with statutory auditors, or a board with a committee structure. Most Japanese issuers prefer the traditional statutory auditor structure. Statutory auditors act in a quasi-compliance role as they are not involved in strategic decision-making nor are they part of the formal management decision process. Statutory auditors attend board meetings but do not have voting rights at the board; however, they have the right to seek an injunction and conduct broad investigations of unlawful behavior in the company’s operations.

SSgA FM will support the election of statutory auditors, unless the outside statutory auditor nominee is regarded as non-independent based on SSgA FM criteria, the outside statutory auditor has attended less than 75 percent of meetings of the board of directors or board of statutory auditors during the year under review, or the statutory auditor has been remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities (fraud, criminal wrong doing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities).

For companies with a statutory auditor structure there is no legal requirement that boards have outside directors, however, SSgA FM believes there should be a transparent process of independent and external monitoring of management on behalf of shareholders.

 

  SSgA FM believes that non-controlled Japanese companies should appoint at least one outside director, otherwise, SSgA FM will oppose the top executive who is responsible for the director nomination process; and

 

  For controlled companies with a statutory auditor structure, SSgA FM will oppose the top executive, if the board does not have at least two outside directors.

 

C-37


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

For companies with a committee structure, SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering general market practice, as well as the independence of the nominee. SSgA FM also takes into consideration the overall independence level of the committees. In determining director independence, SSgA FM considers the following factors:

 

  Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company;

 

  Past employment with the company;

 

  Provides professional services to the company; and

 

  Family ties with the company.

Regardless of board structure, SSgA FM may oppose the election of a director for the following reasons:

 

  Failure to attend board meetings; or

 

  In instances of egregious actions related to a director’s service on the board.

Indemnification and Limitations on Liability

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ and statutory auditors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. SSgA FM believes limitations and indemnification are necessary to attract and retain qualified directors.

AUDIT RELATED ITEMS

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should have the opportunity to vote on their appointment at the annual meeting.

Ratifying External Auditors

SSgA FM will generally support the appointment of external auditors unless the external auditor is perceived as being non-independent and there are concerns about the accounts presented and the audit procedures followed.

Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors

SSgA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE, REORGANIZATION AND MERGERS

SSgA FM supports the “one share one vote” policy and favors a share structure where all shares have equal voting rights. SSgA FM supports proposals to abolish voting caps or multiple voting rights and will oppose measures to introduce these types of restrictions on shareholder rights.

SSgA FM believes pre-emption rights should be introduced for shareholders in order to provide adequate protection from being overly diluted from the issuance of new shares or convertible securities to third parties or a small number of select shareholders.

Unequal Voting Rights

SSgA FM generally opposes proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will generally oppose new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSgA FM will not support capitalization changes that add classes of stock with undefined voting rights or classes that may dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.

However, SSgA FM will support capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.

Increase in Authorized Capital

SSgA FM generally supports increases in authorized capital where the company provides an adequate explanation for the use of shares. In the absence of an adequate explanation, SSgA FM may oppose the request if the increase in authorized capital exceeds 100 percent of the currently authorized capital or if it leaves the company with less than 30 percent of the proposed authorized capital outstanding. Where share issuance requests exceed our standard threshold, SSgA FM will consider the nature of the specific need, such as mergers and acquisitions and stock splits

 

C-38


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Dividends

SSgA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSgA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the company’s long term financial health.

Share Repurchase Programs

Companies are allowed under Japan Corporate Law to amend their articles to authorize the repurchase of shares at the board’s discretion. SSgA FM will oppose an amendment to articles allowing the repurchase of shares at the board’s discretion. SSgA FM believes the company should seek shareholder approval for a share repurchase program at each year’s AGM, providing shareholders the right to evaluate the purpose of the repurchase.

SSgA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSgA FM may vote against share repurchase requests that allow share repurchases during a takeover period.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

SSgA FM evaluates mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis. SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

Anti-Takeover Measures

In general, SSgA FM believes that adoption of poison pills that have been structured to protect management and to prevent takeover bids from succeeding is not in shareholders’ interest. A shareholder rights plan may lead to management entrenchment and discourage legitimate tender offers and acquisitions. Even if the premium paid to companies with a shareholder rights plan is higher than that offered to unprotected firms, a company’s chances of receiving a takeover offer in the first place may be reduced by the presence of a shareholder rights plan.

Proposals that reduce shareholders’ rights or have the effect of entrenching incumbent management will not be supported.

Proposals that enhance the right of shareholders to make their own choices as to the desirability of a merger or other proposal are supported.

Shareholder Rights Plans

In evaluating poison pills, the following conditions must be met before SSgA FM will recommend a vote in favor.

SSgA FM will support the adoption or renewal of a Japanese issuer’s shareholder rights plans (“poison pill”) if the following

 

C-39


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no “dead hand,” “slow hand,” “no hand” or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, and (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced.

SSgA FM will vote for an amendment to a shareholder rights plan (“poison pill”) where the terms of the new plans are more favorable to shareholders’ ability to accept unsolicited offers (i.e. if one of the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no “dead hand,” “slow hand,” “no hand” or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, or (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced).

COMPENSATION

In Japan, excessive compensation is rarely an issue. Rather, the problem is the lack of connection between pay and performance. Fixed salaries and cash retirement bonuses tend to comprise a significant portion of the compensation structure while performance-based pay is generally a small portion of the total pay. SSgA FM, where possible, seeks to encourage the use of performance based compensation in Japan as an incentive for executives and as a way to align interests with shareholders.

Approve Adjustment to Aggregate Compensation Ceiling for Directors

Remuneration for directors is generally reasonable. Typically, each company sets the director compensation parameters as an aggregate thereby limiting the total pay to all directors. When requesting a change, a company must disclose the last time the ceiling was adjusted and management provides the rationale for the ceiling increase. SSgA FM will generally support proposed increases to the ceiling if the company discloses the rationale for the increase. SSgA FM may oppose proposals to increase the ceiling if there has been corporate malfeasance or sustained poor performance.

Approve Annual Bonuses for Directors/Statutory Auditors

In Japan, since there are no legal requirements that mandate companies to seek shareholder approval before awarding a bonus, SSgA FM believes that existing shareholder approval of the bonus should be considered best practice. As a result, SSgA FM supports management proposals on executive compensation where there is a strong relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period.

Approve Retirement Bonuses for Directors/Statutory Auditors

Retirement bonuses make up a sizeable portion of directors’ and auditors’ lifetime compensation and are based on board tenure. While many companies in Japan have abolished this practice, there remain many proposals seeking shareholder approval for the total amounts paid to directors and statutory auditors as a whole. In general, SSgA FM supports these payments unless the recipient is an outsider or in instances where the amount is not disclosed.

Approve Stock Plan

Most option plans in Japan are conservative, particularly at large companies. Japan corporate law requires companies to disclose the monetary value of the stock options for directors and/or statutory auditors. Some companies do not disclose the maximum number of options that can be issued per year and shareholders are unable to evaluate the dilution impact. In this case, SSgA FM cannot calculate the dilution level and, therefore, SSgA FM may oppose such plans for poor disclosure. SSgA FM also opposes plans that allow for the repricing of the exercise price.

Deep Discount Options

As Japanese companies move away from the retirement bonus system, deep discount options plans have become more popular. Typically, the exercise price is set at JPY 1 per share. SSgA FM evaluates deep discount options using the same criteria used to evaluate stock options as well as considering the vesting period.

 

C-40


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors can not only have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.

MISCELLANEOUS/ROUTINE ITEMS

Expansion of Business Activities

Japanese companies’ articles of incorporation strictly define the types of businesses in which a company is permitted to engage. In general, SSgA FM views proposals to expand and diversify the company’s business activities as routine and non-contentious. SSgA FM will monitor instances where there has been an inappropriate acquisition and diversification away from the company’s main area of competence, which resulted in a decrease of shareholder value.

MORE INFORMATION

Any client who wishes to receive information on how its proxies were voted should contact its SSgA FM relationship manager.

 

C-41


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business

of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading

providers of financial services to institutional investors.

ssga.com

© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

ID1057-INST-4649 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-42


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’, (“SSgA FM”) Australia Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in Australia. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s Australia Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

LOGO

 

 

C-43


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSgA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSgA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a country’s regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSgA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.

In its analysis and research in to corporate governance issues in Australia, SSgA FM expects all companies at a minimum to comply with the ASX Corporate Governance Principles. Companies should provide detailed explanations under the Principles’ ‘comply or explain’ approach, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders’ long-term interests. On some governance matters, such as composition of audit committees, we hold Australian companies to our global standards requiring all directors on the committee to be independent of management.

SSgA FM’s PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active fundamental and the Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the region.

SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound ESG policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

SSgA FM’s broad criteria for director independence in Australian companies include factors such as:

 

  Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company;

 

  Employment history with company;

 

  Relations with controlling shareholders; and

 

  Family ties with any of the company’s advisers, directors or senior employees.

When considering the election or re-election of a director, SSgA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive and an executive may undertake as well as attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSgA FM monitors other factors that may influence the independence of a non-executive director, such as performance related pay, cross-directorships, significant shareholdings and tenure.

 

C-44


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM supports the annual election of directors and encourages Australian companies to adopt this practice.

While SSgA FM is generally supportive of having the roles of chairman and CEO separated in the Australia market, SSgA FM assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to factors such as the company’s specific circumstances, overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. Similarly, SSgA FM will monitor for circumstances where a combined chairman/CEO is appointed or where a former CEO becomes chairman.

SSgA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities when considering their suitability for reappointment. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities)

SSgA FM believes companies should have committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Australian Corporate Governance Principles requires ASX listed companies to have an audit committee of at least three members all of whom are non-executive directors and a majority of whom are independent directors. It also requires that the committee be chaired by an independent director who is not the chair of the board. SSgA FM holds Australian companies to its global standards for developed financial markets, by requiring that all members of the audit committee be independent directors.

In its analysis of boards, SSgA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. The nomination committee is responsible for evaluating and keeping under review the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the board and ensuring that adequate succession plans are in place for directors and the CEO. SSgA FM may vote against the re-election of members of the nomination committee if, over time, the board has failed to address concerns over board structure or succession.

Executive pay is another important aspect of corporate governance. SSgA FM believes that executive pay should be determined by the board of directors and SSgA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. Australian Corporate Governance Principles requires ASX listed companies to have a remuneration committee of at least three members all of whom are non-executive directors and a majority of whom are independent directors. Since Australia has a binding vote on pay with a two-strike rule requiring a board spill in the event of a second strike, SSgA FM believes that the vote provides investors a mechanism to address concerns it may have on the quality of oversight provided by the board on remuneration issues. Accordingly SSgA FM voting guidelines accommodate local market practice.

Indemnification and limitations on liability

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.

Appointment of External Auditors

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving

 

C-45


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

audit fees, SSgA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSgA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSgA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

Share Issuances

The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholders’ ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSgA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a company’s existing capital base.

Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seeks to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSgA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSgA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.

Share Repurchase Programs

SSgA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSgA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.

Dividends

SSgA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSgA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the company’s long-term financial health.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported. SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price

 

C-46


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Anti-Takeover Measures

SSgA FM opposes antitakeover defenses, such as authorities for the board, when subject to a hostile takeover, to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.

REMUNERATION

Executive Pay

There is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive pay—there should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term. Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSgA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long term and short term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSgA FM may oppose remuneration reports where there seems to be a misalignment between pay and shareholders’ interests and where incentive policies and schemes have a re-test option or feature. SSgA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure to review its approach.

Equity Incentives Plans

SSgA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSgA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.

Non-Executive Director Pay

Authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors’ fees are generally not controversial. SSgA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors’ fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSgA FM will evaluate on a company-by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.

RISK MANAGEMENT

SSgA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSgA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSgA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.

Environmental and Social Issues

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.

 

C-47


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSgA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA FM’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com

© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

ID1055-INST-4620 0414 Exp. Date: 3/31/2015

SSITSAI

 

C-48


Table of Contents

State Street Institutional Investment Trust

 

 

STATE STREET CURRENT YIELD PORTFOLIO

 

 

Prospectus Dated [[                    ]]

 

 

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 PORTFOLIO OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS. IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS. IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

State Street Current Yield Portfolio

  3   

Additional Information About Investment Objective, Principal Strategies and Risks of Investing in the Portfolio

  7   

Additional Information About the Portfolio’s Non-Principal Investment Strategies and Risks

  11   

Portfolio Holdings Disclosure

  12   

Management and Organization

  12   

Shareholder Information

  13   

Dividends, Distributions and Tax Considerations

  15   

Financial Highlights

  17   


Table of Contents

STATE STREET CURRENT YIELD PORTFOLIO

Investment Objective

The investment objective of State Street Current Yield Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) is to provide current yield.

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio

The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. The Portfolio’s shares are offered exclusively to investors that pay fees to SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA FM” or the “Adviser”), the Portfolio’s investment adviser, or its affiliates; the Portfolio pays no Management Fee to SSGA FM, as shown in the table below.

Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)

 

Management Fee    N/A
Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees    N/A
Other Expenses    0.31%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(1)    0.31%

 

(1)  [[The Adviser, may voluntarily reduce all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Portfolio to the extent necessary to avoid a negative yield (the “Voluntary Reduction”), or a yield below a specified level, which may vary from time to time in the Adviser’s sole discretion. The Portfolio has agreed, subject to certain limitations, to reimburse the Adviser for the full dollar amount of any Voluntary Reduction incurred after [            ]. As of [                    ], the Adviser had not waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses under the Voluntary Reduction. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, irrevocably waive receipt of any or all reimbursement amounts due from the Portfolio. Any future reimbursement by the Portfolio of the Voluntary Reduction would increase the Portfolio’s expenses and reduce the Portfolio’s yield. There is no guarantee that the Voluntary Reduction will be in effect at any given time or that the Portfolio will be able to avoid a negative yield.]]

Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. [[The Example reflects the Portfolio’s expense reimbursement only in the periods for which the contractual fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement is expected to continue.]] Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

 

1 year     3 years  
$ 32      $ 100   

Principal Investment Strategies

The State Street Current Yield Portfolio seeks its investment objective by investing in investment grade quality, short-term instruments. The Portfolio invests in many of the types of instruments in which a money market fund may invest, but without many of the same credit and other limitations that apply to a money market fund.

The Portfolio is not a money market fund, and its net asset value per share will fluctuate.

Under normal circumstances the Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in instruments with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less. These may typically include U.S. Government securities (including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds and other securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest, as applicable, by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities); certificates of deposit and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; municipal commercial paper; asset backed commercial paper; and repurchase agreements. All of the Portfolio’s investments will be denominated in the U.S. dollar.

 

3


Table of Contents

The Portfolio will only purchase assets that have received a short-term debt rating of investment grade from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (rated at least A-3 by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”), P-3 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or F3 by Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”)) or, if unrated, that are considered to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. If the credit quality of a security declines below the equivalent of investment grade, the Portfolio may continue to hold the security if the Adviser determines that to be in the best interest of the Portfolio.

Principal Investment Risks

You could lose money by investing in the Portfolio. An investment in the Portfolio is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

In addition, the Portfolio is subject to the following risks:

 

    Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may decrease as a result of many factors, including, by way of example, general market fluctuations, increases in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, and illiquidity in debt securities markets. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. A rising interest rate environment would likely cause the value of the Portfolio’s fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Portfolio may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations.

 

    Financial Institutions Risk. Changes in the creditworthiness of financial institutions (such as banks and broker-dealers) may adversely affect the values of instruments of issuers in financial industries. Adverse developments in banking and other financial industries may cause the Portfolio to underperform relative to other portfolios that invest more broadly across different industries or have a smaller exposure to financial institutions. Changes in governmental regulation and oversight of financial institutions may have an adverse effect on the financial condition of a financial institution.

 

    Large Shareholder Risk. To the extent a large proportion of the shares of the Portfolio held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Portfolio is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem Portfolio shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. These transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Portfolio to conduct its investment program.

 

    Liquidity Risk. Lack of a ready market or restrictions on resale may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell a security at an advantageous time or price or at all. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. Illiquidity of the Portfolio’s holdings may limit the ability of the Portfolio to obtain cash to meet redemptions on a timely basis.

 

    Low Short-Term Interest Rate Risk. At the date of this Prospectus, short-term interest rates are at historically low levels, and so the Portfolio’s yield is expected to be very low. It is possible that the Portfolio will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and that it will not be able to pay a daily dividend and may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). It is possible that the Portfolio will maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which it would earn little, if any, income.

 

    Market Risk. The Portfolio’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, and general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Portfolio is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets.

 

4


Table of Contents
    Rapid Changes in Interest Rates. Rapid changes in interest rates may cause significant requests to redeem Fund shares, and possibly cause the Portfolio to sell portfolio securities at a loss to satisfy those requests.

 

    Repurchase Agreement Risk. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Portfolio which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. If the Portfolio’s counterparty should default on its obligations and the Portfolio is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Portfolio may realize a loss.

 

    Restricted Securities Risk. The Portfolio may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws. There can be no assurance that a trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility.

 

    Significant Exposure to U.S. Government Agencies Risk. To the extent the Portfolio focuses its investments in securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, any market movements, regulatory changes or changes in political or economic conditions that affect the U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities in which the Portfolio invests may have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Events that would adversely affect the market prices of securities issued or guaranteed by one government agency or instrumentality may adversely affect the market price of securities issued or guaranteed by other government agencies or instrumentalities.

 

    Variable and Floating Rate Securities. During periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. In addition, investment in derivative variable rate securities, such as inverse floaters, whose rates vary inversely with market rates of interest, or range floaters or capped floaters, whose rates are subject to periodic or lifetime caps, or in securities that pay a rate of interest determined by applying a multiple to the variable rate involves special risks as compared to investment in a fixed-rate security and may involve leverage.

 

    U.S. Government Securities Risk. Certain U.S. Government securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency’s obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, and involve increased credit risks.

Performance

The Portfolio had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Once the Portfolio has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing the variability of the Portfolio’s returns based on net assets. Current performance information for the Portfolio is available toll free by calling (877) 521-4083 or by visiting our website at www.ssga.com/cash.

Investment Adviser

SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Portfolio.

Jeff St. Peters has been the Portfolio Manager for the Portfolio since inception.

Purchase and Sale of Portfolio Shares

Generally, shares of the Portfolio may be purchased only by or on behalf of other registered investment companies or private clients that compensate the Adviser or its affiliates directly. You may redeem Portfolio shares on any day the

 

5


Table of Contents

Portfolio is open for business. You may redeem Portfolio shares by written request or wire transfer. Written requests should be sent to:

By Mail:

State Street Institutional Trust Funds

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 20116

By Overnight:

State Street Institutional Trust Funds

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, MA 20116

By Intermediary: If you wish to purchase or redeem Portfolio shares through a broker, bank or other financial intermediary, please contact that financial intermediary directly. Your financial intermediary may have different or additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Portfolio is open.

Intermediaries may contact State Street Dealer Services Group at 617-662-7300 or email them at brokerdealerservices@statestreet.com with questions.

Tax Information

The Portfolio intends to make distributions that may be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

If you purchase shares of the Portfolio through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Portfolio and its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of Portfolio shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Portfolio over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediary’s Website for more information.

 

6


Table of Contents

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, PRINCIPAL STRATEGIES AND RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE PORTFOLIO

Investment Objective

The investment objective of the Portfolio, as stated in the Portfolio’s Portfolio Summary, may be changed without shareholder approval.

Principal Investment Strategies

The State Street Current Yield Portfolio seeks its investment objective by investing in investment grade quality, short-term instruments. The Portfolio invests in many of the types of instruments in which a money market fund may invest, but without many of the same credit and other limitations that apply to a money market fund.

The Portfolio is not a money market fund, and its net asset value per share will fluctuate.

Under normal circumstances the Portfolio pursues its investment objective by investing in instruments with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less. These may typically include U.S. Government securities (including U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds and other securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest, as applicable, by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities); certificates of deposit and time deposits of U.S. and foreign banks; commercial paper and other high quality obligations of U.S. or foreign companies; municipal commercial paper; asset backed commercial paper; and repurchase agreements. All of the Portfolio’s investments will be denominated in the U.S. dollar.

The Portfolio will only purchase assets that have received a short-term debt rating of investment grade from one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (rated at least A-3 by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”), P-3 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or F3 by Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”)) or, if unrated, that are considered to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. If the credit quality of a security declines below the equivalent of investment grade, the Portfolio may continue to hold the security if the Adviser determines that to be in the best interest of the Portfolio.

Additional Information About Risks

 

    Call/Prepayment Risk. Call/prepayment risk is the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by the Portfolio earlier than expected or required. This may occur, for example, when there is a decline in interest rates, and an issuer of bonds or preferred stock redeems the bonds or stock in order to replace them with obligations on which it is required to pay a lower interest or dividend rate. It may also occur when there is an unanticipated increase in the rate at which mortgages or other receivables underlying mortgage- or asset-backed securities held by the Portfolio are prepaid. In any such case, the Portfolio may be forced to invest the prepaid amounts in lower-yielding investments, resulting in a decline in the Portfolio’s income.

 

    Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer, guarantor or liquidity provider of a fixed-income security held by the Portfolio may be unable or unwilling, or may be perceived (whether by market participants, ratings agencies, pricing services or otherwise) as unable or unwilling, to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. It includes the risk that the security will be downgraded by a credit rating agency; generally, lower credit quality issuers present higher credit risks. An actual or perceived decline in creditworthiness of an issuer of a fixed-income security held by the Portfolio may result in a decrease in the value of the security. It is possible that the ability of an issuer to meet its obligations will decline substantially during the period when the Portfolio owns securities of the issuer or that the issuer will default on its obligations or that the obligations of the issuer will be limited or restructured.

The credit rating assigned to any particular investment does not necessarily reflect the issuer’s current financial condition and does not reflect an assessment of an investment’s volatility or liquidity. Securities rated in the lowest category of investment grade are considered to have speculative characteristics. If a security held by the Portfolio loses its rating or its rating is downgraded, the Portfolio may nonetheless continue to hold the security in the discretion of the Adviser. In the case of asset-backed or mortgage-related securities, changes in the actual or perceived ability of the obligors on the underlying assets or mortgages may affect the values of those securities.

 

7


Table of Contents
    Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may decrease as a result of many factors, including, by way of example, general market fluctuations, increases in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, illiquidity in debt securities markets[, prepayments of principal, which often must be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates, and slower-than-expected principal payments, which may lock in a below-market interest rate]. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. A rising interest rate environment would likely cause the value of a Portfolio’s fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Portfolio may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations.

 

    Extension Risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower-than-expected principal payments. This may lock in a below-market interest rate, increase the security’s duration and reduce the value of the security. Extension risk may be heightened during periods of adverse economic conditions generally, as payment rates decline due to higher unemployment levels and other factors.

 

    Financial Institution Risk. Some instruments are issued or guaranteed by financial institutions, such as banks and brokers, or are collateralized by securities issued or guaranteed by financial institutions. Changes in the creditworthiness of any of these institutions may adversely affect the values of instruments of issuers in financial industries. Financial institutions may be particularly sensitive to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes, adverse developments in the real estate market, fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles. Adverse developments in banking and other financial industries may cause the Portfolio to underperform relative to other funds that invest more broadly across different industries or have a smaller exposure to financial institutions. Changes in governmental regulation and oversight of financial institutions may have an adverse effect on the financial condition or the earnings or operations of a financial institution and on the types and amounts of businesses in which a financial institution may engage. An investor may be delayed or prevented from exercising certain remedies against a financial institution. The amount of the Portfolio’s assets that may be invested in any financial institution, or financial institutions generally, may be limited by applicable law.

 

    Interest Rate Risk. The values of bonds and other debt instruments usually rise and fall in response to changes in interest rates. Declining interest rates generally result in increases in the values of existing debt instruments, and rising interest rates generally result in declines in the values of existing debt instruments. Interest rate risk is generally greater for investments with longer durations or maturities. Adjustable rate instruments also generally increase or decrease in value in response to changes in interest rates, although generally to a lesser degree than fixed-income securities (depending, however, on the characteristics of the reset terms, including the index chosen, frequency of reset, and reset caps or floors, among other factors). When interest rates decline, the income received by the Portfolio may decline, and the Portfolio’s yield may also decline. Changes in governmental policy, rising inflation rates, and general economic developments, among other factors, could cause interest rates to increase and could have a substantial and immediate negative effect on the values of the Portfolio’s investments. A rising interest rate environment could cause the value of a Fund’s fixed income securities to decrease, and fixed income markets to experience increased volatility in addition to heightened levels of liquidity risk.

 

    Large Shareholder Risk. To the extent a large proportion of the shares of the Portfolio are highly concentrated or held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Portfolio is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem Portfolio shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. These transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Portfolio to conduct its investment program. For example, they could require the Portfolio to sell portfolio securities or purchase portfolio securities unexpectedly and incur substantial transaction costs and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and/or gains to shareholders, or the Portfolio may be required to sell its more liquid Portfolio investments to meet a large redemption, in which case the Portfolio’s remaining assets may be less liquid, more volatile, and more difficult to price. The Portfolio may hold a relatively large proportion of its assets in cash in anticipation of large redemptions, diluting its investment returns.

 

8


Table of Contents
    Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Portfolio may not be able to dispose of securities or close out derivatives transactions readily at a favorable time or prices (or at all) or at prices approximating those at which the Portfolio currently values them. For example, certain investments are subject to restrictions on resale, may trade in the over-the-counter market or in limited volume, or may not have an active trading market. Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. It may be difficult for the Portfolio to value illiquid securities accurately. The market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Disposal of illiquid securities may entail registration expenses and other transaction costs that are higher than those for liquid securities. The Portfolio may seek to borrow money to meet its obligations (including among other things redemption obligations) if it is unable to dispose of illiquid investments, resulting in borrowing expenses and possible leveraging of the Portfolio. In some cases, due to unanticipated levels of illiquidity the Portfolio may choose to meet its redemption obligations wholly or in part by distributions of assets in-kind.

 

    Low Short-Term Interest Rate Risk. At the date of this Prospectus, short-term interest rates are at historically low levels, and so the Portfolio’s yield is expected to be very low. It is possible that the Portfolio will generate an insufficient amount of income to pay its expenses, and that it will not be able to pay a daily dividend and may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). It is possible that the Portfolio will maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which it would earn little, if any, income.

 

    Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. The Portfolio is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Likewise, natural and environmental disasters and systemic market dislocations may be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Those events as well as other changes in foreign and domestic economic and political conditions also could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Portfolio’s investments. Given the increasing interdependence among global economies and markets, conditions in one country, market, or region might adversely affect markets, issuers, and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries, including the U.S. Any partial or complete dissolution of the European Monetary Union, or any increased uncertainty as to its status, could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of the Portfolio’s investments. Securities and financial markets may be susceptible to market manipulation or other fraudulent trade practices, which could disrupt the orderly functioning of these markets or adversely affect the values of investments traded in these markets, including investments held by the Portfolio. To the extent the Portfolio has focused its investments in the market or index of a particular region, adverse geopolitical and other events could have a disproportionate impact on the Portfolio.

 

    Market Risk. Market prices of investments held by the Portfolio will go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The Portfolio’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers and general market liquidity. Even if general economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in the Portfolio could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which the Portfolio invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal, political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices.

 

   

Market Volatility; Government Intervention Risk. Market dislocations and other external events, such as the failures or near failures of significant financial institutions, dislocations in investment or currency markets, corporate or governmental defaults or credit downgrades, or poor collateral performance, may subject the Portfolio to significant risk of substantial volatility and loss. Governmental and regulatory authorities have taken, and may in the future take, actions to provide or arrange credit supports to financial institutions whose operations have been compromised by credit market dislocations and to restore liquidity and stability to financial systems in their jurisdictions; the implementation of such governmental interventions and their impact on both the markets generally and the Portfolio’s investment program in particular can be uncertain. In recent periods, governmental and non-

 

9


Table of Contents
 

governmental issuers have defaulted on, or have been forced to restructure, their debts, and many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit. These market conditions may continue, worsen or spread, including, without limitation, in Europe or Asia. Defaults or restructurings by governments or others of their debts could have substantial adverse effects on economies, financial markets, and asset valuations around the world. In recent periods, financial regulators, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, have taken steps to maintain historically low interest rates, such as by purchasing bonds. Some governmental authorities have taken steps to devalue their currencies substantially or have taken other steps to counter actual or anticipated market or other developments. Steps by those regulators to implement, or to curtail or taper, such activities could have substantial negative effects on financial markets. The withdrawal of support, failure of efforts in response to a financial crisis, or investor perception that these efforts are not succeeding could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the values and liquidity of certain securities.

 

    Rapid Changes in Interest Rates. The values of most instruments held by the Portfolio are adversely affected by changes in interest rates generally, especially increases in interest rates. Rapid changes in interest rates may cause significant requests to redeem Portfolio shares, and possibly cause the Portfolio to sell Portfolio securities at a loss to satisfy those requests.

 

    Repurchase Agreement Risk. A repurchase agreement is an agreement to buy a security from a seller at one price and a simultaneous agreement to sell it back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price, typically representing the purchase price plus interest. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Portfolio which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. The Portfolio’s investment return on such transactions will depend on the counterparty’s willingness and ability to perform its obligations under a repurchase agreement. If the Portfolio’s counterparty should default on its obligations and the Portfolio is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Portfolio may realize a loss.

 

    Restricted Securities Risk. The Portfolio may hold securities that have not been registered for sale to the public under the U.S. federal securities laws pursuant to an exemption from registration (including so-called Section 4(2) paper and Rule 144A securities). These securities may be less liquid than securities registered for sale to the general public. The liquidity of a restricted security may be affected by a number of factors, including, among others: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer; (ii) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (iii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; (iv) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; (v) the nature of any legal restrictions governing trading in the security; and (vi) the nature of the security and the nature of marketplace trades. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular restricted security. Also, restricted securities may be difficult to value because market quotations may not be readily available, and the securities may have significant volatility.

 

    Significant Exposure to U.S. Government Agencies Risk. To the extent the Portfolio focuses its investments in securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, any market movements, regulatory changes or changes in political or economic conditions that affect the U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities in which the Portfolio invests may have a significant impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Events that would adversely affect the market prices of securities issued or guaranteed by one government agency or instrumentality may adversely affect the market price of securities issued or guaranteed by other government agencies or instrumentalities.

 

    Variable and Floating Rate Securities. Variable or floating rate securities are debt securities with variable or floating interest rates payments. Variable or floating rate securities bear rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended generally to reflect market rates of interest and allow the Portfolio to participate (determined in accordance with the terms of the securities) in increases in interest rates through upward adjustments of the coupon rates on the securities. However, during periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. The Portfolio may also invest in variable or floating rate equity securities, whose dividend payments vary based on changes in market rates of interest or other factors.

 

10


Table of Contents
    U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S. Government securities, such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds and mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency’s obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. Although U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury, are not supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, and involve increased credit risks. There is no assurance that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so. In addition, certain governmental entities have been subject to regulatory scrutiny regarding their accounting policies and practices and other concerns that may result in legislation, changes in regulatory oversight and/or other consequences that could adversely affect the credit quality, availability, or investment character of securities issued by these entities. The value and liquidity of U.S. Government securities may be affected adversely by changes in the ratings of those securities. Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury historically have been considered to present minimal credit risk. The downgrade in the long-term U.S. credit rating by at least one major rating agency has introduced greater uncertainty about the ability of the U.S. to repay its obligations. A further credit rating downgrade or a U.S. credit default could decrease the value and increase the volatility of the Portfolio’s investments.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIO’S NON-PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS

Temporary Defensive Positions. In response to actual or perceived adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions, the Portfolio may (but will not necessarily), without notice, depart from its principal investment strategies by temporarily investing for defensive purposes. Temporary defensive positions may include, but are not limited to, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities, money market funds, and high-quality debt investments. If the Portfolio invests for defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. In addition, the defensive strategy may not work as intended.

Conflicts of Interest Risk. An investment in the Portfolio may be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide services to the Portfolio, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping, and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Portfolio would compensate the Adviser and/or such affiliates. The Portfolio may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which the Portfolio pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser or its affiliates will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser makes available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser may have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of the Portfolio with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest.

The Adviser and its affiliates serve as investment adviser to other clients and may make investment decisions that may be different from those that will be made by the Adviser on behalf of the Portfolio. For example, the Adviser may provide asset allocation advice to some clients that may include a recommendation to invest in or redeem from particular issuers while not providing that same recommendation to all clients invested in the same or similar issuers. The Adviser may (subject to applicable law) be simultaneously seeking to purchase (or sell) investments for the Portfolio and to sell (or purchase) the same investment for accounts, funds, or structured products for which it serves as asset manager, or for other clients or affiliates. The Adviser and its affiliates may invest for clients in various securities that are senior, pari passu or junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by the Portfolio. The Adviser or its affiliates, in connection with its other business activities, may acquire material non-public confidential information that may restrict the Adviser from purchasing securities or selling securities for itself or its clients (including the Portfolio) or otherwise using such information for the benefit of its clients or itself.

The foregoing does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interests which may affect the Portfolio. The Portfolio may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of interest that are not listed or discussed above may arise.

 

11


Table of Contents

Cyber Security Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform business and operational functions, portfolios (such as the Portfolio) and its service providers (including the Adviser) may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks include, among others, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and causing operational disruption. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, the Portfolio, the Adviser, or a custodian, transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect the Portfolio or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions, affect the Portfolio’s ability to calculate its net asset value, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Portfolio information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject the Portfolio to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and additional compliance costs. Cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may render records of Portfolio assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Portfolio shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Portfolio inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. The Portfolio may also incur substantial costs for cyber security risk management in order to prevent cyber incidents in the future. The Portfolio and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Adviser has established business continuity plans and systems designed to minimize the risk of cyber-attacks through the use of technology, processes and controls, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified given the evolving nature of this threat. The Portfolio relies on third-party service providers for many of its day-to-day operations, and will be subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective to protect the Portfolio from cyber-attack. Similar types of cyber security risks or technical malfunctions also are present for issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause the Portfolio’s investment in such securities to lose value.

PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE

The Portfolio’s portfolio holdings disclosure policy is described in the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”).

MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION

The Portfolio. The Portfolio is a separate, diversified series of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the “Trust”), which is an open-end management investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Adviser. State Street Global Advisors (“SSGA”) is the investment management group of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company. SSGA is one of the world’s largest institutional money managers, and uses quantitative and traditional techniques to manage approximately $[        ] in assets as of [                    ]. SSGA FM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, is the investment adviser to the Portfolio, and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. SSGA FM had approximately $[        ] billion in assets under management as of [                    ].

The Portfolio’s shares are offered exclusively to investors (including without limitation, registered investment companies, private investment pools, bank collective funds, and investment separate accounts) that pay fees to SSGA FM or its affiliates. The Portfolio pays no investment advisory fees to SSGA FM. The fees paid by those investment vehicles to SSGA FM (or its affiliates) vary depending on a number of factors, including by way of example, the services provided, the risks borne by SSGA FM (or its affiliates), fee rates paid by competitive investment vehicles, and in some cases direct negotiation with investors in the Portfolio.

[[The Adviser may voluntarily reduce all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Portfolio to the extent necessary to avoid negative yield which may vary from time to time in the Adviser’s sole discretion. Under an agreement with the Adviser relating to the Voluntary Reduction, the Portfolio has agreed to reimburse the Adviser for the full dollar amount of any Voluntary Reduction beginning on [            ], subject to certain limitations. The Portfolio will not be obligated to reimburse the Adviser: more than three years after the end of the fiscal year in which the Adviser provided a Voluntary Reduction; in respect of any business day for which the net annualized one-day yield is less than 0.00%; to the extent that the amount of the reimbursement to the Adviser on any day exceeds fifty percent of the yield (net of all expenses, exclusive of the reimbursement) of the Portfolio on that day; to the extent that the amount of such reimbursement would cause the Portfolio’s net yield to fall below the Portfolio’s minimum net yield as determined by the Adviser in its sole discretion; or in

 

12


Table of Contents

respect of any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements that are necessary to maintain the Portfolio’s contractual total expense limit which is effective at the time of such fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. A reimbursement to the Adviser would increase fund expenses and negatively impact the Portfolio’s future yield. There is no guarantee that the Voluntary Reduction will be in effect at any given time or that a Fund will be able to avoid a negative yield. Reimbursement payments by the Portfolio to the Adviser in connection with the Voluntary Reduction are considered “extraordinary expenses” and are not subject to any contractual expense limitation agreement in effect for the Portfolio at the time of such payment. The Adviser may, in its sole discretion, irrevocably waive receipt of any or all reimbursement amounts due from the Portfolio.]]

A summary of the factors considered by the Board of Trustees in connection with the initial approval of the investment advisory agreement for the Portfolio will be available in the Portfolio’s annual report or semi-annual report, as applicable, after the Portfolio commences operations.

Key professionals involved in the day-to-day portfolio management of the Portfolio include the following:

Jeff St. Peters

Jeff is a Managing Director of State Street Global Advisors and the head of U.S. Cash Management within the Global Cash Management division. Jeff manages a team of portfolio managers that focus on traditional money market and securities lending cash collateral funds. He is also a Senior Portfolio Manager responsible for several securities lending, enhanced cash, offshore, and SSGA’s registered money market portfolios for both retail and institutional clients. He has been managing short duration cash and securities lending portfolios at SSGA for over 12 years. Jeff is a member of SSGA’s Senior Leadership Team.

The Adviser’s principal address is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.

The Administrator, Sub-Administrator, Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent. The Adviser serves as administrator of the Portfolio. The Portfolio pays the Adviser an administrative fee at an annual rate of [    ]%. State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), a subsidiary of State Street Corporation, serves as the sub-administrator for the Portfolio for a fee that is paid by the Adviser. State Street also serves as custodian of the Portfolio for a separate fee that is paid by the Portfolio.

The Distributor. State Street Global Markets, LLC serves as the Portfolio’s distributor (“SSGM” or the “Distributor”) pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between SSGM and the Trust.

Additional Information. The Trustees of the Trust oversee generally the operations of the Portfolio and the Trust. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others the Portfolio’s investment adviser, custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Portfolio. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.

This prospectus provides information concerning the Trust and the Portfolio that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Portfolio. Neither this prospectus, nor the related statement of additional information, is intended, or should be read, to be or to give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Portfolio and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived.

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Determination of Net Asset Value. The Portfolio determines its net asset value (“NAV”) per share once each business day as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”). Pricing does not occur on NYSE holidays. A business day is one on which the NYSE is open for regular trading. The Federal Reserve is closed on certain holidays on which the NYSE is open. These holidays are Columbus Day and Veterans Day. On these holidays, you will not be able to purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds because Federal Funds wiring does not occur on days when the Federal Reserve is closed. The NAV per share is based on the market value of the investments held in the Portfolio. The NAV of

 

13


Table of Contents

each class of the Portfolio’s shares is calculated by dividing the value of the assets of the Portfolio attributable to that class less the liabilities of the Portfolio attributable to that class by the number of shares in the class outstanding. The Portfolio values each security or other investment pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees. Securities or other investments may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the Portfolios’ Board of Trustees, under certain limited circumstances. For example, fair value pricing may be used when market quotations are not readily available or reliable, such as when (i) trading for a security is restricted; or (ii) a significant event, as determined by the Adviser, that may affect the value of one or more securities or other investments held by the Portfolio occurs after the close of a related exchange but before the determination of the Portfolio’s NAV. Attempts to determine the fair value of securities or other investments introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities or other investments. As a result, the price of a security or other investment determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the price the Portfolio would have received had it sold the investment. To the extent that the Portfolio invests in the shares of other registered open-end investment companies that are not traded on an exchange (mutual funds), such shares are valued at their published net asset values per share as reported by the funds. The prospectuses of these funds explain the circumstances under which the funds will use fair value pricing and the effects of using fair value pricing.

Purchasing Shares. Generally, shares of the Portfolio may be purchased only by or on behalf of other registered investment companies or private clients for which the Adviser or an affiliate serves as investment adviser (or in a similar capacity). The price for Portfolio shares is the NAV per share. Orders received in good form (a purchase order is in good form if it meets the requirements implemented from time to time by the Portfolio or its Transfer Agent, and for new accounts includes submission of a completed and signed application and all documentation necessary to open an account) will be priced at the NAV next calculated after the order is accepted by the Portfolio.

There is no minimal initial investment in a Portfolio and there is no minimum subsequent investment. (If you purchase shares by check, your order will not be in good form until the Portfolio’s transfer agent receives federal funds for the check.) The Portfolio reserves the right to cease accepting investments at any time or to reject any purchase order.

In accordance with certain federal regulations, the Trust is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each entity that applies to open an account. For this reason, when you open (or change ownership of) an account, the Trust will request certain information, including your name, residential/business address, date of birth (for individuals) and taxpayer identification number or other government identification number and other information that will allow us to identify you which will be used to verify your identity. The Trust may also request to review other identification documents such as driver license, passport or documents showing the existence of the business entity. If you do not provide sufficient information to verify your identity, the Trust will not open an account for you. As required by law, the Trust may employ various procedures, such as comparing your information to fraud databases or requesting additional information and documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is correct. The Trust reserves the right to reject any purchase order for any reason, including failure to provide the Trust with information necessary to confirm your identity as required by law.

If you are purchasing through a financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary as their requirements may differ.

Redeeming Shares. An investor may redeem all or any portion of its investment at the NAV next determined after it submits a redemption request, in proper form, to the Portfolio. The Portfolio will pay the proceeds of the redemption either in Federal Funds or in securities at the discretion of the Adviser, normally on the next Portfolio business day after the redemption, but in any event no more than seven days after the redemption. If your account is held through a financial intermediary, please contact them for additional assistance and advice on how to redeem your shares.

The Portfolio reserves the right in their discretion to reject any purchase, in whole or in part including, without limitation, by a person whose trading activity in Portfolio shares the Adviser believes could be harmful to the Portfolio. The Portfolio may decide to restrict purchase activity in its shares based on various factors, including, without limitation, whether frequent purchase and sale activity will disrupt portfolio management strategies and adversely affect performance. There can be no assurance that the Portfolio, the Adviser or State Street will identify all frequent purchase and sale activity affecting the Portfolio.

 

14


Table of Contents

The right of any investor to receive payment with respect to any redemption may be suspended or the payment of the redemption proceeds postponed during any period in which the NYSE is closed (other than weekends or holidays) or trading on the NYSE is restricted or, to the extent otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, if an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Portfolio of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Portfolio fairly to determine the value of its net assets. In addition, the SEC may by order permit suspension of redemptions for the protection of shareholders of the Portfolio.

A request for a partial redemption by an investor whose account balance is below the minimum amount or a request for partial redemption by an investor that would bring the account below the minimum amount may be treated as a request for a complete redemption of the account. These minimums may be different for investments made through certain financial intermediaries as determined by their policies and may be waived in the Adviser’s discretion. The Portfolio reserves the right to modify minimum account requirements at any time with or without prior notice. The Portfolio also reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an investor’s account if the investor’s account balance falls below the applicable minimum amount due to transaction activity.

About Mail Transactions. If you choose to purchase or redeem shares by sending instructions by regular mail, they will not be deemed received in good order until they are released by the post office and redelivered to the Transfer Agent’s physical location at 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116. There will be a time lag, which may be one or more days, between regular mail receipt at the Boston post office box and redelivery to such physical location and the Portfolio’s net asset value may change over those days. You might consider using express rather than regular mail if you believe time of receipt of your transaction request to be sensitive.

Policies to Prevent Market Timing. Frequent purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares may present risks for other shareholders of the Portfolio, which may include, among other things, interference in the efficient management of a Portfolio’s portfolio, dilution in the value of Portfolio shares held by long-term shareholders, increased brokerage and administrative costs and forcing the Portfolio to hold excess levels of cash.

The Portfolio is intended as a long-term investment. Therefore, the Trust’s Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures designed to detect and prevent inappropriate short-term trading activity that is harmful to the Portfolio. Because most of the interests in the Portfolio are held by investors indirectly through one or more financial intermediaries, the Portfolio does not generally have information about the identity of those investors or about transactions effected by those investors. Rather, the Portfolio and its service providers periodically review cash inflows and outflows from and to those intermediaries in an attempt to detect inappropriate trading activity by investors holding shares through those intermediaries. The Portfolio may seek to obtain underlying account trading activity information from financial intermediaries when, in the Adviser’s judgment, the trading activity suggests possible market timing. There is no assurance that the Portfolio or the Adviser will be able to determine whether trading by an investor holding shares through a financial intermediary is engaged in trading activity that may be harmful to the Portfolio or its shareholders.

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The Portfolio intends to declare dividends on shares from net investment income daily and pay them as of the last business day of each month. Distributions from capital gains, if any, will be made annually in December.

The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S. federal tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Portfolio. Your investment in the Portfolio may have other tax implications. Please consult your tax advisor about foreign, federal, state, local or other tax laws applicable to you. Investors, including non-U.S. investors, should consult the Statement of Additional Information tax section for additional disclosure.

The Portfolio intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company and intends each year to qualify and to be eligible to be treated as such. A regulated investment company generally is not subject to tax at the corporate level on income and gains that are timely distributed to shareholders. In to order qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Portfolio must, among other things, satisfy diversification, 90% gross income and distribution requirements. The Portfolio’s failure to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company would result in corporate level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.

For federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income generally are taxable to you as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains generally are determined by how long the Portfolio owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your shares. Distributions are taxable to you even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Portfolio before your investment (and thus were included in the price you paid for your

 

15


Table of Contents

shares). Distributions may also be subject to state and local taxes and are taxable whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. Distributions of net capital gains (that is, the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) from the sale of investments that the Portfolio owned for more than one year that are properly reported by the Portfolio as capital gain dividends generally will be treated as long-term capital gain includible in your net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates. Distributions of gains from investments that the Portfolio owned for one year or less generally will be taxable to you as ordinary income.

Any gain resulting from the redemption of Portfolio shares generally also will be taxable to you as either short-term or long-term capital gain, depending upon how long you held your shares in the Portfolio.

A 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on the “net investment income” of individuals, estates and trusts to the extent that their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Net investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends paid by the Portfolio, including any capital gain dividends, and net gains recognized on the redemption of shares of the Portfolio.

The Portfolio’s income from or on proceeds of its investments in non-U.S. assets may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. This will decrease the Portfolio’s return on securities subject to such taxes. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes incurred by the Portfolio.

Certain of the Portfolio’s investment practices, including derivative transactions and investments in debt obligations issued or purchased at a discount will be subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions. These special rules may affect the timing, character, and/or amount of the Portfolio’s distributions to the Portfolio, and, in turn, the to shareholders, and may require the Portfolio to liquidate its investments at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.

If you are not a U.S. person, the Portfolio’s dividends other than capital gain dividends generally will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax, unless a lower treaty rate applies or unless such income is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business. For distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning before January 1, 2015, a regulated investment company was permitted, but was not required, to report in a written notice to shareholders all or a portion of a dividend as an “interest-related dividend” or a “short-term capital gain dividend” that if received by a nonresident alien or foreign entity generally was exempt from the 30% U.S. withholding tax, provided that certain other requirements were met. This exemption from withholding for interest-related and short-term capital gain dividends has expired for distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning on or after January 1, 2015. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend this exemption for distributions with respect to taxable years of a regulated investment company beginning on or after January 1, 2015, or what the terms of such an extension would be, including whether such extension would have retroactive effect.

Cost Basis Reporting. Department of the Treasury regulations mandate cost basis reporting to shareholders and the IRS for redemptions of Portfolio shares. If you acquire and hold shares directly through the Portfolio and not through a Financial Intermediary, BFDS will use a default average cost basis methodology for tracking and reporting your cost basis, unless you request, in writing, another cost basis reporting methodology.

 

16


Table of Contents

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The Financial Highlights table is not presented for the Portfolio because the Portfolio has not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.

 

17


Table of Contents

Contacting the State Street Funds

 

Online: SSGAFUNDS.com 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Phone: 800-647-7327 Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm EST

Written requests should be sent to:

 

Regular mail Registered, Express, Certified Mail

State Street Institutional Trust

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

State Street Institutional Trust

200 Clarendon Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02116

The Portfolio does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposits in the mail or with such services or receipt at the Portfolio’s post office box, or purchase orders or redemption requests, do not constitute receipt by the Portfolio or the Transfer Agent.

 

18


Table of Contents

For more information about the Portfolio:

The Portfolio’s SAI includes additional information about the Portfolio and is incorporated by reference into this document. Additional information about the Portfolio’s investments is available in the Portfolio’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

The SAI and the Portfolio’s annual and semi-annual reports are available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders in the Portfolio may make inquiries to the Portfolio to receive such information by calling State Street Global Markets, LLC at (877) 521-4083 or by writing to the Portfolio, c/o State Street Global Markets, LLC, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2900.

Information about the Portfolio (including the SAI) 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. Reports and other information about the Portfolio are available free of charge on the EDGAR Database on the SEC’s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information also may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520.

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

STATE STREET FINANCIAL CENTER

ONE LINCOLN STREET

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02111

The State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Investment Company Act File Number is 811-09819.

 

19


Table of Contents

STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST

(the “Trust”)

P.O. Box 5049

Boston, Massachusetts 02206

STATE STREET CURRENT YIELD PORTFOLIO

STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

[DATE]

This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) relates to the prospectuses dated [                    ], as amended from time to time thereafter for the State Street Current Yield Portfolio (the “Prospectus”).

The SAI is not a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus. A copy of the Prospectus can be obtained free of charge by calling (866) 392-0869 or by written request to the Trust at the address listed above.

 

1


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

General

3

Description of the Portfolio and Its Investments and Risks

4

Additional Investments and Risks

4

Management of the Trust

16

Proxy Voting Procedures

24

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities

24

Investment Advisory and Other Services

25

Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices

29

Declaration of Trust, Capital Stock and Other Information

29

Pricing of Shares

30

Taxation of the Portfolio

30

Underwriter

39

Financial Statements

39

Appendix A - Ratings of Debt Instruments

A-1

Appendix B - Trust’s Proxy Voting Procedures

B-1

Appendix C - Adviser’s Proxy Voting Procedures and Guidelines

C-1

 

2


Table of Contents

GENERAL

The Trust was organized as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on February 16, 2000.

The Trust is an open-end management investment company. The Trust comprises the following diversified series:

 

    State Street Equity 500 Index Fund;

 

    State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street Strategic Real Return Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund;

 

    State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund;

 

    State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund;

 

    State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund;

 

    State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund;

 

    State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund;

 

3


Table of Contents
    State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio;

 

    State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio;

 

    State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio;

 

    State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio;

 

    State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund;

 

    State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund;

 

    State Street Cash Reserves Fund;

 

    State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio;

 

    State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund;

 

    State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio

 

    State Street Conservative Income Fund;

 

    State Street Conservative Income Portfolio;

 

    State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund;

 

    State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio;

 

    State Street Current Yield Fund;

 

    State Street Current Yield Portfolio (the “Portfolio”);

 

    State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Fund; and

 

    State Street Ultra Short Term Bond Portfolio.

The Trust comprises the following non-diversified series:

 

    State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure  & MLP Fund.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PORTFOLIO AND ITS INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

The Prospectus contains information about the investment objective and policies of the Portfolio. This SAI should only be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.

In addition to the principal investment strategies and the principal risks of the Portfolio described in the Prospectus, the Portfolio may employ other investment practices and may be subject to additional risks, which are described below.

ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS AND RISKS

To the extent consistent with its investment objective and restrictions, the Portfolio may invest in the following instruments and use the following techniques, and is subject to the following risks.

 

4


Table of Contents

Cash Reserves

The Portfolio may hold portions of its assets in short-term debt instruments with remaining maturities of 397 days or less pending investment or to meet anticipated redemptions and day-to-day operating expenses. Short-term debt instruments consist of: (i) short-term obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities, authorities or political subdivisions; (ii) other short-term debt securities rated at the time of purchase Aa or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or AA or higher by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group (“S&P”) or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “SSGA FM”); (iii) commercial paper; (iv) bank obligations, including negotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers’ acceptances; and (v) repurchase agreements.

Cleared Derivatives Transactions

Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps are required to be centrally cleared. In a cleared derivatives transaction, the Portfolio’s counterparty to the transaction is a central derivatives clearing organization, or clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. Because the Portfolio is not a member of a clearing house, and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, the Portfolio holds cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members. In cleared derivatives transactions, the Portfolio will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to the clearing house. Centrally cleared derivative arrangements may be less favorable to the Portfolio than bilateral (non-cleared) arrangements. For example, the Portfolio may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives transactions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in contrast to bilateral derivatives transactions, in some cases following a period of notice to the Portfolio, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions at any time or an increase in margin requirements above the margin that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions or to terminate transactions at any time. The Portfolio is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or which the Adviser expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction on the Portfolio’s behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Portfolio could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction, including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and loss of hedging protection. In addition, the documentation governing the relationship between the Portfolio and clearing members is drafted by the clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Portfolio than typical bilateral derivatives documentation.

These clearing rules and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict the Portfolio’s ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Portfolio of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Portfolio, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. These regulations are new and evolving, so their potential impact on the Portfolio and the financial system are not yet known.

Illiquid Securities

The Portfolio may invest in illiquid securities. The absence of a regular trading market for illiquid securities imposes additional risks on investments in these securities. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value and may often be disposed of only after considerable expense and delay.

Purchase of Other Investment Company Shares

The Portfolio may, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and exemptive rules and orders thereunder, invest in shares of other investment companies, which include Funds managed by SSGA FM, which invest exclusively in money market instruments or in investment companies with investment policies and objectives which are substantially similar to the Portfolio’s. These investments may be made temporarily, for example, to invest uncommitted cash balances or, in limited circumstances, to assist in meeting shareholder redemptions.

 

5


Table of Contents

Repurchase Agreements

The Portfolio may enter into repurchase agreements with banks and other financial institutions, such as broker-dealers. Under a repurchase agreement, the Portfolio purchases securities from a financial institution that agrees to repurchase the securities at the Portfolio’s original purchase price plus interest within a specified time (normally one business day). The Portfolio will limit repurchase transactions to those member banks of the Federal Reserve System and broker-dealers whose creditworthiness the Adviser considers satisfactory. Should the counterparty to a transaction fail financially, the Portfolio may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the securities, or may be prevented from realizing on the securities. Further, the amount realized upon the sale of the securities may be less than that necessary to fully compensate the Portfolio.

Section 4(2) Commercial Paper/Rule 144A Securities

The Portfolio may also invest in commercial paper issued in reliance on the private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“1933 Act”) (“Section 4(2) paper”) or in securities that that can be offered and sold only to “qualified institutional buyers” under Rule 144A of the 1933 Act (“Rule 144A securities”).

Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws and generally is sold to institutional investors that agree that they are purchasing the paper for investment and not with a view to public distribution. Any resale by the purchaser must be a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. Section 4(2) paper normally is resold to other institutional investors like the Portfolios through or with the assistance of the issuer or investment dealers that make a market in Section 4(2) paper. Rule 144A securities generally must be sold only to other institutional investors.

Section 4(2) paper and Rule 144A securities will not be considered illiquid for purposes of the Fund’s and Portfolio’s percentage limitations on illiquid securities when the Adviser (pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board of Trustees” or the “Board”)) determines that a liquid trading market exists for the securities in question. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market will exist at any time for any particular Section 4(2) paper or Rule 144A securities.

U.S. Government Securities

The Portfolio may purchase U.S. Government securities, including: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities which are supported by any of the following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the U.S. Treasury, (c) discretionary authority of the U.S. Government agency or instrumentality, or (d) the credit of the instrumentality (examples of agencies and instrumentalities are: Federal Land Banks, Federal Housing Administration, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks, General Services Administration, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Development Bank, Asian-American Development Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Federal National Mortgage Association). No assurance can be given that in the future the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government securities it is not obligated to support.

The Portfolio may purchase U.S. Government obligations on a forward commitment basis.

Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities

The Portfolio may invest in Inflation-Protection Securities (“IPSs”), a type of inflation-indexed Treasury security. IPSs typically provide for semiannual payments of interest and a payment of principal at maturity. In general, each payment will be adjusted to take into account any inflation or deflation that occurs between the issue date of the security and the payment date based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”).

Each semiannual payment of interest will be determined by multiplying a single fixed rate of interest by the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the security for the date of the interest payment. Thus, although the interest rate will be fixed, the amount of each interest payment will vary with changes in the principal of the security as adjusted for inflation and deflation.

 

6


Table of Contents

IPSs also provide for an additional payment (a “minimum guarantee payment”) at maturity if the security’s inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date is less than the security’s principal amount at issuance. The amount of the additional payment will equal the excess of the security’s principal amount at issuance over the security’s inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date.

When-Issued Securities

The Portfolio may purchase securities on a when-issued basis. Delivery of and payment for these securities may take place as long as a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuation during this period, and no income accrues to the Portfolio until settlement takes place. When entering into a when-issued transaction, the Portfolio will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, the Portfolio may be disadvantaged. [The Portfolio will not invest more than 25% of its net assets in when-issued securities.]

Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and held by the Portfolio are subject to changes in market value based upon actual or perceived changes in the level of interest rates. Generally, the value of such securities will fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates — i.e., they will appreciate in value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Therefore, if in order to achieve higher interest income the Portfolio remains substantially fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a “when-issued” basis, there will be a greater possibility of fluctuation in the Portfolio’s NAV.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

The Portfolio may enter into reverse repurchase agreements under the circumstances described in “Investment Restrictions.” Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Portfolio sells portfolio securities to a financial institution in return for cash in an amount equal to a percentage of the portfolio securities’ market value and agrees to repurchase the securities at a future date at a prescribed repurchase price equal to the amount of cash originally received plus interest on such amount. The Portfolio retains the right to receive interest and principal payments with respect to the securities while it is in the possession of the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements may create investment leverage and involve the risk that the market value of securities sold by the Portfolio may decline below the price at which it is obligated to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements also involve a risk of default by the counterparty, which may adversely affect the Portfolio’s ability to reacquire the underlying securities.

Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit (“ECDs”), Eurodollar Time Deposits (“ETDs”) and Yankee Certificates of Deposit (“YCDs”)

The Portfolio may invest in ECDs, ETDs and YCDs. ECDs and ETDs are U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by foreign branches of domestic banks and foreign banks. YCDs are U.S. dollar denominated certificates of deposit issued by U.S. branches of foreign banks.

Different risks than those associated with the obligations of domestic banks may exist for ECDs, ETDs and YCDs because the banks issuing these instruments, or their domestic or foreign branches, are not necessarily subject to the same regulatory requirements that apply to domestic banks, such as loan limitations, examinations, and reserve, accounting, auditing, recordkeeping and public reporting requirements. Obligations of foreign issuers also involve risks such as future unfavorable political and economic developments, withholding tax, seizures of foreign deposits, currency controls, interest limitations, and other governmental restrictions that might affect repayment of principal or payment of interest, or the ability to honor a credit commitment.

 

7


Table of Contents

Forward Commitments

The Portfolio may enter into contracts to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time (“forward commitments”), consistent with the Portfolio’s ability to manage its investment portfolio and meet redemption requests. Forward commitments may be considered securities in themselves, and involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, which risk is in addition to the risk of decline in the value of the Portfolio’s other assets. Where such purchases are made through dealers, the Portfolio relies on the dealer to consummate the sale. The dealer’s failure to do so may result in the loss to the Portfolio of an advantageous yield or price.

Although the Portfolio will generally enter into forward commitments with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio or for delivery pursuant to options contracts it has entered into, the Portfolio may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement if the Adviser deems it appropriate to do so. The Portfolio may realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of forward commitments. When effecting such transactions, cash or other liquid assets (such as liquid high quality debt obligations) held by the Portfolio of a dollar amount sufficient to make payment for the portfolio securities to be purchased will be segregated on the Portfolio’s records at the trade date and maintained until the transaction is settled. Such segregated assets will be marked to market on a daily basis, and if the market value of such assets declines, additional cash or assets will be segregated so that the market value of the segregated assets will equal the amount of such the Portfolio’s obligations. Forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date, or if the other party fails to complete the transaction.

Investment-Grade Bonds

The Portfolio may invest in corporate notes and bonds that are rated investment-grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or, if unrated, are of comparable quality to the rated securities described above, as determined by the Adviser, in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees. Investment-grade securities include securities rated Baa or higher by Moody’s or BBB- or higher by S&P (and securities of comparable quality); securities rated Baa or BBB may have speculative characteristics.

Mortgage-Related Securities

The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-related securities. Mortgage-related securities represent an interest in a pool of, or are secured by, mortgage loans. Mortgage-related securities may be issued or guaranteed by (i) US Government agencies or instrumentalities such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) (also known as Ginnie Mae), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) (also known as Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) (also known as Freddie Mac) or (ii) other issuers, including private companies.

Many mortgage-related securities provide regular payments which consist of interest and, in most cases, principal. In contrast, other forms of debt securities normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. In effect, payments on many mortgage-related securities are a “pass-through” of the payments made by the individual borrowers on their mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities.

Besides the scheduled repayment of principal, repayments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment, refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans. If property owners make unscheduled prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will typically result in early payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by a variety of factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the location and age of the mortgage, and other social and demographic conditions. During periods of falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase, thereby tending to decrease the life of mortgage-related securities. During periods of rising interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments usually decreases, thereby tending to increase the life of mortgage-related securities.

Because of the possibility of prepayments (and due to scheduled repayments of principal), mortgage-related securities are less effective than other types of securities as a means of “locking in” attractive long-term interest rates. Prepayments would have to be reinvested at lower rates. As a result, these securities may have less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other securities of comparable

 

8


Table of Contents

maturities, although they may have a similar risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments may also significantly shorten the effective maturities of these securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase the effective maturities of these securities, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and, therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of the Portfolios.

Collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) may be issued by a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality or by a private issuer. CMOs are typically structured with classes or series that have different maturities and are generally retired in sequence. Each class of obligations receives periodic interest payments according to its terms. However, monthly principal payments and any prepayments from the collateral pool are generally paid first to the holders of the most senior class. Thereafter, payments of principal are generally allocated to the next most senior class of obligations until that class of obligations has been fully repaid. Any or all classes of obligations of a CMO may be paid off sooner than expected because of an increase in the payoff speed of the pool. Changes in prepayment rates may have significant effects on the values and the volatility of the various classes and series of a CMO. Payment of interest or principal on some classes or series of a CMO may be subject to contingencies or some classes or series may bear some or all of the risk of default on the underlying mortgages.

Stripped mortgage-related securities are usually structured with two classes that receive different portions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage loans. The yield to maturity on an interest only or “IO” class of stripped mortgage-related securities is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the underlying assets. A rapid rate of principal prepayments may have a measurable adverse effect on the Portfolio’s yield to maturity to the extent it invests in IOs. If the assets underlying the IO experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Portfolio may fail to recoup fully, or at all, its initial investment in these securities. Conversely, principal only securities or “POs” tend to increase in value if prepayments are greater than anticipated and decline if prepayments are slower than anticipated. The secondary market for stripped mortgage-related securities may be more volatile and less liquid than that for other mortgage-related securities, potentially limiting the Portfolio’s ability to buy or sell those securities at any particular time.

Government Mortgage-Related Securities

GNMA is the principal federal government guarantor of mortgage-related securities. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It guarantees, with the full faith and credit of the United States, full and timely payment of all monthly principal and interest on its mortgage-related securities. GNMA pass-through securities are considered to have a relatively low risk of default in that (1) the underlying mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of government-backed loans and (2) the timely payment of both principal and interest on the securities is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, regardless of whether they have been collected. GNMA pass-through securities are, however, subject to the same interest rate risk as comparable privately issued mortgage-related securities. Therefore, the effective maturity and market value of the Portfolio’s GNMA securities can be expected to fluctuate in response to changes in interest rate levels.

Residential mortgage loans are also pooled by FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government. The mortgage loans in FHLMC’s portfolio are not government backed; FHLMC, not the U.S. Government, guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on FHLMC securities. FHLMC also issues guaranteed mortgage certificates, on which it guarantees semiannual interest payments and a specified minimum annual payment of principal.

FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers, which include savings and loan associations, savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest only by FNMA, not the U.S. Government.

 

9


Table of Contents

Other Asset-Backed Securities

The Portfolio may invest in asset-backed securities that are not mortgage-related. Asset-backed securities other than mortgage-related securities represent undivided fractional interests in pools of instruments, such as consumer loans, and are typically similar in structure to mortgage-related pass-through securities. Payments of principal and interest are passed through to holders of the securities and are typically supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety bond, limited guarantee by another entity, or by priority to certain of the borrower’s other securities. The degree of credit-enhancement, if any, varies, applying only until exhausted and generally covering only a fraction of the security’s par value.

The value of such asset-backed securities is affected by changes in the market’s perception of the asset backing the security, changes in the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the instrument pool, the originator of the instruments, or the financial institution providing any credit enhancement and the expenditure of any portion of any credit enhancement. The risks of investing in asset-backed securities are ultimately dependent upon payment of the underlying instruments by the obligors, and the Fund would generally have no recourse against the obligee of the instruments in the event of default by an obligor. The underlying instruments are subject to prepayments which shorten the duration of asset-backed securities and may lower their return, in generally the same manner as described above for prepayments of pools of mortgage loans underlying mortgage-related securities.

Variable and Floating Rate Securities

The Portfolio may invest in variable and floating rate securities. Variable rate securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by entities such as (1) U.S. Government, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) corporations, (3) financial institutions, (4) insurance companies or (5) trusts that have a rate of interest subject to adjustment at regular intervals. A variable rate security provides for the automatic establishment of a new interest rate on set dates. Interest rates on these securities are ordinarily tied to, and are a percentage of, a widely recognized interest rate, such as the yield on 90-day U.S. Treasury bills or the prime rate of a specified bank. These rates may change as often as twice daily. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of variable and floating rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in variable and floating rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed income securities. Variable rate obligations will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate.

Variable Amount Master Demand Notes

The Portfolio may invest in variable amount master demand notes which are unsecured obligations that are redeemable upon demand and are typically unrated. These instruments are issued pursuant to written agreements between their issuers and holders. The agreements permit the holders to increase (subject to an agreed maximum) and the holders and issuers to decrease the principal amount of the notes, and specify that the rate of interest payable on the principal fluctuates according to an agreed formula. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of these securities than on the market value of comparable fixed income obligations. Thus, investing in these securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed income securities. There may be no active secondary market with respect to a particular variable rate instrument.

Zero Coupon Securities

The Portfolio may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are notes, bonds and debentures that: (1) do not pay current interest and are issued at a substantial discount from par value; (2) have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons and receipts; or (3) pay no interest until a stated date one or more years into the future. These securities also include certificates representing interests in such stripped coupons and receipts. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a greater impact on the market value of a zero coupon security than on the market value of the comparable securities that pay interest periodically during the life of the instrument. The Portfolio will not receive cash payments on a current basis from the issuer in respect of accrued original issue discount (“OID”), but investors will be required to accrue OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To generate sufficient cash for the Fund to make the requisite distributions to maintain its

 

10


Table of Contents

qualification for treatment as a “regulated investment company” (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Fund may be required to redeem a portion of its interest in the Portfolio in order to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement with respect to the OID accrued on zero coupon bonds. The Portfolio in turn may sell investments in order to meet such redemption requests, including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so.

The Portfolio may invest no more than 25% of its respective total assets in stripped securities that have been stripped by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. A number of securities firms and banks have stripped the interest coupons and resold them in custodian receipt programs with different names such as Treasury Income Growth Receipts (“TIGRS”) and Certificates of Accrual on Treasuries (“CATS”). Privately-issued stripped securities such as TIGRS and CATS are not themselves guaranteed by the U.S. Government, but the future payment of principal or interest on U.S. Treasury obligations which they represent is so guaranteed.

Interest Rate Environment Risk

In the wake of the financial crisis that began in 2007, the Federal Reserve System attempted to stabilize the U.S. economy and support the U.S. economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate at or near zero percent. In addition, the Federal Reserve has purchased large quantities of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities on the open market (the “quantitative easing program”). As a result, the United States is experiencing historically low interest rate levels. A low interest rate environment may have an adverse impact on the Portfolio’s ability to provide a positive yield to its shareholders and pay expenses out of Portfolio assets because of the low yields from the Portfolio’s portfolio investments.

However, continued economic recovery and the cessation of the quantitative easing program increase the risk that interest rates will rise in the near future and that the Portfolio will face a heightened level of interest rate risk. Federal Reserve policy changes may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility and may reduce liquidity for certain Portfolio investments, which could cause the value of the Portfolio’s investments and the Portfolio’s share price to decline or create difficulties for the Portfolio in disposing of investments. A Portfolio that invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income markets may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a Portfolio that does not invest in derivatives. The Portfolio could also be forced to liquidate its investments at disadvantageous times or prices, thereby adversely affecting the Portfolio. To the extent a Portfolio experiences high redemptions because of these policy changes, the Portfolio may experience increased portfolio turnover, which will increase the costs that the Portfolio incurs and lower the Portfolio’s performance.

Municipal and Municipal-Related Securities

The Portfolio may invest in municipal and municipal-related securities. Municipal securities may bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest or may be zero coupon securities. Municipal securities are generally of two types: general obligations and revenue obligations. General obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuer. These securities include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, general obligation bonds and commercial paper. Revenue obligations are backed by the revenues generated from a specific project or facility and include industrial development bonds and private activity bonds. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities and are generally issued in anticipation of future tax revenues. Bond anticipation notes are issued in expectation of the issuer obtaining longer-term financing.

Municipal obligations are affected by economic, business or political developments. These securities may be subject to provisions of litigation, bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, or may become subject to future laws extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or limiting the rights of municipalities to levy taxes. The Portfolio may be more adversely impacted by changes in tax rates and policies than other funds. Because interest income from municipal securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to, or the continuing federal income tax-exempt status of, such interest income. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect the Portfolio’s ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and price levels. Concentration of the Portfolio’s investments in these municipal obligations will subject the Portfolio, to a greater extent than if such

 

11


Table of Contents

investment was not so concentrated, to the risks of adverse economic, business or political developments affecting the particular state, industry or other area of concentration. Issuers, including governmental issuers, of municipal securities may be unable to pay their obligations as they become due. Recent declines in tax revenues, and increases in liabilities, such as pension and health care liabilities, may increase the actual or perceived risk of default on such securities.

Auction Rate Securities.

Auction rate municipal securities permit the holder to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The dividend or interest is typically reset by “Dutch” auction in which bids are made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of securities at a specified minimum yield. The rate set by the auction is the lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale. While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. The Portfolio will take the time remaining until the next scheduled auction date into account for purposes of determining the securities’ duration.

Industrial Development and Private Activity Bonds

Industrial development bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; ports and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. The principal security for these bonds is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or in some cases, the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue sources. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and interest payments on the issuer’s obligations. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a state’s ability without obligation to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.

Private activity bonds are considered municipal securities if the interest paid thereon is exempt from federal income tax and they are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility’s user to meet its financial obligations and the value of any real or personal property pledged as security for such payment. Interest income on these bonds may be an item of tax preference subject to federal alternative minimum tax for individuals and corporations.

Insured Municipal Securities

Insured municipal securities are those for which scheduled payments of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (non-governmental) insurance company. The insurance entitles the Portfolio to receive only the face or par value of the securities held by the Portfolio, but the ability to be paid is limited to the claims paying ability of the insurer. The insurance does not guarantee the market value of the municipal securities or the net asset value of the Portfolio’s shares. Insurers are selected based upon the diversification of their portfolios and the strength of the management team which contributes to the claims paying ability of the entity. However, the Adviser selects securities based upon the underlying credit, with bond insurance viewed as an enhancement only. The Adviser’s objective is to have an enhancement that provides additional liquidity to insulate against volatility in changing markets.

Municipal Leases

The Portfolio may purchase participation interests in municipal obligations, including municipal lease/purchase agreements. Municipal leases are an undivided interest in a portion of an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment or facilities. These instruments may have fixed, floating or variable rates of interest, with remaining maturities of 13 months or less. Certain participation interests may permit the Portfolio to demand payment on not more than seven days’ notice, for all or any part of the Portfolio’s interest, plus accrued interest.

 

12


Table of Contents

Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. Some leases or contracts include “non-appropriation” clauses, which provide that the governmental issuer has no 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. To reduce these risks, the Portfolio will only purchase municipal leases subject to a non-appropriation clause when the payment of principal and accrued interest is backed by a letter of credit or guarantee of a bank.

Whether a municipal lease agreement will be considered illiquid for the purpose of the Portfolio’s restriction on investments in illiquid securities will be determined in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees.

Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities

The interest and principal payments on pre-refunded municipal securities are typically paid from the cash flow generated from an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government securities. These payments have been “pre-refunded” using the escrow fund.

Tender Option Bonds

A tender option is a municipal obligation (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, that has been coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which such institution 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 municipal obligation’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. Subject to applicable regulatory requirements, the Portfolio may buy tender option bonds if the agreement gives the Portfolio the right to tender the bond to its sponsor no less frequently than once every 397 days. The Adviser will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of the issuer of the underlying obligation, any custodian and the third party provider of the tender option. In certain instances and for certain tender option bonds, the option may be terminable in the event of a default in payment of principal or interest on the underlying municipal obligation and for other reasons.

Asset Segregation and Coverage

The Portfolio may be required to earmark or otherwise segregate liquid assets in respect of its obligations under derivatives transactions that involve contractual obligations to pay in the future, or the Portfolio may engage in other measures to “cover” its obligations with respect to such transactions. The amounts that are earmarked or otherwise segregated may be based on the notional value of the derivative or on the daily mark-to-market obligation under the derivatives contract and may be reduced by amounts on deposit with the applicable broker or counterparty to the derivatives transaction. In certain circumstances, the Portfolio may enter into an offsetting position rather than earmarking or segregating liquid assets. The Portfolio may modify its asset segregation and coverage policies from time to time. Although earmarking or segregating may in certain cases have the effect of limiting the Portfolio’s ability to engage in derivatives transactions, the extent of any such limitation will depend on a variety of factors, including the method by which the Portfolio determines the nature and amount of assets to be earmarked or segregated.

Tax Exempt Commercial Paper

The Portfolio may invest in tax exempt commercial paper. Tax exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is typically issued to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer term financing. Each instrument may be backed only by the credit of the issuer or may be backed by some form of credit enhancement, typically in the form of a

 

13


Table of Contents

guarantee by a commercial bank. Commercial paper backed by guarantees of foreign banks may involve additional risk due to the difficulty of obtaining and enforcing judgments against such banks and the generally less restrictive regulations to which such banks are subject. The Portfolio will only invest in commercial paper rated at the time of purchase not less than Prime-1 by Moody’s, A-1 by S&P or F-1 by Fitch Ratings. See Appendix A for more information on the ratings of debt instruments.

Fundamental Investment Restrictions

The Trust has adopted the following restrictions applicable to the Portfolio, which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of a “majority of the outstanding voting securities” of the Portfolio, which is defined in the 1940 Act to mean the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio and (2) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present at the meeting in person or by proxy.

 

  1. The Portfolio may borrow money and issue senior securities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  2. The Portfolio may make loans, including to affiliated investment companies, to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  3. The Portfolio may purchase or sell commodities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  4. The Portfolio may purchase, sell or hold real estate to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  5. The Portfolio may underwrite securities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.

 

  6. The Portfolio may not purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the Portfolio’s total assets (taken at current value) would be invested in a particular industry (for purposes of this restriction, investment companies are not considered to constitute a particular industry or group of industries), except as is consistent with applicable law from time to time and as follows: the Portfolio is permitted to invest without limit in “government securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) and tax-exempt securities issued by a U.S. territory or possession, a state or local government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing.

All percentage limitations (except the limitation to borrowings) on investments will apply at the time of the making of an investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment. Except for the investment restrictions expressly identified as fundamental, or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectus, the other investment policies described in this SAI or in the Prospectus are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees without shareholder approval.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

Introduction

The policies set forth below to be followed by the State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA FM” and, collectively, the “Service Providers”) for the disclosure of information about the portfolio holdings of the SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, and State Street Institutional Investment Trust (each, a “Trust”). These disclosure policies are intended to ensure compliance by the Service Providers and the Trust with applicable regulations of the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to the policy.

 

14


Table of Contents

General Policy

It is the policy of the Service Providers to protect the confidentiality of client holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information concerning the Trust.

Exception

No information concerning the portfolio holdings of the Trust may be disclosed to any party (including shareholders) except as provided below.

Publicly Available Information. Any party may disclose portfolio holdings information after the holdings are publicly available.

Disclosure of the complete holdings of each series of the Trust (each, a “Fund”) is required to be made quarterly within 60 days of the end of the Fund’s fiscal quarter in the Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to Fund shareholders and in the quarterly holdings report on Form N-Q (filed after the first and third fiscal quarters). These reports are available, free of charge, on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Each Fund will also make complete portfolio holdings available generally no later than 60 calendar days after the end of such Fund’s fiscal quarter or subsequent to periodic portfolio holdings disclosure in the Fund’s filings with the SEC or on the Fund’s website. Each Money Market Fund generally will post on its website (or, in the case of a master fund, on the corresponding feeder fund’s website) a full list of its portfolio holdings each Friday reflecting the portfolio holdings of the Fund on the immediately preceding Wednesday. Each Money Market Fund will also post a full list of its portfolio holdings on its website (or, in the case of a Portfolio, on the corresponding Fund’s website) no later than the fifth business day of each month, reflecting its portfolio holdings as of the last business day of the previous month. Such monthly posting shall contain such information as required by Rule 2a-7(c)(12) under the 1940 Act and remain posted on the website for not less than six months.

Press Interviews Brokers and Other Discussions

Portfolio managers and other senior officers or spokespersons of the Service Providers or the Trust may disclose or confirm the ownership of any individual portfolio holding position to reporters, brokers, shareholders, consultants or other interested persons only if such information has been previously publicly disclosed in accordance with these disclosure policies. For example, a portfolio manager discussing the Trust may indicate that he owns XYZ Company for the Trust only if the Trust’s ownership of such company has previously been publicly disclosed.

Trading Desk Reports

State Street Global Advisors’ trading desk may periodically distribute lists of investments held by its clients (including the Trust) for general analytical research purposes. In no case may such lists identify individual clients or individual client position sizes. Furthermore, in the case of equity securities, such lists shall not show aggregate client position sizes.

Miscellaneous

Confidentiality Agreement. No non-public disclosure of the Trust’s portfolio holdings will be made to any party unless such party has signed a written Confidentiality Agreement. For purposes of the disclosure policies, any Confidentiality Agreement must be in a form and substance acceptable to, and approved by, the Trust’s officers.

Evaluation Service Providers. There are numerous mutual fund evaluation services (Morningstar and Lipper) and due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wirehouses that regularly analyze the portfolio holdings of mutual funds in order to monitor and report on various attributes. These services and departments then distribute the results of their analysis to the public, paid subscribers and/or in-house brokers. In order to facilitate the review of the Trust by these services and departments, the Trust may distribute (or authorize the Service Providers and the Trust’s custodian or fund accountants to distribute) month-end portfolio holdings to such services and departments only if such entity has executed a confidentiality agreement.

 

15


Table of Contents

Additional Restrictions. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trust’s Board of Trustees, State Street and SSGA FM may, on a case-by-case basis, impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of portfolio information beyond those found in these disclosure policies.

Waivers of Restrictions. These disclosure policies may not be waived, or exceptions made, without the consent of the Trust’s officers. All waivers and exceptions involving the Trust will be disclosed to the Board of Trustees of the Trust no later than its next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.

Disclosures Required by Law. Nothing contained herein is intended to prevent the disclosure of portfolio holdings information as may be required by applicable law. For example, SSGA FM, State Street, the Trust or any of its affiliates or service providers may file any report required by applicable law (such as Schedules 13D, 13G and 13F or Form N-MFP), respond to requests from regulators and comply with valid subpoenas.

MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST

The Trustees are responsible for generally overseeing the Trust’s business. The following table provides information with respect to each Trustee, including those Trustees who are not considered to be “interested” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”), and officer of the Trust.

 

NAME, ADDRESS,

AND YEAR OF BIRTH

 

POSITION(S)

HELD WITH

TRUST

 

TERM OF

OFFICE

AND

LENGTH

OF

TIME SERVED

 

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS AND
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

 

NUMBER OF

FUNDS IN

FUND

COMPLEX

OVERSEEN

BY TRUSTEE

 

OTHER

DIRECTORSHIPS

HELD BY

TRUSTEE

DURING PAST

FIVE YEARS

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES      

Michael F. Holland

c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1944

  Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Board  

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 7/99

  Chairman, Holland & Company L.L.C. (investment adviser) (1995- present).   [    ]   Trustee and Co-Chairman, State Street Master Funds; Trustee and Co-Chairman, SSGA Funds; Director, the Holland Series Fund, Inc.; Director, The China Fund, Inc.; Director, The Taiwan Fund, Inc.; Director, Reaves Utility Income Fund, Inc.; and Director, Blackstone/GSO Loan Funds.

Patrick J. Riley

c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1948

  Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Board  

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 1/14

  2002 to May 2010, Associate Justice of the Superior Court, Commonwealth of Massachusetts; 1985 to 2002, Partner, Riley, Burke & Donahue, L.L.P. (law firm); 1998 to Present, Independent Director, State Street Global Advisers Ireland, Ltd. (investment   [    ]   Trustee and Co-Chairman, State Street Master Funds; Trustee and Co-Chairman, SSGA Funds; Board Director and Chairman, SPDR Europe 1PLC

 

16


Table of Contents
company); 1998 to Present, Independent Director, SSgA Liquidity plc (formerly, SSgA Cash Management Fund plc); January 2009 to Present, Independent Director, SSGA Fixed Income plc; and January 2009 to Present, Independent Director, SSGA Qualified Funds PLC. Board (2011- Present); Board Director and Chairman, SPDR Europe II, PLC (2013-Present).

William L. Boyan

c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1937

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Valuation Committee Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 President and Chief Operations Officer, John Hancock Financial Services (1959 – 1999). Mr. Boyan retired in 1999. Chairman Emeritus, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA (1984 – 2011); Former Trustee of Old Mutual South Africa Master Trust (investments) (1995 – 2008); Former Chairman, Boston Plan For Excellence, Boston Public Schools (1995 – 2010); Member of Advisory Board of Florida Atlantic University Lifelong Learning Society; Trustee, Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA. [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Former Trustee of Old Mutual South Africa Master Trust.

William L. Marshall

c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1942

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Audit Committee

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 1/14

April 2011 to Present, Chairman (until April 2011, Chief Executive Officer and President), Wm. L. Marshall Associates, Inc., Wm. L. Marshall Companies, Inc. and the Marshall Financial Group, Inc. (a registered investment adviser and provider of financial and related consulting services); Certified Financial Planner; Member, Financial Planners Association; Director, SPCA of Bucks County, PA; and the Ann Silverman Community Clinic of Doylestown, PA. [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Director, Marshall Financial Group, Inc.

Richard D. Shirk

c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1945

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 1/14

March 2001 to April 2002, Chairman (1996 to March 2001, President and Chief Executive Officer), Cerulean Companies, Inc. (holding company) (Retired); 1992 to March 2001, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (health insurer, managed healthcare); 1998 to December 2008, Chairman, Board Member and December 2008 to Present, Investment Committee Member, [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Board member, AeroCare Holdings (privately held healthcare services company) (February 2003-Present); Board member, Regenesis Biomedical (health care services) (April

 

17


Table of Contents
Healthcare Georgia Foundation (private foundation); September 2002 to 2012, Lead Director and Board Member, Amerigroup Corp. (managed health care); 1999 to 2013, Board Member and (since 2001) Investment Committee Member, Woodruff Arts Center; and 2003 to 2009, Trustee, Gettysburg College. 2012-Present).

Rina K. Spence

c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1948

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee and Co-Chairman of the Governance Committee Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99 President of SpenceCare International LLC (international healthcare consulting) (1999 – present); Chief Executive Officer, IEmily.com (health internet company) (2000 – 2001); Chief Executive Officer of Consensus Pharmaceutical, Inc. (1998 – 1999); Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spence Center for Women’s Health (1994 – 1998); President and CEO Emerson Hospital (1984 – 1994); Trustee, Eastern Enterprise (utilities) (1988 – 2000); Director, Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America (1993 – 2009); Director, IEmily.com, Inc. (2000 – 2010); and Trustee, National Osteoporosis Foundation (2005 – 2008). [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds.

Bruce D. Taber

c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1943

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Valuation Committee and Co-Chairman of the Governance Committee

Term:

Indefinite

Elected: 1/14

1999 to Present, Partner, Zenergy LLC (a technology company providing Computer Modeling and System Analysis to the General Electric Power Generation Division); Until December 2008, Independent Director, SSgA Cash Management Fund plc; Until December 2008, Independent Director, State Street Global Advisers Ireland, Ltd. (investment companies); and Until August 1994, President, Alonzo B. Reed, Inc., (a Boston architect-engineering firm). [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds.

Douglas T. Williams

c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue,

CPH 0326

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1940

Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Audit Committee

Term: Indefinite Elected: 7/99

President, Oakmonst Homeowners Association; President, Mariner Sands Chapel; Executive Vice President and member of Executive Committee, Chase Manhattan Bank (1987 -1999); President, Boston Stock [    ] Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds

 

18


Table of Contents
      Exchange Depository Trust Company, 1981-1982; Treasurer, Nantucket Educational Trust, (2002-2007).    
INTERESTED TRUSTEES(1)          

James E. Ross

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111-2900

YOB: 1965

  Trustee  

Term:

Indefinite

Elected

Trustee: 2/07

  Chairman and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2012 – present); President, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2005 – 2012); Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors (2006 – present); and Principal, State Street Global Advisors (2006 – present).   [    ]   Trustee, State Street Master Funds; Trustee, SSGA Funds; Trustee, SPDR Series Trust; Trustee, SPDR Index Shares Funds; Trustee, Select Sector SPDR Trust; Trustee, SSGA Active ETF Trust; and Trustee, SSGA Master Trust.

 

(1)  Mr. Ross is an Interested Trustee because of his employment by SSGA Funds Management, Inc., an affiliate of the Trust.

 

NAME, ADDRESS,

AND YEAR OF BIRTH

  

POSITION(S)

HELD WITH

TRUST

  

TERM OF

OFFICE AND

LENGTH OF

TIME

SERVED

  

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION

DURING PAST FIVE YEARS

OFFICERS:         

Ellen M. Needham

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111-2900

YOB: 1967

   President    Term: Indefinite Elected: 10/12    President and Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (June 2012 – present); Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (May 2010 - June 2012); Senior Managing Director, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (1992-2012) and Senior Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors (1992-present).*

Ann M. Carpenter

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111-2900

YOB: 1966

  

Vice President

and

Assistant Treasurer

  

Term: Indefinite

Elected: 4/15

   Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (April 2014 – present); Vice President, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2008 – present); Principal, State Street Global Advisors (2005 – 2008 – present).*

Chad C. Hallett

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

YOB: 1969

   Treasurer    Term: Indefinite Elected: 4/15    Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (November 2014 – present); Vice President, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2001 – November 2014).*

 

19


Table of Contents

Joshua A. Weinberg

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111-2900

YOB: 1978

Chief Legal Officer Term: Indefinite   Elected: 2/15 Vice President and Managing Counsel, State Street Global Advisors (2011 – present); Clerk, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (2013 – present); Associate, Financial Services Group, Dechert LLP (2006 – 2011).

Brian Harris

SSGA Funds Management, Inc.

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

YOB: 1973

Chief Compliance   Officer

Term: Indefinite

Elected: 11/13

Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc.( June 2013- Present); Senior Vice President and Global Head of Investment Compliance, BofA Global Capital Management (September 2010 to May 2013); Director of Compliance, AARP Financial Inc. (July 2008 to August 2010).

David K. James

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue, 3rd Floor

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1970

Secretary

Term: Indefinite

Elected: 4/13

Managing Director and Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2009 - present); Vice President and Counsel, PNC Global Investment Servicing (US), Inc. (2006–2009).

Kristin Schantz

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntington Avenue, 3rd Floor

Boston, MA 02116

YOB: 1979

Assistant

Secretary

Term: Indefinite

Elected: 2/14

Vice President and Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (2013- present); Vice President, Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. (2008-2013).

 

* Served in various capacities and/or with various affiliated entities during noted time period.

The By-Laws of the Trust provide that the Trust shall indemnify each person who is or was a Trustee of the Trust against all expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings if the person in good faith and reasonably believes that his or her conduct was in the Trust’s best interest. The Trust, at its expense, provides liability insurance for the benefit of its Trustees and officers.

Summary of Trustees’ Qualifications

Following is a summary of the experience, attributes and skills which qualify each Trustee to serve on the Trust’s Board.

Michael F. Holland: Mr. Holland is an experienced business executive with over 44 years of experience in the financial services industry including 19 years as a portfolio manager of another registered mutual fund; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of State Street Institutional Investment Trust and State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts’ inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.

William L. Boyan: Mr. Boyan is an experienced business executive with over 42 years of experience in the insurance industry; his experience includes prior service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies and charities and an executive position with a major insurance company. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts’ inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.

 

20


Table of Contents

Rina K. Spence: Ms. Spence is an experienced business executive with over 34 years of experience in the health care industry; her experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies, charities and utility companies and chief executive positions for various health care companies. She has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts’ inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.

Douglas T. Williams: Mr. Williams is an experienced business executive with over 41 years of experience in the banking industry; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies and charities and senior executive positions of major bank organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for 15 years (since the trusts’ inception) and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of those trusts.

James E. Ross: Mr. Ross is an experienced business executive with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Master Funds for seven years and as President of the trusts for eight years and possesses significant experience regarding the trusts’ operations and history. Mr. Ross is also a senior executive officer of State Street Global Advisors.

William L. Marshall: Mr. Marshall is an experienced business executive with over 45 years of experience in the financial services industry; his experience includes service as an advisor trustee or officer of various investment companies and charities. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.

Patrick J. Riley: Mr. Riley is an experienced business executive with over 39 years of experience in the legal and financial services industries; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies and Associate Justice of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.

Richard D. Shirk: Mr. Shirk is an experienced business executive with over 46 years of experience in the health care and insurance industries and with investment matters; his experience includes service as a trustee, director or officer of various health care companies and nonprofit organizations. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 26 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.

Bruce D. Taber: Mr. Taber is an experienced business executive with over 41 years of experience in the power generation, technology and engineering industries; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related Committees of SSGA Funds for 23 years and possesses significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust.

References to the experience, attributes and skills of Trustees above are pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.

Standing Committees

The Board of Trustees has established various committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of various matters of importance to Independent Trustees, the Trust, and the Trust’s shareholders and to facilitate compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Currently, the Board has created an Audit Committee, Governance Committee, Valuation Committee and Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee.

 

21


Table of Contents

The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee meets twice a year, or more often as required, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Audit Committee oversees and monitors the Trust’s internal accounting and control structure, its auditing function and its financial reporting process. The Audit Committee is responsible for selecting and retaining the independent accountants for the Trust. The Audit Committee is responsible for approving the audit plans, fees and other material arrangements in respect of the engagement of the independent accountants, including non-audit services performed. The Audit Committee reviews the qualifications of the independent accountant’s key personnel involved in the foregoing activities and monitors the independent accountant’s independence. During the fiscal year ended [                    ], the Audit Committee held [                    ] meetings.

The Governance Committee is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the Governance Committee, including the Nominating Committee (a sub-committee of the Governance Committee), is to review and evaluate the composition and performance of the Board; make nominations for membership on the Board and committees; review the responsibilities of each committee; and review governance procedures, and compensation of Independent Trustees. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees to the Board recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter and should be submitted in writing to the Trust, to the attention of the Trust’s Secretary, at the address of the principal executive offices of the Trust. Shareholder recommendations must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices of the Trust not less than sixty (60) calendar days nor more than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the date of the Board or shareholder meeting at which the nominee candidate would be considered for election. The Governance Committee performs an annual Board self-evaluation. During the fiscal year ended [                    ], the Governance Committee held [                    ] meetings.

The Valuation Committee is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The Valuation Committee’s primary purpose is to review the actions and recommendations of the Adviser’s Oversight Committee. The Trust has established procedures and guidelines for valuing portfolio securities and making fair value determinations from time to time. The Valuation Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds’ valuation determinations, with the assistance of the Oversight Committee, State Street and SSGA FM. During the fiscal year ended [                    ], the Valuation Committee held [                    ] meetings.

The Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee (the “QLCC”) is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the QLCC are to receive quarterly reports from the Trust’s chief compliance officer (the “Chief Compliance Officer”); to oversee generally the Trust’s responses to regulatory inquiries; and to investigate matters referred to it by the Chief Legal Officer and make recommendations to the Board regarding the implementation of an appropriate response to evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers or the Trustees. During the fiscal year ended [                    ], the Qualified Legal and Compliance Committee held [                    ] meetings.

Leadership Structure and Risk Management Oversight

The Board has chosen to select different individuals as Co-Chairpersons of the Board of the Trust and as President of the Trust. Currently, Mr. Holland and Mr. Riley, both Independent Trustees, serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Board, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Williams serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Audit Committee, Mr. Shirk and Ms. Spence serve as Co-Chairpersons of the QLCC, Mr. Boyan and Mr. Taber serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Valuation Committee and Mr. Taber and Ms. Spence serve as Co-Chairpersons of the Governance Committee.

Mr. Ross, who is also an employee of the Adviser, serve as Trustees of the Trust and Ellen Needham, who is also an employee of the Adviser, serves as President of the Trust. The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate, since Mr. Ross and Ms. Needham provide the Board with insight regarding the Trust’s day-to-day management, while Mr. Holland and Mr. Riley provide an independent perspective on the Trust’s overall operation and Mr. Marshall and Mr. Williams provide a specialized perspective on audit matters.

 

22


Table of Contents

The Board has delegated management of the Trust to service providers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of risks applicable to the Trust. The Board oversees risk management for the Trust in several ways. The Board receives regular reports from both the Chief Compliance Officer and administrator for the Trust, detailing the results of the Trust’s compliance with its Board-adopted policies and procedures, the investment policies and limitations of the Funds, and applicable provisions of the federal securities laws and the Code. As needed, the Adviser discusses management issues respecting the Trust with the Board, soliciting the Board’s input on many aspects of management, including potential risks to the Fund. The Board’s Audit Committee also receives reports on various aspects of risk that might affect the Trust and offers advice to management, as appropriate. The Trustees also meet in executive session with the independent counsel to the Independent Trustees, the independent registered public accounting firm, counsel to the Trust, the Chief Compliance Officer and representatives of management, as needed. Through these regular reports and interactions, the Board oversees the risk management parameters for the Trust, which are effected on a day-to-day basis by service providers to the Trust.

Trustee Ownership of Securities of the Trust, Adviser and Distributor

[As of [                    ], none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members had any ownership of securities of the Adviser or State Street Global Markets, LLC (“SSGM”), the Trust’s distributor, or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser or SSGM.]

The following table sets forth information describing the dollar range of the Trust’s equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2014.

 

Name of Independent Trustee

  

Dollar Range Of Equity Securities In
Each Fund

  

Aggregate Dollar Range
Of Equity Securities In
All Registered Investment
Companies  Overseen By
Trustees In Family of
Investment Companies

William L. Boyan

   [None]    [None]

Michael F. Holland

   [None]    [None]

William L. Marshall

   [None]    [Over $100,000]

Patrick J. Riley

   [None]    [Over $100,000]

Richard D. Shirk

   [None]    [Over $100,000]

Rina K. Spence

   [None]    [None]

Bruce D. Taber

   [None]    [Over $100,000]

Douglas T. Williams

   [None]    [None]

Name of Interested Trustee

         

Scott F. Powers1

   [None]    [Over $100,000]

James E. Ross

   [None]    [Over $100,000]

 

1 Mr. Powers served as Trustee until May 2015.

Trustee Compensation

As of January 24, 2014, each Independent Trustee receives for his or her services to the State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust and SSGA Funds, a $141,500 annual base retainer in addition to $18,000 for each in-person meeting and $2,000 for each telephonic meeting from the Trust. The Trust pays a fixed allocation of $15,000 per Fund. The Co-Chairmen receive an additional $44,000 annual retainer. The Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses in connection with meeting attendance. As of the date of this annual report, the Trustees were not paid pension or retirement benefits as part of the Trust’s expenses.

 

23


Table of Contents

The Trust’s officers are compensated by the Adviser and its affiliates.

The following table sets forth the total remuneration of Trustees and officers of the Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.

 

     AGGREGATE
COMPENSATION
FROM THE
TRUST
     PENSION OR
RETIREMENT
BENEFITS
ACCRUED AS
PART OF
TRUST
EXPENSES
     ESTIMATED
ANNUAL
BENEFITS
UPON
RETIREMENT
     TOTAL
COMPENSATION
FROM TRUST &
FUND COMPLEX
PAID TO
TRUSTEES
 

NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE

           

William L. Boyan, Trustee

   $ 193,085       $ 0       $ 0       $ 224,000   

Michael F. Holland, Trustee

   $ 225,109       $ 0       $ 0       $ 268,000   

William L. Marshall, Trustee

   $ 193,085       $ 0       $ 0       $ 267,500   

Patrick J. Riley, Trustee

   $ 225,950       $ 0       $ 0       $ 266,000   

Richard D. Shirk, Trustee

   $ 193,085       $ 0       $ 0       $ 319,000   

Rina K. Spence, Trustee

   $ 193,085       $ 0       $ 0       $ 224,000   

Bruce D. Taber, Trustee

   $ 193,085       $ 0       $ 0       $ 267,500   

Douglas T. Williams, Trustee

   $ 193,085       $ 0       $ 0       $ 224,000   

NAME OF INTERESTED TRUSTEE

           

Scott F. Powers, Trustee1

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

James E. Ross, Trustee

   $ 0       $ 0       $ 0       $ 0   

 

1 Mr. Powers served as a Trustee until May 2015.

Code of Ethics

The Trust, the Adviser and SSGM have each adopted a code of ethics (together, the “Codes of Ethics”) under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. The Codes of Ethics permit personnel, subject to the Codes of Ethics and their provisions, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by the Trust, Adviser, State Street or SSGM.

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES

The Trust has adopted proxy voting procedures pursuant to which the Trust delegates the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Portfolio to the Adviser as part of the Adviser’s general management of the Portfolio, subject to the Board’s continuing oversight. A copy of the Trust’s proxy voting procedures is located in Appendix B and a copy of the Adviser’s proxy voting procedures is located in Appendix C.

Shareholders may receive information regarding how the Portfolios voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30 (i) by calling (877) 521-4083 or (ii) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

Because the Portfolio commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, the Trustees and officers of the Trust owned in the aggregate less than 1% of the shares of each class of the Portfolio.

 

24


Table of Contents

Persons or organizations owning 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio may be presumed to “control” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) the Portfolio. As a result, these persons or organizations could have the ability to approve or reject those matters submitted to the shareholders of the Portfolio for their approval. Because the Portfolio commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, to the knowledge of the Trust, no persons held of record or beneficially through one or more accounts 25% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of the Portfolio.

Because the Portfolio commenced operations on or following the date of this SAI, to the knowledge of the Trust, no persons held of record or beneficially through one or more accounts 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of the Portfolio.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES

Investment Advisory Agreements

The Adviser is responsible for the investment management of the Portfolio pursuant to Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 2001, as amended from time to time (the “Advisory Agreement”), by and between the Adviser and the Trust. The Adviser and State Street are wholly-owned subsidiaries of State Street Corporation, a publicly held bank holding company.

The Portfolio does not pay an advisory fee to SSGA FM.

The Advisory Agreement will continue from year to year provided that a majority of the Trustees and a majority of the Independent Trustees or a majority of the shareholders of the Trust approve its continuance. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or the Trust without penalty upon sixty days’ notice and will terminate automatically upon its assignment.

The Adviser and its affiliates may have deposit, loan and other commercial banking relationships with the issuers of obligations that may be purchased on behalf of the Portfolio, including outstanding loans to such issuers that could be repaid in whole or in part with the proceeds of securities so purchased. Such affiliates deal, trade and invest for their own accounts in such obligations and are among the leading dealers of various types of such obligations. The Adviser has informed the Portfolio that, in making its investment decisions, it will not obtain or use material non-public information in its possession or in the possession of any of its affiliates. In making investment recommendations for the Portfolio, the Adviser will not inquire or take into consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by the Portfolio is a customer of the Adviser, its parent or its subsidiaries or affiliates and, in dealing with its customers, the Adviser, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates will not inquire or take into consideration whether securities of such customers were held by any Portfolio managed by the Adviser or any such affiliate.

In certain instances there may be securities that are suitable for the Portfolio as well as for one or more of the Adviser’s other clients. Investment decisions for the Trust and for the Adviser’s other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling that same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as far as the Portfolio is concerned. However, it is believed that the ability of each Portfolio to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Portfolio.

[Discussion of contractual expense caps and voluntary fee waivers and expense reimbursements, if applicable.]

 

25


Table of Contents

Administrator

SSGA FM serves as the administrator for the Portfolio pursuant to an Amended and Restated Administration Agreement. Under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, SSGA FM is obligated to continuously provide business management services to the Trust and the Portfolio and will generally, subject to the general oversight of the Trustees and except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, manage all of the business and affairs of the Trust. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, SSGA FM supplies the Trust and the Portfolio with the following services, among others, under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement: provide the Trust with adequate office space and all necessary office equipment and services; prepare and submit reports and meeting materials to the Board of Trustees and to existing shareholders for meetings of shareholders; assist the Portfolio in posting and maintaining required schedules of investments and related information on its websites; prepare reports relating to the business and affairs of the Trust as may be mutually agreed upon; provide to the Trust’s Board of Trustees periodic and special reports and recommendations; coordinate the meetings of the Board and its Committees; provide consultation on regulatory matters relating to portfolio management; act as liaison to legal counsel to the Trust; assist the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer with issues regarding the Trust’s compliance program; perform certain compliance procedures for the Trust; provide consultation and advice for resolving compliance questions together with the Portfolio’s outside legal counsel; provide periodic testing of portfolios; maintain and preserve, or oversee the maintenance and preservation of, accounts, books, financial records and other documents as required by the 1940 Act, applicable federal and state laws and any other law or administrative rules or procedures which may be applicable to the Portfolio (including in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles to the extent required under applicable law); facilitate audits of accounts by the Portfolio’s independent public accountants; oversee the determination and publication of the Trust’s net asset value in accordance with the Trust’s policy as adopted from time to time by the Board; prepare the Trust’s federal, state and local income tax returns for review by the Trust’s independent accountants and filing by the Trust’s treasurer; review the calculation of, submit for approval by officers of the Trust and arrange for payment of the Trust’s expenses; and prepare and file with the SEC amendments to the Trust’s registration statement, including updating the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The nature and amount of services provided by SSGA FM under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement may vary as between classes of shares of a fund, and a fund may pay fees to SSGA FM under that Agreement at different rates in respect of its different share classes.

As consideration for SSGA FM’s services as administrator with respect to the Portfolio, SSGA FM receives a fee at the annual rate of [0.05%] of the average daily net assets attributable to each class of shares of the Portfolio. The fees are accrued daily at the rate of 1/365th and payable monthly on the first business day of each month.

The administration fees paid by the Portfolio have been omitted because the Portfolio had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.

Sub-Administrator, Custodian and Transfer Agent

State Street serves as the sub-administrator for the Portfolio pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement among SSGA FM, State Street and, for certain limited purposes, the Trust (“Sub-Administration Agreement”). Under the Sub-Administration Agreement State Street is obligated to provide administrative services to the Trust and the Portfolio. State Street provides the following services, among others, to the Trust and the Portfolio under the Sub-Administration Agreement: supply and maintain office facilities (which may be in State Street’s own offices); provide statistical and research data, data processing services, clerical, accounting, bookkeeping and record keeping services (including without limitation the maintenance of such books and records as are required under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder, except as maintained by other agents), internal auditing, executive and administrative services, and stationery and office supplies; prepare reports to shareholders or investors; prepare and file tax returns; supply financial information and supporting data for reports to and filings with the SEC and various state Blue Sky authorities; supply supporting documentation for meetings of the Board of Trustees; provide monitoring reports and assistance regarding compliance with Declarations of Trust, by-laws, the Portfolio’s investment objectives and policies and with Federal and state securities laws; arrange for appropriate insurance coverage; calculate NAVs, net income and realized capital gains or losses; and negotiate arrangements with, and supervise and coordinate the activities of, agents and others to supply services. State Street also provides such other services with respect to the Trust or the Portfolio as agreed with SSGA FM from time to time.

 

26


Table of Contents

State Street serves as Custodian for the Portfolio pursuant to the Custody Agreement and holds the Portfolio’s assets.

As consideration for State Street’s services as custodian to the Portfolio, State Street receives from the Portfolio an annual fee as described below. Additionally, as consideration for State Street’s services as sub-administrator, State Street shall receive from the Adviser an annual fee as described below. The services provided by State Street as administrator and the services provided by State Street as sub-administrator together are referred to as (“Administration Services”). The fees received by State Street in connection with sub-administration and custodian services are accrued daily at the rate of 1/365th and payable monthly on the first business day of each month, pursuant to the following schedule:

Annual Fee Schedule

$[        ] for Administration Services

$[        ] for Custody and Accounting Services

The sub-administration and custodian fees paid to State Street for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Portfolio had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. (“BFDS”) serves as the Transfer and Dividend Paying Agent. BFDS is a joint venture of State Street Corporation and DST Systems, Inc. BFDS is paid for the following annual account services: opening an account; closing an account; investor services; CDSC services; omnibus transparency services; and investigation services. BFDS is also paid for the following activities: telephone calls; teleservicing; telephone transactions; fulfillment; IRA custodial services; and charges related to compliance and regulatory services.

Portfolio fees are allocated to the Portfolio based on the average net asset value of the Portfolio and are billable on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/12 of the annual fee. BFDS is reimbursed by the Portfolio for supplying certain out-of-pocket expenses including confirmation statements, investor statements, banking fees, postage, forms, audio response, telephone, records retention, customized programming/enhancements, reports, transcripts, microfilm, microfiche, and expenses incurred at the specific direction of the Portfolio. BFDS’s principal business address is 2 Heritage Drive, North Quincy, MA 02171.

The transfer agency fees paid to BFDS for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Portfolio had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.

Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plans

Investments in the Portfolio are not subject to any sales load or redemption fee. Assets of the Portfolio are not subject to a Rule 12b-1 fee.

Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ropes & Gray LLP serves as counsel to the Trust. The principal business address of Ropes & Gray LLP is 800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02199. Joseph P. Barri LLC, located at 259 Robbins Street, Milton, Massachusetts 02186, serves as independent counsel to the Independent Trustees.

[                    ] serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust and provides (i) audit services and (ii) tax services. The principal business address of [                    ] is [                    ].

 

27


Table of Contents

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

The following persons serve as the portfolio managers of the Portfolio as of the date of this SAI. The following table lists the number and types of accounts managed by each individual and assets under management in those accounts as of [                     ]:

As indicated in the tables above, portfolio managers at the Adviser may manage numerous accounts for multiple clients. These accounts may include registered investment companies (which include exchange-traded funds), other types of pooled accounts (e.g., collective investment funds), and separate accounts (i.e., accounts managed on behalf of individuals or public or private institutions). Portfolio managers make investment decisions for each account based on the investment objectives and policies and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that portfolio. The portfolio managers do not beneficially own any shares of any Portfolio as of [                 ].

When a portfolio manager has responsibility for managing more than one account, potential conflicts of interest may arise. Those conflicts may arise out of: (a) the portfolio manager’s execution of different investment strategies for various accounts; or (b) the allocation of resources or investment opportunities.

A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio managers’ responsibility for multiple accounts with similar investment guidelines. Under these circumstances, a potential investment may be suitable for more than one of the portfolio manager’s accounts, but the quantity of the investment available for purchase is less than the aggregate amount the accounts would ideally devote to the opportunity. Similar conflicts may arise when multiple accounts seek to dispose of the same investment. The portfolio manager may also manage accounts whose objectives and policies differ from that of the respective Fund. These differences may be such that under certain circumstances, trading activity appropriate for one account managed by the portfolio manager may have adverse consequences for another account managed by the portfolio manager. For example, an account may sell a significant position in a security, which could cause the market price of that security to decrease, while the fund maintained its position in that security.

A potential conflict may arise when the portfolio manager is responsible for accounts that have different advisory fees. The difference in fees could create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another, for example, in terms of access to investment opportunities. This conflict may be heightened if an account is subject to a performance-based fee. Another potential conflict may arise when the portfolio manager has an investment in one or more accounts that participates in transactions with other accounts. His or her investment(s) may create an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another. The Adviser has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to address these potential material conflicts. For instance, portfolio managers within the Adviser are normally responsible for all accounts within a certain investment discipline and do not, absent special circumstances, differentiate among the various accounts when allocating resources. Additionally, the Adviser and its advisory affiliates have processes and procedures for allocating investment opportunities among portfolios that are designed to be fair and equitable.

The compensation of SSGA’s investment professionals is based on a number of factors, including external benchmarking data and market trends, State Street performance, SSGA performance, and individual performance. Each year our Global Human Resources department participates in compensation surveys in order to provide SSGA with critical, market-based compensation information that helps support individual pay decisions. Additionally, subject to State Street and SSGA business results, State Street allocates an incentive pool to SSGA to reward its employees. Because the size of the incentive pool is based on the firm’s overall profitability, each staff member is motivated to contribute both as an individual and as a team member.

The incentive pool is allocated to the various functions within SSGA. The discretionary determination of the allocation amounts to business units is influenced by market-based compensation data, as well as the overall performance of the group. Individual compensation decisions are made by the employee’s manager, in conjunction with the senior management of the employee’s business unit. These decisions are based on the performance of the employee and, as mentioned above, on the performance of the firm and business unit.

 

28


Table of Contents

BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES

All portfolio transactions are placed on behalf of the Portfolio by the Adviser and/or any investment sub-adviser to the Portfolio, as applicable. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. Ordinarily commissions are not charged on over the counter orders (including, for example, debt securities and money market investments) because the Portfolio pays a spread which is included in the cost of the security, and is the difference between the dealer’s cost and the cost to the Portfolio. When the Portfolio executes an over the counter order with an electronic communications network, an alternative trading system or a non-market maker, a commission is charged because there is no spread on the trade. Securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that include underwriting fees. The Portfolio normally does not pay a stated brokerage commissions on transactions.

The Portfolio’s investment advisory agreement authorizes the Adviser to place, in the name of the Portfolio, orders for the execution of the securities transactions in which the Portfolio is authorized to invest, provided the Adviser, and as applicable, any sub-adviser seeks the best overall terms for the transaction. In selecting brokers or dealers (including affiliates of the Adviser, and as applicable, a sub-adviser), the Adviser, and as applicable, a sub-adviser chooses the broker-dealer deemed most capable of providing the services necessary to obtain the most favorable execution (the most favorable cost or net proceeds reasonably obtainable under the circumstances). The full range of brokerage services applicable to a particular transaction may be considered when making this judgment, which may include, but is not limited to: liquidity, price, commission, timing, aggregated trades, capable floor brokers or traders, competent block trading coverage, ability to position, capital strength and stability, reliable and accurate communications and settlement processing, use of automation, knowledge of other buyers or sellers, arbitrage skills, administrative ability, brokerage and research services, underwriting, and provision of information on a particular security or market in which the transaction is to occur. The specific criteria will vary depending on the nature of the transaction, the market in which it is executed, and the extent to which it is possible to select from among multiple broker-dealers. The Adviser, and as applicable, a sub-adviser does not currently use the Portfolio’s assets for soft-dollar arrangements. The Adviser does not presently participate in any soft dollar arrangements. It may aggregate trades with clients of State Street Global Advisors whose commission dollars are used to generate soft dollar credits for State Street Global Advisors. Although the Adviser’s clients’ commissions are not used for soft dollars, the Adviser and State Street Global Advisors’ clients may benefit from the soft dollar products/services received by State Street Global Advisors.

The Adviser assumes general supervision over placing orders on behalf of the Trust for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities.

The brokerage commissions paid by the Portfolio for the last three fiscal years have been omitted because the Portfolio had not commenced investment operations as of the date of this SAI.

DECLARATION OF TRUST, CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER INFORMATION

Capitalization

Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of the Portfolio. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Portfolio, investors are entitled to share pro rata in the Portfolio’s net assets available for distribution to its investors. Investments in the Portfolio have no preference, preemptive, conversion or similar rights, except as determined by the Trustees or as set forth in the Bylaws, and are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.

Declaration of Trust

The Declaration of Trust of the Trust provides that the Trust may redeem shares of the Portfolio at the redemption price that would apply if the share redemption were initiated by a shareholder. It is the policy of the Trust that, except upon such conditions as may from time to time be set forth in the then current prospectus of the Trust or to facilitate the Trust’s or the Portfolio’s compliance with applicable law or regulation, the Trust would not initiate a redemption of shares unless it were to determine that failing to do so may have a substantial adverse consequence for the Portfolio or the Trust.

 

29


Table of Contents

The Trust’s Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee who is not an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust will be deemed independent and disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding. It is the policy of the Trust that it will not assert that provision to preclude a shareholder from claiming that a trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding; provided, however, that the foregoing policy will not prevent the Trust from asserting applicable law (including Section 2B of Chapter 182 of the Massachusetts General Laws) to preclude a shareholder from claiming that a trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding.

The Trust will not deviate from the foregoing policies in a manner that adversely affects the rights of shareholders of the Portfolio without the approval of “a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Portfolio.

Voting

Each investor is entitled to a vote in proportion to the number of Portfolio shares it owns. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of Trustees, and investors holding more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding shares in the Trust may elect all of the Trustees if they choose to do so. The Trust is not required and has no current intention to hold annual meetings of investors but the Trust will hold special meetings of shareholders when in the judgment of the Trustees it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote.

Massachusetts Business Trust

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders in a Massachusetts business trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides for indemnification out of the property of the applicable series of the Trust for any loss to which the shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder of that series and for reimbursement of the shareholder for all expense arising from such liability. Thus the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability should be limited to circumstances in which the series would be unable to meet its obligations.

PRICING OF SHARES

Pricing of shares of the Portfolio does not occur on New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) holidays. The NYSE is open for trading every weekday except for: (a) the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, Washington’s Birthday (the third Monday in February), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas; and (b) the preceding Friday or the subsequent Monday when one of the calendar-determined holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Purchases and withdrawals will be effected at the time of determination of NAV next following the receipt of any purchase or withdrawal order which is determined to be in good order.

The Portfolio’s securities will be valued pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.

TAXATION OF THE PORTFOLIO

The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Portfolio is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authority, as of the date of this SAI. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Portfolio. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their particular situation and the possible application of foreign, state and local tax laws.

Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the suitability of shares of the Portfolio as an investment through such plans and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situations.

 

30


Table of Contents

Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company

The Portfolio intends to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Code and intends each year to qualify and be eligible to be treated as such. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Portfolio must, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i) dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (as defined below); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Portfolio’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets consists of cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to a value not more than 5% of the value of the Portfolio’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of its assets are invested (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. Government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers which the Portfolio controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or related trades and businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); and (c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid — generally taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net tax-exempt income, for such year.

In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income requirement described in (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the RIC. However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (a partnership (x) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in section (a)(i) above), will be treated as qualifying income. In general, such entities will be treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes, because they meet the passive income requirement under Code section 7704(c)(2). In addition, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership.

For purposes of the diversification test in (b) above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership. Also, for purposes of the diversification test in (b) above, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular Portfolio investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) with respect to issuer identification for a particular type of investment may adversely affect the Portfolio’s ability to meet the diversification test in (b) above.

If the Portfolio qualifies as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment, the Portfolio will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends (including Capital Gain Dividends, as defined below). If the Portfolio were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test described above, the Portfolio could in some cases cure such failure, including by paying a Portfolio-level tax, paying interest or disposing of certain assets. If the Portfolio were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or if the Portfolio were otherwise to fail to qualify as a RIC accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year, the Portfolio would be subject to tax at the Portfolio level on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income and net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), would be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and may be eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income” in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals, provided, in both cases, the shareholder meets certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the Portfolio’s shares (as described below). In addition, the Portfolio could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before re-qualifying as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment.

 

31


Table of Contents

The Portfolio intends to distribute at least annually to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and its net tax-exempt income (if any), and may distribute its net capital gain. Any taxable income retained by the Portfolio will be subject to tax at the Portfolio level at regular corporate rates. If the Portfolio retains any net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but is permitted to designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a timely notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Portfolio on such undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds on a properly-filed U.S. tax return to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If the Portfolio makes this designation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Portfolio will be increased by an amount equal under current law to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the shareholder’s gross income under clause (a) of the preceding sentence and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder under clause (b) of the preceding sentence. The Portfolio is not required to, and there can be no assurance the Portfolio will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.

In determining its net capital gain, including in connection with determining the amount available to support a Capital Gain Dividend (as defined below), its taxable income, and its earnings and profits, the Portfolio generally may elect to treat part or all of any post-October capital loss (defined as any net capital loss attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31 or, if there is no such loss, the net long-term capital loss or net short-term capital loss attributable to such portion of the taxable year) or late-year ordinary loss (generally, its net ordinary loss, if any, from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property attributable to the portion of the taxable year after October 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.

If the Portfolio were to fail to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal, in general, to the sum of 98% of its ordinary income for such year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 of such year (or a later date if the Portfolio is eligible to elect and so elects), plus any such amounts retained from the prior year, the Portfolio would be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For purposes of the required excise tax distribution, a RIC’s ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property that would otherwise be taken into account after October 31 of a calendar year (or a later date, if the RIC makes the election referred to above) generally are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. Also, for these purposes, the Portfolio will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it is subject to corporate income tax for the taxable year ending within the calendar year. The Portfolio intends generally to make distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Distributions declared by the Portfolio during October, November and December to shareholders of record on a date in any such month and paid by the Portfolio during the following January will be treated for federal tax purposes as paid by the Portfolio and received by shareholders on December 31 of the year in which declared.

Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against the Portfolio’s net investment income. Instead, potentially subject to certain limitations, the Portfolio may carry net capital losses from any taxable year forward to subsequent taxable years to offset capital gains, if any, realized during such subsequent taxable years. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains, whether the Portfolio retains or distributes such gains. The Portfolio may carry incurred net capital losses forward to one or more subsequent taxable years without expiration. The Portfolio must apply such carryforwards first against gains of the same character. The Fund’s available capital loss carryforwards, if any, will be set forth in its annual shareholder report for each fiscal year. The Fund’s ability to use net capital losses to offset gains may be limited as a result of certain (a) acquisitive reorganizations and (b) shifts in the ownership of the Fund by a shareholder owning or treated as owning 5% or more of the stock of the Fund.

Taxation of Distributions Received by Shareholders

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned such shareholder’s Portfolio shares. Distributions of net capital gain from the sale of investments that the Portfolio has owned (or is

 

32


Table of Contents

deemed to have owned) for more than one year that are properly reported by the Portfolio as capital gain dividends (“Capital Gain Dividends”) also may be reported as Capital Gain Dividends by the Fund, and generally will be taxable to a shareholder receiving such distributions as long-term capital gains includible in net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates relative to ordinary income. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryovers. Distributions of net short-term capital gain from the sale of investments that the Portfolio has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for one year or less (as reduced by any net long-term capital loss of the Portfolio for the taxable year) will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of investment income properly reported by the Portfolio as derived from “qualified dividend income,” if any, will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the rates applicable to net capital gain, provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Portfolio level. The Portfolio does not expect Portfolio distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.

The Code generally imposes a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the net investment income of certain individuals, trusts and estates to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. For these purposes, “net investment income” generally includes, among other things, (i) distributions paid by the Portfolio of net investment income and capital gains, and (ii) any net gain from the sale, redemption or exchange of Portfolio shares. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this additional tax on their investment in the Portfolio.

If the Portfolio makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of the Portfolio’s current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of such shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of its shares.

Shareholders of the Portfolio will be subject to federal income taxes as described herein on distributions made by the Fund whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Portfolio.

Distributions with respect to the Portfolio’s shares are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Portfolio’s realized income and gains, even though such distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder’s investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Portfolio’s net asset value reflects either unrealized gains, or realized but undistributed income or gains, that were therefore included in the price the shareholder paid. Such distributions may reduce the fair market value of the Portfolio’s shares below the shareholder’s cost basis in those shares. As described above, the Portfolio is required to distribute realized income and gains regardless of whether the Portfolio’s net asset value also reflects unrealized losses.

As required by federal law, detailed federal tax information with respect to each calendar year will be furnished to each shareholder early in the succeeding year.

Tax Implications of Certain Portfolio Investments

Special Rules for Debt Obligations. Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) will be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, the original issue discount (“OID”) is treated as interest income and is included in the Portfolio’s income and required to be distributed by the Portfolio over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. In addition, payment-in-kind securities will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Portfolio holding the security receives no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.

Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are acquired by the Portfolio in the secondary market may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial payment of principal on, a debt security having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued market discount” on such debt

 

33


Table of Contents

security. Alternatively, the Portfolio may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Portfolio will be required to include the accrued market discount in the Portfolio’s income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which the market discount accrues, and thus is included in the Portfolio’s income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Portfolio elects.

If the Portfolio holds the foregoing kinds of securities, or other debt securities subject to special rules under the Code, it may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Portfolio actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Portfolio or, if necessary, by disposition of portfolio securities including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so. These dispositions may cause the Portfolio to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates) and, in the event the Portfolio realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger Capital Gain Dividend than if the Portfolio had not held such securities.

Securities Purchased at a Premium. Very generally, where the Portfolio purchases a bond at a price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity – that is, at a premium – the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond. In the case of a taxable bond, if the Portfolio makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Portfolio reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds acquired on or after January 4, 2013, the Portfolio is permitted to deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period.

A portion of the OID accrued on certain high yield discount obligations may not be deductible to the issuer and will instead be treated as a dividend paid by the issuer for purposes of the dividends received deduction. In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Portfolio may be eligible for the dividends received deduction to the extent attributable to the deemed dividend portion of such OID.

At-risk or Defaulted Securities. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the Portfolio. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Portfolio may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount; whether, when or to what extent the Portfolio should recognize market discount on a debt obligation; when and to what extent the Portfolio may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities; and how the Portfolio should allocate payments received on obligations in default between principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Portfolio when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a RIC and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.

Certain Investments in Mortgage Pooling Vehicles. The Portfolio may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”) (including by investing in residual interests in collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) with respect to which an election to be treated as a REMIC is in effect) or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”). Under a notice issued by the IRS in October 2006 and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of the Portfolio’s income (including income allocated to the Portfolio from certain pass-through entities) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or an equity interest in a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a RIC, such as the Portfolio, will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the related interest directly. As a result, a RIC holding such interests may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts, as noted below.

In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and that otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign shareholder will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. A shareholder will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such inclusions notwithstanding any exemption from such income tax otherwise available under the Code.

 

34


Table of Contents

Foreign Currency Transactions. Any transaction by the Portfolio in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations or certain foreign currency options, futures contracts or forward contracts (or similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Any such net gains could require a larger dividend toward the end of the calendar year. Any such net losses will generally reduce and potentially require the recharacterization of prior ordinary income distributions. Such ordinary income treatment may accelerate Portfolio distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Portfolio to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.

Options and Futures. In general, option premiums received by the Portfolio are not immediately included in the income of the Portfolio. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Portfolio transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Portfolio is exercised and the Portfolio sells or delivers the underlying stock, the Portfolio generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Portfolio minus (b) the Portfolio’s basis in the stock. Such gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying stock. If securities are purchased by the Portfolio pursuant to the exercise of a put option written by it, the Portfolio generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. Gain or loss arising in respect of a termination of the Portfolio’s obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Portfolio is greater or less than the amount paid by the Portfolio (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Portfolio expires unexercised, the Portfolio generally will recognize short-term gain equal to the premium received.

The Portfolio’s options activities may include transactions constituting straddles for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is, that trigger the U.S. federal income tax straddle rules contained primarily in Section 1092 of the Code. Such straddles include, for example, positions in a particular security, or an index of securities, and one or more options that offset the former position, including options that are “covered” by the Portfolio’s long position in the subject security. Very generally, where applicable, Section 1092 requires (i) that losses be deferred on positions deemed to be offsetting positions with respect to “substantially similar or related property,” to the extent of unrealized gain in the latter, and (ii) that the holding period of such a straddle position that has not already been held for the long-term holding period be terminated and begin anew once the position is no longer part of a straddle. Options on single stocks that are not “deep in the money” may constitute qualified covered calls, which generally are not subject to the straddle rules; the holding period on stock underlying qualified covered calls that are “in the money” although not “deep in the money” will be suspended during the period that such calls are outstanding. Thus, the straddle rules and the rules governing qualified covered calls could cause gains that would otherwise constitute long-term capital gains to be treated as short-term capital gains, and distributions that would otherwise constitute “qualified dividend income” or qualify for the dividends-received deduction to fail to satisfy the holding period requirements and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income or fail to qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction, as the case may be.

The tax treatment of certain positions entered into by the Portfolio, including regulated futures contracts, certain foreign currency positions and certain listed non-equity options, will be governed by section 1256 of the Code (“section 1256 contracts”). Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses (“60/40”), although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, section 1256 contracts held by the Portfolio at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code) are “marked to market” with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or 60/40 gain or loss, as applicable.

Derivatives, Hedging, and Related Transactions. In addition to the special rules described above in respect of futures and options transactions, the Portfolio’s transactions in other derivative instruments (e.g., forward contracts and swap agreements), as well as any of its hedging, short sale, securities loan or similar transactions, may be subject to one or more special tax rules (e.g., notional principal contract, straddle, constructive sale, wash sale and short sale rules). These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Portfolio are treated as ordinary

 

35


Table of Contents

or capital, accelerate the recognition of income or gains to the Portfolio, defer losses to the Portfolio, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Portfolio’s securities, thereby affecting whether capital gains and losses are treated as short-term or long-term. These rules could therefore affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders.

Because these and other tax rules applicable to these types of transactions are in some cases uncertain under current law, an adverse determination or future guidance by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether the Portfolio has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a RIC and avoid a Portfolio-level tax.

Book-Tax Differences. Certain of the Portfolio’s investments in derivative instruments and foreign currency-denominated instruments, and any of the Portfolio’s transactions in foreign currencies and hedging activities, are likely to produce a difference between its book income and the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any). If such a difference arises, and the Portfolio’s book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income, the Portfolio could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment and to avoid an entity-level tax. In the alternative, if the Portfolio’s book income exceeds the sum of its taxable income (including realized capital gains) and net tax-exempt income, the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Portfolio’s remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient’s basis in its shares, and (iii) thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset.

Foreign Taxation

The Portfolio’s income from or proceeds of dispositions of its investments in non-U.S. assets may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes. This will decrease the Portfolio’s return on securities subject to such taxes. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes incurred by the Fund.

Backup Withholding

The Portfolio generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Portfolio with a correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Portfolio that he or she is not subject to such withholding. The backup withholding rate is 28%.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.

Tax-Exempt Shareholders

Income of a RIC that would be unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) if earned directly by a tax-exempt entity will not generally be attributed as UBTI to a tax-exempt shareholder of the RIC. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the Portfolio if shares in the Portfolio constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).

A tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if the Portfolio recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICS or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income recognized by the Portfolio exceeds the Portfolio’s investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Portfolio).

In addition, special tax consequences apply to charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”) that invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in section 664 of the Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize UBTI as a result of investing in a RIC that recognizes “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any

 

36


Table of Contents

time during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in a RIC that recognizes “excess inclusion income,” then the RIC will be subject to a tax on that portion of its “excess inclusion income” for the taxable year that is allocable to such shareholders at the highest federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, the Portfolio may elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder’s distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder’s interest in the Portfolio. CRTs are urged to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in the Portfolio.

Redemptions and Exchanges

Redemptions and exchanges of the Portfolio’s shares are taxable events and, accordingly, shareholders may realize gain or loss on these transactions. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Portfolio shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Portfolio shares held by a shareholder for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any Capital Gain Dividends received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares. Further, all or a portion of any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Portfolio shares will be disallowed under the Code’s “wash-sale” rule if other substantially identical shares are purchased, including by means of dividend reinvestment, within 30 days before or after the disposition. In such a case, the basis of the newly purchased shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Upon the redemption or exchange of shares of the Portfolio or, in the case of shares purchased through a financial intermediary, the financial intermediary may be required to provide you and the IRS with cost basis and certain other related tax information about the Portfolio shares you redeemed or exchanged.

Tax Shelter Reporting

Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct holders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

Non-U.S. Shareholders

Non-U.S. shareholders in the Portfolio should consult their tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of ownership of shares in the Portfolio. Distributions properly reported as Capital Gain Dividends generally will not be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax. In general, dividends other than Capital Gain Dividends paid by the Portfolio to a shareholder that is not a “U.S. person” within the meaning of the Code ( a “foreign person”) are subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a foreign person directly, would not be subject to withholding. For distributions with respect to taxable years of a RIC beginning before January 1, 2015, a RIC was not required to withhold any amounts (a) with respect to distributions (other than distributions to a foreign person (i) that had not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner was not a U.S. person, (ii) to the extent that the dividend was attributable to certain interest on an obligation if the foreign person was the issuer or was a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (iii) that was within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (iv) to the extent the dividend was attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign person and the foreign person was a controlled foreign corporation) from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if earned directly by an individual foreign person, to the extent such distributions were properly reported by the RIC in a written notice to shareholders (“interest-related dividends”), and (b) with respect to distributions (other than (i) distributions to an individual foreign person who was present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (ii) distributions

 

37


Table of Contents

subject to special rules regarding the disposition of U.S. real property interests (described below)) of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses to the extent such distributions were properly reported by the RIC in a written notice to shareholders (“short-term capital gain dividends”). A RIC was permitted to report such parts of its dividends as were eligible to be treated as interest-related or short-term capital gain dividends, but was not required to do so. In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may have withheld even if a RIC reported all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend.

This exemption has expired for distributions with respect to taxable years of the Portfolio beginning on or after January 1, 2015. It is currently unclear whether Congress will extend this exemption for distributions with respect to taxable years of the Portfolio beginning on or after January 1, 2015, and what the terms of any such extension would be, including whether such extension would have retroactive effect.

A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person is not, in general, subject to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Portfolio or on Capital Gain Dividends or exempt-interest dividends (if any) unless (a) such gain or dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (b) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale or the receipt of the Capital Gain Dividend and certain other conditions are met, or (c) the gain or loss realized on the sale of shares of the Portfolio or the Capital Gain Dividends are attributable to gains from the sale or exchange of “U.S. real property interests.”

Foreign persons with respect to whom income from the Portfolio is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the foreign person within the United States will in general be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income derived from the Portfolio at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. citizens, residents or domestic corporations, whether such income is received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Portfolio and, in the case of a foreign corporation, may also be subject to a branch profits tax. If a foreign person is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States. More generally, foreign shareholders who are residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the United States may obtain different tax results than those described herein, and are urged to consult their tax advisors.

Foreign shareholders should consult their tax advisers and, if holding shares through intermediaries, their intermediaries, concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Portfolio.

In order for a foreign person to qualify for any exemptions from withholding described above or from lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from back back-up withholding, the foreign person must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or substitute form). Non-U.S. investors in the Portfolio should consult their tax advisers in this regard.

Special rules (including withholding and reporting requirements) apply to foreign partnerships and those holding Portfolio shares through foreign partnerships. Additional considerations may apply to foreign trusts and estates. Investors holding Portfolio shares through foreign entities should consult their tax advisers about their particular situation.

A beneficial holder of shares who is a foreign person may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate tax in addition to the U.S. federal income tax on income referred to above.

Shareholder Reporting Obligations With Respect To Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts

Shareholders that are U.S. persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the Portfolio by vote or value could be required to report annually their “financial interest” in the Portfolio’s “foreign financial accounts,” if any, on FinCEN Form TD 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts. Shareholders should consult a tax advisor, and persons investing in the Portfolio through an intermediary should contact their intermediary, regarding the applicability to them of this reporting requirement.

 

38


Table of Contents

Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements

Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, “FATCA”) generally require the Portfolio to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA or under an applicable intergovernmental agreement (an “IGA”). If a shareholder fails to provide this information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA or an IGA, the Portfolio may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on ordinary dividends it pays after June 30, 2014 (or, in certain cases, after later dates), and 30% of the gross proceeds of share redemptions or exchanges and certain Capital Gain Dividends it pays after December 31, 2016. If a payment by the Portfolio is subject to FATCA withholding, the Portfolio is required to withhold even if such payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders described above (e.g., Capital Gain Dividends). Each prospective investor is urged to consult its tax adviser regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the prospective investor’s own situation, including investments through an intermediary.

General Considerations

The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information only. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the specific federal tax consequences of purchasing, holding, and disposing of shares of the Portfolio, as well as the effects of state, local, foreign, and other tax law and any proposed tax law changes.

UNDERWRITER

State Street Global Markets, LLC serves as the Fund’s Distributor (the “Distributor”) pursuant to the Distribution Agreement by and between the Distributor and the Trust. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund pays the Distributor fees under the Rule 12b-1 Plan in effect for the Fund. For a description of the fees paid to the Distributor under the Rule 12b-1 Plan, see “Shareholder Servicing and Distribution Plan,” above. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific number of shares and will sell shares of the Fund on a continuous basis only against orders to purchase shares. The principal business address of the Distributor is One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The audited financial statements for the first fiscal year of the Fund’s operation will be included in the first Annual Report of the Trust (the “Annual Report”) following the Fund’s first fiscal year end. The Annual Report will be available, without charge, upon request, by calling (866) 392-0869.

 

39


Table of Contents

APPENDIX A

RATINGS OF DEBT INSTRUMENTS

MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (“MOODY’S”) — LONG TERM DEBT RATINGS. The following is a description of Moody’s debt instrument ratings.

Aaa — Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.

Aa — Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.

A — Bonds that are rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.

Baa — Baa rated bonds are considered medium-grade obligations, and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics and are subject to moderate credit risk.

Ba — Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B and Lower — Bonds which are rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Bonds which are rated

Caa are of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Moody’s applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a midrange ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.

P-1 — Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers (or supporting institutions) to honor short-term financial obligations. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The designation “Prime-1” or “P-1” indicates a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-2 — Issuers (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-3 — Issuers (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

STANDARD & POOR’S RATING GROUP (“S&P”). S&P’s ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (i) the likelihood of default — capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation; (ii) the nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (iii) the protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

AAA — Bonds rated AAA are highest grade debt obligations. This rating indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest.

AA — Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality obligations. Their capacity to pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they differ from AAA issues only by a small degree.

A — Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest, although they are more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher-rated categories.

 

A-1


Table of Contents

BBB — Bonds rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and principal.

BB and Lower — Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds may have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.

The ratings AA to C may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

A-1- Standard & Poor’s short-term issue credit ratings are current assessments of the likelihood of timely payments of debt having original maturity of no more than 365 days. The A-1 designation indicates that the capacity for payment is extremely strong.

A-2- The capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong. However, a short-term debt with this rating is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debts in higher rating categories.

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.

FITCH RATINGS. (“FITCH”).

Fitch Ratings cover a 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.

AAA — Highest credit quality. ‘AAA’ ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.

AA — Very high credit quality. ‘AA’ ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

A High credit quality. ‘A’ ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.

BBB — Good credit quality. ‘BBB’ ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity.

BB Speculative — ‘BB’ ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists which supports the servicing of financial commitments.

Fitch Rating’s appends the modifiers “+” or “-” to denote relative status within the major rating categories.

A short-term rating has a time horizon of up to 13 months for most obligations, or up to 36 months for US public finance securities, and thus places greater emphasis on the liquidity necessary to meet financial commitments in a timely manner.

 

A-2


Table of Contents

F1. Highest short-term credit quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature.

F2. Good short-term credit quality. A Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.

F3. Fair short-term credit quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate.

B. Speculative short-term credit quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

C. High short-term default risk. Default is a real possibility.

D. Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a specific short-term obligation.

E. Restricted Default. Indicates an entity has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations.

 

A-3


Table of Contents

APPENDIX B

SSGA FUNDS

STATE STREET MASTER FUNDS

STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

As of February 13, 2014

The Boards of Trustees of the SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust (each a “Trust”)1 have adopted the following policy and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trust’s investment portfolios.

 

1. Proxy Voting Policy

The policy of the Trust is to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trust to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., the Trust’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”), subject to the Trustees’ continuing oversight.

 

2. Fiduciary Duty

The right to vote proxies with respect to a portfolio security held by the Trust is an asset of the Trust. The Adviser acts as a fiduciary of the Trust and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Trust and its shareholders.

 

3. Proxy Voting Procedures

A. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Board its policies, procedures and other guidelines for voting proxies (“Policy”). In addition, the Adviser shall notify the Trustees of material changes to its Policy promptly and not later than the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees after such amendment is implemented.

B. With respect to any proxies that the Adviser has identified as involving a conflict of interest, the Adviser shall submit a report indicating the nature of the conflict of interest and how that conflict was resolved with respect to the voting of the proxy at the next regular meeting of the Board or Trustees. For this purpose, a “conflict of interest” shall be deemed to occur when the Adviser, the principal underwriter of the Trust (the “Principal Underwriter”) or an affiliated person of the Adviser or the Principal Underwriter has a financial interest in a matter presented by a proxy to be voted on behalf of a Trust, other than the obligations the Adviser or the Principal Underwriter incurs as a service provider to the Trust, which may compromise the Adviser’s or Principal Underwriter’s independence of judgment and action in voting the proxy.

C. At least annually, the Adviser shall inform the Trustees that a record is available with respect to each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Trust during the year. Also see Section 5 below.

 

4. Revocation of Authority to Vote

The delegation by the Trustees of the authority to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Trust may be revoked by the Trustees, in whole or in part, at any time.

 

 

1  Unless otherwise noted, the singular term “Trust” used throughout this document means each of SSgA Funds, State Street Master Funds and State Street Institutional Investment Trust.

 

B-1


Table of Contents
5. Annual Filing of Proxy Voting Record

The Adviser shall provide the required data for each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Trust to the Trust or its designated service provider in a timely manner and in a format acceptable to be filed in the Trust’s annual proxy voting report on Form N-PX for the twelve-month period ended June 30. Form N-PX is required to be filed not later than August 31 of each year.

 

6. Disclosures

 

  A. The Trust shall include in its registration statement:

1. A description of this policy and of the policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities; and

2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust’s toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) website.

 

  B. The Trust shall include in its annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders:

1. A statement disclosing that a description of the policies and procedures used by or on behalf of the Trust to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the Funds is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust’s toll-free telephone number; through a specified Internet address, if applicable; and on the SEC’s website; and

2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust’s toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC’s website.

 

7. Review of Policy

The Trustees shall review this policy to determine its continued sufficiency as necessary from time to time.

 

B-2


Table of Contents

APPENDIX C

 

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc. (“SSgA FM”), one of the industry’s largest institutional asset

managers, is the investment management arm of State Street Bank and Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a leading provider of financial services to institutional investors. As an investment manager, SSgA FM has discretionary proxy voting authority over most of its client accounts, and SSgA FM votes these proxies in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments as described in the SSgA FM Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles.

SSgA FM maintains Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines for select markets, including: the US, the EU, the UK, Australia, emerging markets and Japan. International markets that do not have specific guidelines are reviewed and voted consistent with our Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles; however, SSgA FM also endeavors to show sensitivity to local market practices when voting in these various markets.

 

C-1


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM’s APPROACH TO

PROXY VOTING AND ISSUER ENGAGEMENT

At SSgA FM, we take our fiduciary duties as an asset manager very seriously. We have a dedicated team of corporate governance professionals who help us carry out our duties as a responsible investor. These duties include engaging with companies, developing and enhancing in-house corporate governance policies, analyzing corporate governance issues on a case-by-case basis at the company level, and exercising our voting rights—all to maximize shareholder value.

SSgA FM’s Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles (the “Principles”) may take different perspectives on common governance issues that vary from one market to another and, likewise, engagement activity may take different forms in order to best achieve long-term engagement goals. We believe that proxy voting and engagement with portfolio companies is often the most direct and productive way shareholders can exercise their ownership rights, and taken together, we view these tools to be an integral part of the overall investment process.

We believe engagement and voting activity have a direct relationship. As a result, the integration of our engagement activities, while leveraging the exercise of our voting rights, provides a meaningful shareholder tool that we believe protects and enhances the long-term economic value of the holdings in our client accounts. SSgA FM maximizes its voting power and engagement by maintaining a centralized proxy voting and active ownership process covering all holdings, regardless of strategy. Despite the different investment views and objectives across SSgA FM, depending on the product or strategy, the fiduciary responsibilities of share ownership and voting for which SSgA FM has voting discretion are carried out with a single voice and objective.

The Principles support governance structures that we believe add to, or maximize shareholder value at the companies held in our clients’ portfolios. SSgA FM conducts issuer specific engagements with companies to discuss our principles, including sustainability related risks. In addition, we encourage issuers to find ways of increasing the amount of direct communication board members have with shareholders. We believe direct communication with executive board members and independent non-executive directors is critical to helping companies understand shareholder concerns. Conversely, where appropriate, we conduct collaborative engagement activities with multiple shareholders and communicate with company representatives about common concerns.

In conducting our engagements, SSgA FM also evaluates the various factors that play into the corporate governance framework of a country, including the macroeconomic conditions and broader political system, the quality of regulatory oversight, the enforcement of property and shareholder rights and the independence of the judiciary to name a few. SSgA FM understands that regulatory requirements and investor expectations relating to governance practices and engagement activities differ from country-to-country. As a result, SSgA FM engages with issuers, regulators, or both, depending on the market. SSgA FM also is a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy at the country level as well as issuer specific concerns at a company level.

To help mitigate company specific risk, the team may collaborate with members of the active investment teams to engage with companies on corporate governance issues and address any specific concerns, or to get more information regarding shareholder items that are to be voted on at upcoming shareholder meetings. Outside of proxy voting season, SSgA FM conducts issuer specific engagements with companies covering various corporate governance and sustainability related topics.

The SSgA FM Governance Team uses a blend of quantitative and qualitative research and data to support screens to help identify issuers where active engagement may be necessary to protect and promote shareholder value. Issuer engagement may also be event driven, focusing on issuer specific corporate governance, sustainability concerns or wider industry related trends. SSgA FM also gives consideration to the size of our total position of the issuer in question and/or the potential negative governance, performance profile, and circumstance at hand. As a result, SSgA FM believes issuer engagement can take many forms and be triggered under numerous circumstances. The following methods represent how SSgA FM defines engagement methods:

Active

SSgA FM uses screening tools designed to capture a mix of company specific data including governance and sustainability profiles to help us focus our voting and engagement activity.

 

C-2


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM will actively seek direct dialogue with the board and management of companies we have identified through our screening processes. Such engagements may lead to further monitoring to ensure the company improves its governance or sustainability practices. In these cases, the engagement process represents the most meaningful opportunity for SSgA FM to protect long-term shareholder value from excessive risk due to poor governance and sustainability practices.

Recurring

SSgA FM has ongoing dialogue with its largest holdings on corporate governance and sustainability issues. SSgA FM maintains regular face-to-face meetings with these issuers, allowing SSgA FM to reinforce key tenets of good corporate governance and actively advise these issuers around concerns that SSgA FM feels may negatively impact long-term shareholder value.

Reactive

Reactive engagement is initiated by the issuers. SSgA FM routinely discusses specific voting issues and items with the issuer community. Reactive engagement is an opportunity to address not only voting items, but also a wide range of governance and sustainability issues.

Measurement

Assessing the effectiveness of our issuer engagement process is often difficult. To limit the subjectivity of measuring our success we actively seek issuer feedback and monitor the actions issuers take post-engagement to identify tangible changes. By doing so, we are able to establish indicators to gauge how issuers respond to our concerns and to what degree these responses satisfy our requests. It is also important to note that successful engagement activity can be measured over differing time periods depending on the facts and circumstances involved. Engagements can last as short as a single meeting or span multiple years.

Depending on the issue and whether the engagement activity is reactive, recurring, or active, engagement with issuers can take the form of written communication, conference calls, or face-to-face meetings.

SSgA FM believes active engagement is best conducted directly with company management or board members. Collaborative engagement, where multiple shareholders communicate with company representatives, can serve as a potential forum for issues that are not identified by SSgA FM as requiring active engagement, such as shareholder conference calls.

PROXY VOTING PROCEDURE

Oversight

The SSgA FM Corporate Governance Team is responsible for implementing the Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines (the “Guidelines”), case-by-case voting items, issuer engagement activities, and research and analysis of governance-related issues. The implementation of the Guidelines is overseen by the SSgA Global Proxy Review Committee (“SSgA PRC”), a committee of investment, compliance and legal professionals, who provide guidance on proxy issues as described in greater detail below. Oversight of the proxy voting process is ultimately the responsibility of the SSgA Investment Committee. The SSgA Investment Committee reviews and approves amendments to the Guidelines. The SSgA PRC reports to the SSgA Investment Committee, and may refer certain significant proxy items to that committee.

Proxy Voting Process

In order to facilitate SSgA FM’s proxy voting process, SSgA FM retains Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (“ISS”), a firm with expertise in proxy voting and corporate governance. SSgA FM utilizes ISS’s services in three ways: (1) as SSgA FM’s proxy voting agent (providing SSgA FM with vote execution and administration services); (2) for applying the Guidelines; and (3) as providers of research and analysis relating to general corporate governance issues and specific proxy items.

The SSgA FM Corporate Governance Team reviews the Guidelines with ISS on an annual basis or on a case-by- case basis as needed. On most routine proxy voting items (e.g., ratification of auditors), ISS will affect the proxy votes in accordance with the Guidelines.

In other cases, the Corporate Governance Team will evaluate the proxy solicitation to determine how to vote based on facts and circumstances, consistent with the Principles, and the accompanying Guidelines, that seek to maximize the value of our client accounts.

 

C-3


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

In some instances, the Corporate Governance Team may refer significant issues to the SSgA PRC for a determination of the proxy vote. In addition, in determining whether to refer a proxy vote to the SSgA PRC, the Corporate Governance Team will consider whether a material conflict of interest exists between the interests of our client and those of SSgA FM or its affiliates (as explained in greater detail below under “Conflict of Interest”).

SSgA FM votes in all markets where it is feasible; however, SSgA FM may refrain from voting meetings when power of attorney documentation is required, where voting will have a material impact on our ability to trade the security, where issuer-specific special documentation is required or where various market or issuer certifications are required. SSgA FM is unable to vote proxies when certain custodians, used by our clients, do not offer proxy voting in a jurisdiction, or when they charge a meeting specific fee in excess of the typical custody service agreement.

Conflict of Interest

From time to time, SSgA FM will review a proxy which may present a potential conflict of interest. In general, we do not believe matters that fall within the Guidelines and are voted consistently with the Guidelines present any potential conflicts, since the vote on the matter has effectively been determined without reference to the soliciting entity. However, where matters do not fall within the Guidelines or where we believe that voting in accordance with the Guidelines is unwarranted, we conduct an additional review to determine whether there is a conflict of interest. Although various relationships could be deemed to give rise to a conflict of interest, SSgA FM has determined that two categories of relationships present a serious concern to warrant an alternative process: (1) clients of SSgA FM or its affiliates which are among the top 100 clients of State Street Corporation or its affiliates based upon revenue; and (2) the 10 largest broker-dealers used by SSgA, based upon revenue (a “Material Relationship”).

In circumstances where either: (i) the matter does not fall clearly within the Guidelines; or (ii) SSgA FM determines that voting in accordance with such policies or guidance is not in the best interests of its clients, the Head of SSgA FM’s Corporate Governance Team will determine whether a Material Relationship exists. If so, the matter is referred to the SSgA PRC. The SSgA PRC then reviews the matter and determines whether a conflict of interest exists, and if so, how to best resolve such conflict. For example, the SSgA PRC may (i) determine that the proxy vote does not give rise to a conflict due to the issues presented, (ii) refer the matter to the SSgA Investment Committee for further evaluation or (iii) retain an independent fiduciary to determine the appropriate vote.

PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

Directors and Boards

The election of directors is one of the most important fiduciary duties SSgA FM performs as a shareholder. SSgA FM believes that well-governed companies can protect and pursue shareholder interests better and withstand the challenges of an uncertain economic environment. As such, SSgA FM seeks to vote director elections in a way which we, as a fiduciary, believe will maximize the long-term value of each portfolio’s holdings.

Principally, a board acts on behalf of shareholders by protecting their interests and preserving their rights. This concept establishes the standard by which board and director performance is measured. To achieve this fundamental principle, the role of the board, in SSgA FM’s view, is to carry out its responsibilities in the best long-term interest of the company and its shareholders. An independent and effective board oversees management, provides guidance on strategic matters, selects the CEO and other senior executives, creates a succession plan for the board and management, provides risk oversight and assesses the performance of the CEO and management. In contrast, management implements the business and capital allocation strategies and runs the company’s day-to-day operations. As part of SSgA FM’s engagement process, SSgA FM routinely discusses the importance of these responsibilities with the boards of issuers.

SSgA FM believes the quality of a board is a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board evaluations and refreshment and company governance practices. In voting to elect nominees, SSgA FM considers many factors. SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. A sufficiently independent

 

C-4


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

board will effectively monitor management, maintain appropriate governance practices, and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests. SSgA FM also believes the right mix of skills, independence and qualifications among directors provides boards with the knowledge and direct experience to deal with risks and operating structures that are often unique and complex from one industry to another.

Accounting and Audit Related Issues

SSgA FM believes audit committees are critical and necessary as part of the board’s risk oversight role. The audit committee is responsible for setting out an internal audit function to provide robust audit and internal control systems designed to effectively manage potential and emerging risks to the company’s operations and strategy. SSgA FM believes audit committees should have independent directors as members, and SSgA FM will hold the members of the audit committee responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function.

The disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for the investment process. As a result, board oversight of the internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely on financial statements. Also, it is important for the audit committee to appoint external auditors who are independent from management as we expect auditors to provide assurance as of a company’s financial condition.

Capital Structure, Reorganization and Mergers

The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholder’s ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards and in making such a critical decision, SSgA FM believes the company should have a well explained business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilute its shareholders.

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.

Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In evaluating mergers and acquisitions, SSgA FM considers the adequacy of the consideration and the impact of the corporate governance provisions to shareholders. In all cases, SSgA FM uses its discretion in order to maximize shareholder value.

Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer making an offer, or reducing the likelihood of a successful offer. SSgA FM does not support proposals that reduce shareholders’ rights, entrench management or reduce the likelihood of shareholder’s right to vote on reasonable offers.

Compensation

SSgA FM considers the board’s responsibility to include setting the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive compensation; SSgA FM believes that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long-term.

Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSgA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests, as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSgA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders’ interests. SSgA FM may also consider executive compensation practices when re-electing members of the remuneration committee.

SSgA FM recognizes that compensation policies and practices are unique from market to market; often with significant differences between the level of disclosures, the amount and forms of compensation paid, and the ability of shareholders to approve executive compensation practices. As a result, our ability to assess the appropriateness of executive compensation is often dependent on market practices and laws.

 

C-5


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Environmental and Social Issues

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. Environmental and social factors may not only have an impact on the reputation of companies but may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could be the result of anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends to shifts in consumer behavior.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on a company, its industry, operations, and geographic footprint. SSgA FM may also take action against the re-election of board members if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder requests to amend them.

General/Routine

Although SSgA FM does not seek involvement in the day-to-day operations of an organization, SSgA FM recognizes the need for conscientious oversight and input into management decisions that may affect a company’s value. SSgA FM supports proposals that encourage economically advantageous corporate practices and governance, while leaving decisions that are deemed to be routine or constitute ordinary business to management and the board of directors.

Securities on Loan

For funds where SSgA FM acts as trustee, SSgA FM may recall securities in instances where SSgA FM believes that a particular vote will have a material impact on the fund(s). Several factors shape this process. First, SSgA FM must receive notice of the vote in sufficient time to recall the shares on or before the record date. In many cases, SSgA FM does not receive timely notice, and is unable to recall the shares on or before the record date. Second, SSgA FM, exercising its discretion may recall shares if it believes the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the foregone lending income. This determination requires SSgA FM, with the information available at the time, to form judgments about events or outcomes that are difficult to quantify. Given past experience in this area, however, we believe that the recall of securities will rarely provide an economic benefit that outweighs the cost of the foregone lending income.

Reporting

Any client who wishes to receive information on how its proxies were voted should contact its SSgA FM relationship manager.

 

C-6


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com
© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ID1061-INST-4625 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-7


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’s (“SSgA FM”) US Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in the US. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s US Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, director tenure, audit related issues, capital structure, executive compensation, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

LOGO

 

C-8


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSgA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSgA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a country’s regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSgA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.

In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in the US, SSgA FM expects all companies to act in a transparent manner and provide detailed disclosure on board profiles, related-party transactions, executive compensation and other governance issues that impact shareholders’ long-term interests.

SSgA FM’S PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagements to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagements and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the US.

SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practices, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

Director related proposals at US companies include issues submitted to shareholders that deal with the composition of the board or with members of a corporation’s board of directors. In deciding which director nominee to support, SSgA FM considers numerous factors.

Director Elections

SSgA FM’s director election policy focuses on companies’ governance profile to identify if a company demonstrates appropriate governance practices or if it exhibits negative governance practices. Factors SSgA FM considers when evaluating governance practices include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Shareholder rights;

 

  Board independence; and

 

  Board structure.

If a company demonstrates appropriate governance practices, SSgA FM believes a director should be classified as independent based on the relevant listing standards or local market practice standards. In such cases, the composition of the key oversight committees of a board should meet the minimum standards of independence. Accordingly, SSgA FM will vote against a nominee at a company with

 

C-9


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

appropriate governance practices if the director is classified as non-independent under relevant listing standards or local market practice AND serves on a key committee of the board (compensation, audit, nominating or committees required to be fully independent by local market standards).

Conversely, if a company demonstrates negative governance practices, SSgA FM believes the classification standards for director independence should be elevated. In such circumstances, we will evaluate all director nominees based on the following classification standards:

 

  Is the nominee an employee of or related to an employee of the issuer or its auditor;

 

  Does the nominee provide professional services to the issuer;

 

  Has the nominee attended an appropriate number of board meetings; or

 

  Has the nominee received non-board related compensation from the issuer.

Where companies demonstrate negative governance practices, these stricter standards will apply not only to directors who are a member of a key committee but to all directors on the board as market practice permits. Accordingly, SSgA FM will vote against a nominee (with the exception of the CEO) where the board has inappropriate governance practices and is considered not independent based on the above independence criteria.

Additionally, SSgA FM may withhold votes from directors based on the following:

 

  When overall average board tenure is excessive and/or individual director tenure is excessive. In assessing excessive tenure, SSgA FM gives consideration to factors such as the preponderance of long tenured directors, board refreshment practices, and classified board structures;

 

  When directors attend less than 75% of board meetings without appropriate explanation or providing reason for their failure to meet the attendance threshold;

 

  CEOs of a public company who sit on more than three public company boards;

 

  Director nominees who sit on more than six public company boards;

 

  Directors of companies that have ignored a shareholder proposal which received a majority of the shares outstanding at the last annual or special meeting, unless management submits the proposal(s) on the ballot as a binding management proposal, recommending shareholders vote for the particular proposal(s);

 

  Compensation committee members where there is a weak relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period;

 

  Audit committee members if non-audit fees exceed 50% of total fees paid to the auditors; and

 

  Directors who appear to have been remiss in their duties.

Director Related Proposals

SSgA FM generally votes for the following director related proposals:

 

  Discharge of board members’ duties, in the absence of pending litigation, regulatory investigation, charges of fraud or other indications of significant concern;

 

  Proposals to restore shareholders’ ability to remove directors with or without cause;

 

  Proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies; and

 

  Shareholder proposals seeking disclosure regarding the company, board, or compensation committee’s use of compensation consultants, such as company name, business relationship(s) and fees paid.

SSgA FM generally votes against the following director related proposals:

 

  Requirements that candidates for directorships own large amounts of stock before being eligible to be elected;

 

  Proposals that relate to the “transaction of other business as properly comes before the meeting”, which extend “blank check” powers to those acting as proxy; and

 

  Proposals requiring two candidates per board seat.

 

C-10


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Majority Voting

SSgA FM will generally support a majority vote standard based on votes cast for the election of directors.

SSgA FM will generally vote to support amendments to bylaws that would require simple majority of voting shares (i.e. shares cast) to pass or repeal certain provisions.

Annual Elections

SSgA FM generally supports the establishment of annual elections of the board of directors. Consideration is given to the overall level of board independence and the independence of the key committees as well as whether there is a shareholders rights plan.

Cumulative Voting

SSgA FM does not support cumulative voting structures for the election of directors.

Separation Chair/CEO

SSgA FM analyzes proposals for the separation of Chair/CEO on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration numerous factors, including but not limited to, a company’s performance and the overall governance structure of the company.

Proxy Access

SSgA FM will consider proposals relating to Proxy Access on a case-by-case basis.

SSgA FM will evaluate the company’s specific circumstances, the impact of the proposal on the target company and its potential effect on shareholder value.

Considerations include but are not limited to the following:

 

  The ownership thresholds and holding duration proposed in the resolution;

 

  The binding nature of the proposal;

 

  The number of directors that shareholders may be able to nominate each year;

 

  Company performance;

 

  Company governance structure;

 

  Shareholder rights; and

 

  Board performance.

Age/Term Limits

Generally, SSgA FM will vote against age and term limits.

Approve Remuneration of Directors

Generally, SSgA FM will support directors’ compensation, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other issuers in the market or industry. In making our determination, we review whether the compensation is overly dilutive to existing shareholders.

Indemnification

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

Classified Boards

SSgA FM generally supports annual elections for the board of directors. In certain cases, SSgA FM will support a classified board structure; if the board is composed of 80 percent independent directors, the board’s key committees (auditing, nominating and compensation) are composed of independent directors, and consideration of other governance factors, including, but not limited to, shareholder rights and antitakeover devices.

Confidential Voting

SSgA FM will support confidential voting.

Board Size

SSgA FM will support proposals seeking to fix the board size or designate a range for the board size and will vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board outside of a specified range without shareholder approval.

 

C-11


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

Ratifying Auditors and Approving Auditor Compensation

SSgA FM supports the approval of auditors and auditor compensation provided that the issuer has properly disclosed audit and non-audit fees relative to market practice and the audit fees are not deemed excessive. SSgA FM deems audit fees to be excessive if the non-audit fees for the prior year constituted 50% or more of the total fees paid to the auditor. SSgA FM will support the disclosure of auditor and consulting relationships when the same or related entities are conducting both activities and will support the establishment of a selection committee responsible for the final approval of significant management consultant contract awards where existing firms are already acting in an auditing function.

In circumstances where “other” fees include fees related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to the standard “non-audit fee” category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining whether non-audit fees are excessive.

SSgA FM will support the discharge of auditors and requirements that auditors attend the annual meeting of shareholders.1

CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

Capital structure proposals include requests by management for approval of amendments to the certificate of incorporation that will alter the capital structure of the company. The most common request is for an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock, usually in conjunction with a stock split or dividend. Typically, requests that are not unreasonably dilutive or enhance the rights of common shareholders are supported. In considering authorized share proposals, the typical threshold for approval is 100% over current authorized shares. However, the threshold may be increased if the company offers a specific need or purpose (merger, stock splits, growth purposes, etc.). All proposals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis taking into account the company’s specific financial situation.

Increase in Authorized Common Shares

In general, SSgA FM supports share increases for general corporate purposes up to 100% of current authorized stock.

SSgA FM supports increases for specific corporate purposes up to 100% of the specific need plus 50% of current authorized common stock for US firms.

When applying the thresholds, SSgA FM will also consider the nature of the specific need, such as mergers and acquisitions and stock splits.

Increase in Authorized Preferred Shares

SSgA FM votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to increase the number of preferred shares.

Generally, SSgA FM will vote for the authorization of preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

SSgA FM will support proposals to create “declawed” blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense). However, SSgA FM will vote against proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose.

Unequal Voting Rights

SSgA FM will not support proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will vote against new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSgA FM will not support capitalization changes that add “blank check” classes of stock (i.e. classes of stock with undefined voting rights) or classes that dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.

However, SSgA FM will support capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.

MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.

 

C-12


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock, especially in some non-US markets;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

ANTI–TAKEOVER ISSUES

Typically, these are proposals relating to requests by management to amend the certificate of incorporation or bylaws to add or delete a provision that is deemed to have an antitakeover effect. The majority of these proposals deal with management’s attempt to add some provision that makes a hostile takeover more difficult or will protect incumbent management in the event of a change in control of the company.

Proposals that reduce shareholders’ rights or have the effect of entrenching incumbent management will not be supported.

Proposals that enhance the right of shareholders to make their own choices as to the desirability of a merger or other proposal are supported.

Shareholder Rights Plans

SSgA FM will support mandates requiring shareholder approval of a shareholder rights plans (“poison pill”) and repeals of various anti-takeover related provisions.

In general, SSgA FM will vote against the adoption or renewal of a US issuer’s shareholder rights plan (“poison pill”).

SSgA FM will vote for an amendment to a shareholder rights plan (“poison pill”) where the terms of the new plans are more favorable to shareholders’ ability to accept unsolicited offers (i.e. if one of the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no “dead hand,” “slow hand,” “no hand” or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, and (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced).

Special Meetings

SSgA FM will vote for shareholder proposals related to special meetings at companies that do not provide shareholders the right to call for a special meeting in their bylaws if:

 

  The company also does not allow shareholders to act by written consent; or

 

  The company allows shareholders to act by written consent but the ownership threshold for acting by written consent is set above 25% of outstanding shares.

 

C-13


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM will vote for shareholder proposals related to special meetings at companies that give shareholders (with a minimum 10% ownership threshold) the right to call for a special meeting in their bylaws if:

 

  The current ownership threshold to call for a special meeting is above 25% of outstanding shares.

SSgA FM will vote for management proposals related to special meetings.

Written Consent

SSgA FM will vote for shareholder proposals on written consent at companies if:

 

  The company does not have provisions in their bylaws giving shareholders the right to call for a special meeting; or

 

  The company allows shareholders the right to call for a special meeting but the current ownership threshold to call for a special meeting is above 25% of outstanding shares; and

 

  The company has a poor governance profile.

SSgA FM will vote management proposals on written consent on a case-by-case basis.

Super–Majority

SSgA FM will generally vote against amendments to bylaws requiring super-majority shareholder votes to pass or repeal certain provisions. SSgA FM will vote for the reduction or elimination of super-majority vote requirements, unless management of the issuer was concurrently seeking to or had previously made such a reduction or elimination.

REMUNERATION ISSUES

Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides the analysis of all compensation plans; namely, are the terms of the plan designed to provide an incentive for executives and/or employees to align their interests with those of the shareholders and thus work toward enhancing shareholder value. Plans which benefit participants only when the shareholders also benefit are those most likely to be supported.

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation and Frequency

SSgA FM believes executive compensation plays a critical role in aligning executives interest with shareholder’s, attracting, retaining and incentivizing key talent, and ensuring positive correlation between the performance achieved by management and the benefits derived by shareholders. SSgA FM supports management proposals on executive compensation where there is a strong relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period. SSgA FM seeks adequate disclosure of different compensation elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long term and short term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. Further, shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance on an annual basis.

Employee Equity Award Plans

SSgA FM considers numerous criteria when examining equity award proposals. Generally, SSgA FM does not vote against plans for lack of performance or vesting criteria. Rather, the main criteria that will result in a vote against an equity award plan are:

Excessive voting power dilution To assess the dilutive effect, we divide the number of shares required to fully fund the proposed plan, the number of authorized but unissued shares and the issued but unexercised shares by the fully diluted share count. SSgA FM reviews that number in light of certain factors, including the industry of the issuer.

Historical option grants Excessive historical option grants over the past three years. Plans that provide for historical grant patterns of greater than eight to twelve percent are generally not supported.

Repricing SSgA FM will vote against any plan where repricing is expressly permitted. If a company has a history of repricing underwater options, the plan will not be supported.

Other criteria include the following:

 

  Number of participants or eligible employees;

 

  The variety of awards possible; and

 

  The period of time covered by the plan.

There are numerous factors that we view as negative, and together, may result in a vote against a proposal:

 

  Grants to individuals or very small groups of participants;

 

C-14


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

  “Gun-jumping” grants which anticipate shareholder approval of a plan or amendment;

 

  The power of the board to exchange “underwater” options without shareholder approval; this pertains to the ability of a company to reprice options, not the actual act of repricing described above;

 

  Below market rate loans to officers to exercise their options;

 

  The ability to grant options at less than fair market value;

 

  Acceleration of vesting automatically upon a change in control; and

 

  Excessive compensation (i.e. compensation plans which are deemed by SSgA FM to be overly dilutive).

Share Repurchases If a company makes a clear connection between a share repurchase program and its intent to offset dilution created from option plans and the company fully discloses the amount of shares being repurchased, the voting dilution calculation may be adjusted to account for the impact of the buy back.

Companies who do not (i) clearly state the intentions of any proposed share buy-back plan or (ii) disclose a definitive number of the shares to be bought back and, (iii) disclose the time frame during which the shares will be bought back, will not have any such repurchase plan factored into the dilution calculation.

162(m) Plan Amendments If a plan would not normally meet the SSgA FM criteria described above, but is primarily being amended to add specific performance criteria to be used with awards designed to qualify for performance-based exception from the tax deductibility limitations of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, then SSgA FM will support the proposal to amend the plan.

Employee Stock Option Plans

SSgA FM generally votes for stock purchase plans with an exercise price of not less than 85% of fair market value. However, SSgA FM takes market practice into consideration.

Compensation Related Items

SSgA FM will generally support the following proposals:

 

  Expansions to reporting of financial or compensation-related information, within reason; and

 

  Proposals requiring the disclosure of executive retirement benefits if the issuer does not have an independent compensation committee.

SSgA FM will generally vote against the following proposals:

 

  Retirement bonuses for non-executive directors and auditors.

MISCELLANEOUS/ROUTINE ITEMS

SSgA FM generally supports the following miscellaneous/routine governance items:

 

  Reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election when voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate;

 

  Opting out of business combination provision;

 

  Proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management;

 

  Liquidation of the company if the company will file for bankruptcy if the proposal is not approved;

 

  Shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote;

 

  General updating of or corrective amendments to charter and bylaws not otherwise specifically addressed herein, unless such amendments would reasonably be expected to diminish shareholder rights (e.g. extension of directors’ term limits, amending shareholder vote requirement to amend the charter documents, insufficient information provided as to the reason behind the amendment);

 

  Change in corporation name;

 

  Mandates that amendments to bylaws or charters have shareholder approval;

 

C-15


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

  Management proposals to change the date, time, and/or location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable;

 

  Repeals, prohibitions or adoption of anti-greenmail provisions;

 

  Management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of authorized shares will be proportionately reduced and proposals to implement a reverse stock split to avoid delisting; and

 

  Exclusive forum provisions.

SSgA FM generally does not support the following miscellaneous/ routine governance items:

 

  Proposals asking companies to adopt full tenure holding periods for their executives;

 

  Reincorporation to a location that we believe has more negative attributes than its current location of incorporation;

 

  Shareholder proposals to change the date, time, and/or location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable;

 

  Proposals to approve other business when it appears as voting item;

 

  Proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the bylaws; and

 

  Proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding unless there are compelling reasons to support the proposal.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

As a fiduciary, we consider the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business.

Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer-by-issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.

 

1  Common for non-US issuers; request from the issuer to discharge from liability the directors or auditors with respect to actions taken by them during the previous year.

 

C-16


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com
© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ID01060-INST-4624 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-17


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’, (“SSgA FM”) European Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines cover different corporate governance frameworks and practices in European markets excluding the United Kingdom and Ireland. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines in European markets address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management and monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

 

LOGO

 

C-18


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in European markets, SSgA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSgA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a country’s regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSgA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.

In its analysis and research in to corporate governance issues in European companies, SSgA FM also considers guidance issued by the European Commission. Companies should provide detailed explanations under diverse ‘comply or explain’ approaches, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders’ long-term interests.

SSgA FM’S PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active fundamental and EMEA investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in European markets. SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re–election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices.

A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

SSgA FM’s broad criteria for director independence in European companies include factors such as:

 

  Participation in related–party transactions and other business relations with the company;

 

  Employment history with company;

 

  Relations with controlling shareholders;

 

  Family ties with any of the company’s advisers, directors or senior employees;

 

  Employee and government representatives; and

 

  Overall average board tenure and individual director tenure at issuers with classified and de-classified boards, respectively.

While, overall board independence requirements and board structures differ from market to market, SSgA FM considers voting against directors it deems non–independent if overall board independence is below one third. SSgA FM also assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case–by–case basis, giving consideration to factors such

 

C-19


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

as overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. SSgA FM may also not support a proposal to discharge the board, if a company fails to meet adequate governance standards or board level independence.

When considering the election or re-election of a non-executive director, SSgA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive can undertake and attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSgA FM may vote against the election of a director whose biographical disclosures are insufficient to assess his or her role on the board and/or independence.

Although we generally are in favour of the annual election of directors, we recognise that director terms vary considerably in different European markets. SSgA FM may vote against article/ bylaw changes that seek to extend director terms. In addition, in certain markets, SSgA FM may vote against directors if their director terms extend beyond four years.

SSgA FM believes companies should have relevant board level committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Similarly, executive pay is an important aspect of corporate governance, and it should be determined by the board of directors and SSgA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. SSgA FM may vote against nominees who are executive members of audit or remuneration committees.

In its analysis of boards, SSgA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint.

In certain European markets it is not uncommon for the election of directors to be presented in a single slate. In these cases, where executives serve on the audit or the remuneration committees, SSgA FM may vote against the entire slate.

SSgA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities)

Indemnification and limitations on liability

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.

Appointment of External Auditors

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSgA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSgA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSgA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.

Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors

SSgA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.

 

C-20


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

In some European markets, differential voting rights continue to exist. SSgA FM supports the “one share one vote” policy and favours a share structure where all shares have equal voting rights. SSgA FM believes pre-emption rights should be introduced for shareholders in order to provide adequate protection from being overly diluted from the issuance of new shares or convertible securities to third parties or a small number of select shareholders.

Unequal Voting Rights

SSgA FM generally opposes proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will generally oppose new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSgA FM will not support capitalization changes that add classes of stock with undefined voting rights or classes that may dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders. SSgA FM supports proposals to abolish voting caps and capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.

Increase in Authorized Capital

The ability raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholder’s ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSgA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a company’s existing capital base.

Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seek to issue new shares whilst dis–applying pre–emption rights, SSgA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSgA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.

Share Repurchase Programs

SSgA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSgA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.

Dividends

SSgA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSgA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the company’s long-term financial health.

Related Party Transactions

Certain companies in European markets have a controlled ownership structure and have complex cross-shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies (related companies). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, SSgA FM expects companies to provide details of the transaction, such as the nature, value and purpose of such a transaction. It also encourages independent directors to ratify such transactions. Further, SSgA FM encourages companies to describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

 

C-21


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

Anti–Takeover Measures

European markets have diverse regulations concerning the use of share issuances as takeover defenses with legal restrictions lacking in some markets. SSgA FM supports a one-share, one-vote policy, for example, given that dual-class capital structures entrench certain shareholders and management, insulating them from possible takeovers. SSgA FM opposes unlimited share issuance authorizations as they may be used as antitakeover devices, and they have the potential for substantial voting and earnings dilution. SSgA FM also monitors the duration of authorities to issue shares and whether there are restrictions and caps on multiple issuance authorities during the specified time periods. SSgA FM opposes antitakeover defenses such as authorities for the board, when subject to a hostile takeover, to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.

REMUNERATION

Executive Pay

Despite the differences among the types of plans and awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive pay—there should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term.

Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSgA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSgA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders’ interests. SSgA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure to review its approach.

Equity Incentives Plans

SSgA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSgA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.

Non–Executive Director Pay

In European markets, authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors’ fees are generally not controversial. SSgA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors’ fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSgA FM will evaluate on a company-by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.

 

C-22


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

RISK MANAGEMENT

SSgA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSgA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSgA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.

Environmental and Social Issues

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSgA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.

 

C-23


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com
© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ID1058-INST-4622 0414 Exp. Date: 3/31/2015

 

C-24


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’, (“SSgA FM”) UK Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s UK Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

 

LOGO

 

C-25


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSgA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSgA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a country’s regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSgA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.

In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in the UK and Ireland, SSgA FM expects all companies, regardless of domicile, that obtain a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange or the Irish Stock Exchange to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code. Companies should provide detailed explanations under the Code’s ‘comply or explain’ approach, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders’ long-term interests.

SSgA FM’S PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active fundamental and EMEA investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the UK and European markets.

SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices.

A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

SSgA FM’s broad criteria for director independence in UK companies include factors such as:

 

  Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company;

 

  Employment history with company;

 

  Excessive tenure and a preponderance of long-tenured directors:

 

  Relations with controlling shareholders; and

 

  Family ties with any of the company’s advisers, directors or senior employees.

When considering the election or re-election of a director, SSgA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive and an executive may undertake as well as attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSgA FM monitors other factors that may influence the independence of a non-executive director, such as performance related pay, cross-directorships, significant shareholdings and tenure. SSgA FM supports the annual election of directors.

 

C-26


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

While SSgA FM is generally supportive of having the roles of chairman and CEO separated in the UK market, SSgA FM assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to factors such as the company’s specific circumstances, overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. Similarly, SSgA FM will monitor for circumstances where a combined chairman/CEO is appointed or where a former CEO becomes chairman.

SSgA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities when considering their suitability for reappointment. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities).

SSgA FM believes companies should have committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Similarly, executive pay is an important aspect of corporate governance, and it should be determined by the board of directors and SSgA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. SSgA FM will vote against nominees who are executive members of audit or remuneration committees.

In its analysis of boards, SSgA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. The nomination committee is responsible for evaluating and keeping under review the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the board and ensuring that adequate succession plans are in place for directors and the CEO. SSgA FM may vote against the re-election of members of the nomination committee if, over time, the board has failed to address concerns over board structure or succession.

Indemnification and limitations on liability

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.

Appointment of External Auditors

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, SSgA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if an adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSgA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSgA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.

Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors

SSgA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.

 

C-27


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

Share Issuances

The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholder’s ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSgA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a company’s existing capital base.

Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seeks to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSgA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSgA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.

Share Repurchase Programs

SSgA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSgA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.

Dividends

SSgA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSgA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the company’s long term financial health.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize share-holder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

Anti-Takeover Measures

SSgA FM opposes antitakeover defenses such as authorities for the board when subject to a hostile takeover to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.

REMUNERATION

Executive Pay

Despite the differences among the types of plans and awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive pay—there should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term.

 

C-28


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration policies and reports, SSgA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSgA FM may oppose remuneration reports where pay seems misaligned with shareholders’ interests. SSgA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.

Equity Incentives Plans

SSgA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSgA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.

Non-Executive Director Pay

Authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors’ fees are generally not controversial. SSgA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors’ fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSgA FM will evaluate on a company- by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.

RISK MANAGEMENT

SSgA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSgA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSgA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.

Environmental and Social Issues

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSgA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.

 

C-29


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

State Street Globoal Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

    

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com

© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

ID1059-INST-4623 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-30


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’, (“SSgA FM”) Emerging Market Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines cover different corporate governance frameworks and practices in emerging markets. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provides a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

At SSgA FM, we recognize that countries in emerging markets are disparate in their corporate governance frameworks and practices. Concurrent with developing a company specific voting and engagement program, SSgA FM also evaluates the various factors that play into the corporate governance framework of a country. These factors include: (i) the macroeconomic conditions and broader political system in a country: (ii) quality of regulatory oversight, enforcement of property and shareholder rights; and (iii) the independence of judiciary—to name a few. While emerging market countries tend to pose broad common governance issues across all markets, such as concentrated ownership, poor disclosure of financial and related-party transactions, and weak enforcement of rules and regulation, SSgA FM’s emerging market proxy voting policy is designed to identify and address specific governance concerns in each market.

 

 

LOGO

 

C-31


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM’S PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY IN EMERGING MARKETS

SSgA FM’s approach to proxy voting and issuer engagement in emerging markets is designed to increase the value of our investments through the mitigation of governance risks. Since the overall quality of the corporate governance framework in an emerging market country drives the level of governance risks investors assign to a country, improving the macro governance framework in a country may help reduce governance risks, in turn, increasing the overall value of SSgA FM’s holdings over time. Therefore, in order to improve the overall governance framework and practices in a country, members of our proxy voting and engagement team endeavor to visit emerging market countries and meet with representatives from regulatory agencies and stock markets to highlight potential concerns with the macro governance framework of a country. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in emerging markets. To help mitigate company specific risk, the team works alongside members of the active fundamental and emerging market teams to engage with emerging market companies on governance issues and address any specific concerns or to get more information regarding shareholder items that are to be voted on at upcoming shareholder meetings. This integrated approach to engagement drives SSgA FM’s proxy voting and engagement philosophy in emerging markets.

SSgA FM’s proxy voting guidelines in emerging markets addresses six broad areas:

 

  Directors and Boards;

 

  Accounting and Audit Related Issues;

 

  Shareholder Rights and Capital Related Issues;

 

  Remuneration;

 

  Environmental and Social Issues; and

 

  General/Routine Issues.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. However, several factors such as low overall independence level requirements by market regulators, poor biographical disclosure of director profiles, prevalence of related-party transactions and the general resistance from controlling shareholders to increase board independence renders the election of directors as one of the most important fiduciary duties SSgA FM performs in emerging market companies.

SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise.

SSgA FM’s broad criteria for director independence in emerging market companies include factors such as:

 

  Participation in related-party transactions;

 

  Employment history with company;

 

  Relations with controlling shareholders and other employees; and

 

  Attendance levels.

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

The disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for the investment process. As a result, board oversight of internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely on financial statements. SSgA FM believes that audit committees provide the necessary oversight on the selection and appointment of auditors, a company’s internal controls and accounting policies, and the overall audit process. In emerging markets, SSgA FM encourages boards to appoint an audit committee composed of a majority of independent auditors.

Appointment of External Auditors

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. SSgA FM believes that it is imperative for audit committees to select outside auditors who are independent from management.

 

C-32


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

SSgA FM believes that changes to a company’s capital structure such as changes in authorized share capital, share repurchase and debt issuances are critical decisions made by the board. SSgA FM believes the company should have a well explained business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and should not overly dilute its shareholders.

Related Party Transcations

Most companies in emerging markets have a controlled ownership structure that often include complex cross-shareholding between subsidiaries and parent companies (related companies). As a result, there is a high prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders such as directors and management. In addition, inter-group loan and loan guarantees provided to related companies are some of the other related-party transactions that increase the risk profile of companies. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, SSgA FM expects companies to provide details of the transaction, such as the nature, value and purpose of such a transaction. It also encourages independent directors to ratify such transactions.Further, SSgA FM encourages companies to describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.

Share Repurchase Programs

With regard to share repurchase programs, SSgA FM expects companies to clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

SSgA FM evaluates mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis. SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

REMUNERATION

SSgA FM considers it to be the board’s responsibility to set appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the types of plans and the awards possible, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive compensation; there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term. In emerging markets we encourage companies to disclose information on senior executive remuneration.

With regard to director remuneration, SSgA FM supports director pay provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other issuers in the market or industry and are not overly dilutive to existing shareholders.

 

C-33


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors can not only have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.

In emerging markets, shareholders seldom vote on environmental and social issues. Therefore, SSgA FM addresses a company’s approach to identifying and managing environmental and social risks stemming for various aspects of its operations in its one-on-one engagement with companies.

GENERAL /ROUTINE ISSUES

Some of the other issues that are routinely voted on in emerging markets include approving the allocation of income and accepting financial statements and statutory reports. For these voting items, SSgA FM’s policies consider several factors including historical dividend payouts, pending litigation, governmental investigation, charges of fraud or other indication of significant concerns.

 

C-34


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without State Street Global Advisors’ express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com

© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

ID1056-INST-4621 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-35


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’s, (“SSgA FM”) Japan Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines complement and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s overarching Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles, which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines in Japan address areas including; board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

LOGO

 

C-36


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in Japan, SSgA FM takes into consideration the unique aspects of Japanese corporate governance structures. We recognize that under Japanese corporate law, companies may choose between two structures of corporate governance: the statutory auditor system or the committee structure. Most Japanese boards predominantly consist of executives and non-independent outsiders affiliated through commercial relationships or cross-shareholdings. Nonetheless, when evaluating companies, SSgA FM expects Japanese companies to address conflicts of interest, risk management and demonstrate an effective process for monitoring management. In its analysis and research into corporate governance issues in Japanese companies, SSgA FM also considers guidance issued by the Corporate Law Subcommittee of the Legislative Council within the Ministry of Justice as well as private study groups.

SSgA FM’s PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, and environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in Japan.

SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice.

Japanese companies have the option of having a traditional board of directors with statutory auditors, or a board with a committee structure. Most Japanese issuers prefer the traditional statutory auditor structure. Statutory auditors act in a quasi-compliance role as they are not involved in strategic decision-making nor are they part of the formal management decision process. Statutory auditors attend board meetings but do not have voting rights at the board; however, they have the right to seek an injunction and conduct broad investigations of unlawful behavior in the company’s operations.

SSgA FM will support the election of statutory auditors, unless the outside statutory auditor nominee is regarded as non-independent based on SSgA FM criteria, the outside statutory auditor has attended less than 75 percent of meetings of the board of directors or board of statutory auditors during the year under review, or the statutory auditor has been remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities (fraud, criminal wrong doing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities).

For companies with a statutory auditor structure there is no legal requirement that boards have outside directors, however, SSgA FM believes there should be a transparent process of independent and external monitoring of management on behalf of shareholders.

 

  SSgA FM believes that non-controlled Japanese companies should appoint at least one outside director, otherwise, SSgA FM will oppose the top executive who is responsible for the director nomination process; and

 

  For controlled companies with a statutory auditor structure, SSgA FM will oppose the top executive, if the board does not have at least two outside directors.

 

C-37


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

For companies with a committee structure, SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering general market practice, as well as the independence of the nominee. SSgA FM also takes into consideration the overall independence level of the committees. In determining director independence, SSgA FM considers the following factors:

 

  Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company;

 

  Past employment with the company;

 

  Provides professional services to the company; and

 

  Family ties with the company.

Regardless of board structure, SSgA FM may oppose the election of a director for the following reasons:

 

  Failure to attend board meetings; or

 

  In instances of egregious actions related to a director’s service on the board.

Indemnification and Limitations on Liability

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ and statutory auditors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office. SSgA FM believes limitations and indemnification are necessary to attract and retain qualified directors.

AUDIT RELATED ITEMS

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should have the opportunity to vote on their appointment at the annual meeting.

Ratifying External Auditors

SSgA FM will generally support the appointment of external auditors unless the external auditor is perceived as being non-independent and there are concerns about the accounts presented and the audit procedures followed.

Limit Legal Liability of External Auditors

SSgA FM generally opposes limiting the legal liability of audit firms as we believe this could create a negative impact on the quality of the audit function.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE, REORGANIZATION AND MERGERS

SSgA FM supports the “one share one vote” policy and favors a share structure where all shares have equal voting rights. SSgA FM supports proposals to abolish voting caps or multiple voting rights and will oppose measures to introduce these types of restrictions on shareholder rights.

SSgA FM believes pre-emption rights should be introduced for shareholders in order to provide adequate protection from being overly diluted from the issuance of new shares or convertible securities to third parties or a small number of select shareholders.

Unequal Voting Rights

SSgA FM generally opposes proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of common stock with superior voting rights and will generally oppose new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights. In addition, SSgA FM will not support capitalization changes that add classes of stock with undefined voting rights or classes that may dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders.

However, SSgA FM will support capitalization changes that eliminate other classes of stock and/or unequal voting rights.

Increase in Authorized Capital

SSgA FM generally supports increases in authorized capital where the company provides an adequate explanation for the use of shares. In the absence of an adequate explanation, SSgA FM may oppose the request if the increase in authorized capital exceeds 100 percent of the currently authorized capital or if it leaves the company with less than 30 percent of the proposed authorized capital outstanding. Where share issuance requests exceed our standard threshold, SSgA FM will consider the nature of the specific need, such as mergers and acquisitions and stock splits

 

C-38


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Dividends

SSgA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSgA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the company’s long term financial health.

Share Repurchase Programs

Companies are allowed under Japan Corporate Law to amend their articles to authorize the repurchase of shares at the board’s discretion. SSgA FM will oppose an amendment to articles allowing the repurchase of shares at the board’s discretion. SSgA FM believes the company should seek shareholder approval for a share repurchase program at each year’s AGM, providing shareholders the right to evaluate the purpose of the repurchase.

SSgA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSgA FM may vote against share repurchase requests that allow share repurchases during a takeover period.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported.

SSgA FM evaluates mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis. SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price.

Anti-Takeover Measures

In general, SSgA FM believes that adoption of poison pills that have been structured to protect management and to prevent takeover bids from succeeding is not in shareholders’ interest. A shareholder rights plan may lead to management entrenchment and discourage legitimate tender offers and acquisitions. Even if the premium paid to companies with a shareholder rights plan is higher than that offered to unprotected firms, a company’s chances of receiving a takeover offer in the first place may be reduced by the presence of a shareholder rights plan.

Proposals that reduce shareholders’ rights or have the effect of entrenching incumbent management will not be supported.

Proposals that enhance the right of shareholders to make their own choices as to the desirability of a merger or other proposal are supported.

Shareholder Rights Plans

In evaluating poison pills, the following conditions must be met before SSgA FM will recommend a vote in favor.

SSgA FM will support the adoption or renewal of a Japanese issuer’s shareholder rights plans (“poison pill”) if the following

 

C-39


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no “dead hand,” “slow hand,” “no hand” or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, and (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced.

SSgA FM will vote for an amendment to a shareholder rights plan (“poison pill”) where the terms of the new plans are more favorable to shareholders’ ability to accept unsolicited offers (i.e. if one of the following conditions are met: (i) minimum trigger, flip-in or flip-over of 20%, (ii) maximum term of three years, (iii) no “dead hand,” “slow hand,” “no hand” or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill, or (iv) inclusion of a shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause), permitting ten percent of the shares to call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced).

COMPENSATION

In Japan, excessive compensation is rarely an issue. Rather, the problem is the lack of connection between pay and performance. Fixed salaries and cash retirement bonuses tend to comprise a significant portion of the compensation structure while performance-based pay is generally a small portion of the total pay. SSgA FM, where possible, seeks to encourage the use of performance based compensation in Japan as an incentive for executives and as a way to align interests with shareholders.

Approve Adjustment to Aggregate Compensation Ceiling for Directors

Remuneration for directors is generally reasonable. Typically, each company sets the director compensation parameters as an aggregate thereby limiting the total pay to all directors. When requesting a change, a company must disclose the last time the ceiling was adjusted and management provides the rationale for the ceiling increase. SSgA FM will generally support proposed increases to the ceiling if the company discloses the rationale for the increase. SSgA FM may oppose proposals to increase the ceiling if there has been corporate malfeasance or sustained poor performance.

Approve Annual Bonuses for Directors/Statutory Auditors

In Japan, since there are no legal requirements that mandate companies to seek shareholder approval before awarding a bonus, SSgA FM believes that existing shareholder approval of the bonus should be considered best practice. As a result, SSgA FM supports management proposals on executive compensation where there is a strong relationship between executive pay and performance over a five-year period.

Approve Retirement Bonuses for Directors/Statutory Auditors

Retirement bonuses make up a sizeable portion of directors’ and auditors’ lifetime compensation and are based on board tenure. While many companies in Japan have abolished this practice, there remain many proposals seeking shareholder approval for the total amounts paid to directors and statutory auditors as a whole. In general, SSgA FM supports these payments unless the recipient is an outsider or in instances where the amount is not disclosed.

Approve Stock Plan

Most option plans in Japan are conservative, particularly at large companies. Japan corporate law requires companies to disclose the monetary value of the stock options for directors and/or statutory auditors. Some companies do not disclose the maximum number of options that can be issued per year and shareholders are unable to evaluate the dilution impact. In this case, SSgA FM cannot calculate the dilution level and, therefore, SSgA FM may oppose such plans for poor disclosure. SSgA FM also opposes plans that allow for the repricing of the exercise price.

Deep Discount Options

As Japanese companies move away from the retirement bonus system, deep discount options plans have become more popular. Typically, the exercise price is set at JPY 1 per share. SSgA FM evaluates deep discount options using the same criteria used to evaluate stock options as well as considering the vesting period.

 

C-40


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors can not only have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. Companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change.

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint.

MISCELLANEOUS/ROUTINE ITEMS

Expansion of Business Activities

Japanese companies’ articles of incorporation strictly define the types of businesses in which a company is permitted to engage. In general, SSgA FM views proposals to expand and diversify the company’s business activities as routine and non-contentious. SSgA FM will monitor instances where there has been an inappropriate acquisition and diversification away from the company’s main area of competence, which resulted in a decrease of shareholder value.

MORE INFORMATION

Any client who wishes to receive information on how its proxies were voted should contact its SSgA FM relationship manager.

 

C-41


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone:
+41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business

of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading

providers of financial services to institutional investors.

ssga.com
© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ID1057-INST-4649 0414 Exp. Date: 4/30/2015

 

C-42


Table of Contents

LOGO

State Street Global Advisors Funds Management, Inc.’, (“SSgA FM”) Australia Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines outline our expectations of companies listed on stock exchanges in Australia. This policy complements and should be read in conjunction with SSgA FM’s Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Principles which provide a detailed explanation of SSgA FM’s approach to voting and engaging with companies.

SSgA FM’s Australia Proxy Voting and Engagement Guidelines address areas including board structure, audit related issues, capital structure, remuneration, environmental, social and other governance related issues. Principally, we believe the primary responsibility of the board of directors is to preserve and enhance shareholder value and protect shareholder interests. In order to carry out their primary responsibilities, directors have to undertake activities that range from setting strategy, overseeing executive management to monitoring the risks that arise from a company’s business, including risks related to sustainability issues. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.

 

LOGO

 

C-43


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

When voting and engaging with companies in global markets, SSgA FM considers market specific nuances in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments. SSgA FM expects companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets as well as country specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes. When we feel that a country’s regulatory requirements do not address some of the key philosophical principles that SSgA FM believes are fundamental to its global voting guidelines, we may hold companies in such markets to our global standards.

In its analysis and research in to corporate governance issues in Australia, SSgA FM expects all companies at a minimum to comply with the ASX Corporate Governance Principles. Companies should provide detailed explanations under the Principles’ ‘comply or explain’ approach, especially where they fail to meet requirements and why any such non-compliance would serve shareholders’ long-term interests. On some governance matters, such as composition of audit committees, we hold Australian companies to our global standards requiring all directors on the committee to be independent of management.

SSgA FM’s PROXY VOTING AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

In our view, corporate governance and sustainability issues are an integral part of the investment process. The Corporate Governance Team consists of investment professionals with expertise in corporate governance and company law, remuneration, accounting as well as environmental and social issues. SSgA FM has established robust corporate governance principles and practices that are backed with extensive analytical expertise to understand the complexities of the corporate governance landscape. SSgA FM engages with companies to provide insight on the principles and practices that drive our voting decisions. We also conduct proactive engagement to address significant shareholder concerns and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) issues in a manner consistent with maximizing shareholder value.

The team works alongside members of SSgA FM’s active fundamental and the Asia-Pacific (“APAC”) investment teams; collaborating on issuer engagement and providing input on company specific fundamentals. SSgA FM is also a member of various investor associations that seek to address broader corporate governance related policy issues in the region.

SSgA FM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment (“UNPRI”) and is compliant with the UK Stewardship Code. We are committed to sustainable investing and are working to further integrate ESG principles into investment and corporate governance practice, where applicable and consistent with our fiduciary duty.

DIRECTORS AND BOARDS

SSgA FM believes that a well constituted board of directors, with a good balance of skills, expertise and independence, provides the foundations for a well governed company. SSgA FM votes for the election/re-election of directors on a case-by-case basis after considering various factors including general market practice and availability of information on director skills and expertise. In principle, SSgA FM believes independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance and help management establish sound ESG policies and practices. A sufficiently independent board will most effectively monitor management and perform oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.

SSgA FM’s broad criteria for director independence in Australian companies include factors such as:

 

  Participation in related-party transactions and other business relations with the company;

 

  Employment history with company;

 

  Relations with controlling shareholders; and

 

  Family ties with any of the company’s advisers, directors or senior employees.

When considering the election or re-election of a director, SSgA FM also considers the number of outside board directorships a non-executive and an executive may undertake as well as attendance at board meetings. In addition, SSgA FM monitors other factors that may influence the independence of a non-executive director, such as performance related pay, cross-directorships, significant shareholdings and tenure.

 

C-44


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

SSgA FM supports the annual election of directors and encourages Australian companies to adopt this practice.

While SSgA FM is generally supportive of having the roles of chairman and CEO separated in the Australia market, SSgA FM assesses the division of responsibilities between chairman and CEO on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to factors such as the company’s specific circumstances, overall level of independence on the board and general corporate governance standards in the company. Similarly, SSgA FM will monitor for circumstances where a combined chairman/CEO is appointed or where a former CEO becomes chairman.

SSgA FM may also consider factors such as board performance and directors who appear to be remiss in the performance of their oversight responsibilities when considering their suitability for reappointment. (e.g. fraud, criminal wrongdoing, breach of fiduciary responsibilities)

SSgA FM believes companies should have committees for audit, remuneration and nomination oversight. The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the company, appointing external auditors, monitoring their qualifications and independence as well their effectiveness and resource levels. Australian Corporate Governance Principles requires ASX listed companies to have an audit committee of at least three members all of whom are non-executive directors and a majority of whom are independent directors. It also requires that the committee be chaired by an independent director who is not the chair of the board. SSgA FM holds Australian companies to its global standards for developed financial markets, by requiring that all members of the audit committee be independent directors.

In its analysis of boards, SSgA FM considers whether board members have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations and risks, including environmental and social issues. Boards should also have a regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues such as emerging risks, changes to corporate strategy and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. The nomination committee is responsible for evaluating and keeping under review the balance of skills, knowledge and experience of the board and ensuring that adequate succession plans are in place for directors and the CEO. SSgA FM may vote against the re-election of members of the nomination committee if, over time, the board has failed to address concerns over board structure or succession.

Executive pay is another important aspect of corporate governance. SSgA FM believes that executive pay should be determined by the board of directors and SSgA FM expects companies to have in place remuneration committees to provide independent oversight over executive pay. Australian Corporate Governance Principles requires ASX listed companies to have a remuneration committee of at least three members all of whom are non-executive directors and a majority of whom are independent directors. Since Australia has a binding vote on pay with a two-strike rule requiring a board spill in the event of a second strike, SSgA FM believes that the vote provides investors a mechanism to address concerns it may have on the quality of oversight provided by the board on remuneration issues. Accordingly SSgA FM voting guidelines accommodate local market practice.

Indemnification and limitations on liability

Generally, SSgA FM supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection up to the limit provided by law, if he or she has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

AUDIT RELATED ISSUES

Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have as members independent non-executive directors.

Appointment of External Auditors

SSgA FM believes that a company’s auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external supervision and shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on their appointment or re-appoint at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving

 

C-45


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

audit fees, SSgA FM will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures and will generally not support such resolutions if adequate breakdown is not provided and if non-audit fees are more than 50% of audit fees. In addition, SSgA FM may vote against members of the audit committee if we have concerns with audit related issues or if the level of non-audit fees to audit fees is significant. In certain circumstances, SSgA FM may consider auditor tenure when evaluating the audit process.

SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AND CAPITAL RELATED ISSUES

Share Issuances

The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, grow, and achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to shareholders’ ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. SSgA FM supports capital increases that have sound business reasons and are not excessive relative to a company’s existing capital base.

Pre-emption rights are a fundamental right for shareholders to protect their investment in a company. Where companies seeks to issue new shares whilst dis-applying pre-emption rights, SSgA FM may vote against if such authorities are greater than 20% of the issued share capital. SSgA FM may also vote against resolutions seeking authority to issue capital with pre-emption rights if the aggregate amount allowed seems excessive and is not justified by the board. Generally, we are against capital issuance proposals greater than 100% of the issued share capital when the proceeds are not intended for a specific purpose.

Share Repurchase Programs

SSgA FM generally supports a proposal to repurchase shares, other than if the issuer does not clearly state the business purpose for the program, a definitive number of shares to be repurchased, and the time frame for the repurchase. SSgA FM may vote against share re-purchase requests that allow share re-purchases during a takeover period.

Dividends

SSgA FM generally supports dividend payouts that constitute 30% or more of net income. SSgA FM may vote against the dividend payouts if the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation; or, the payout is excessive given the company’s financial position. Particular attention will be paid where the payment may damage the company’s long-term financial health.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers or reorganizing the structure of a company often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, mergers, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation. Proposals that are in the best interests of the shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the effectiveness of the company’s operations, will be supported. In general, provisions that are not viewed as economically sound or are thought to be destructive to shareholders’ rights are not supported. SSgA FM will generally support transactions that maximize shareholder value. Some of the considerations include, but are not limited to the following:

 

  Offer premium;

 

  Strategic rationale;

 

  Board oversight of the process for the recommended transaction, including, director and/or management conflicts of interest;

 

  Offers made at a premium and where there are no other higher bidders; and

 

  Offers in which the secondary market price is substantially lower than the net asset value.

SSgA FM may vote against a transaction considering the following:

 

  Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock;

 

  Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders; and

 

  At the time of voting, the current market price of the security exceeds the bid price

 

C-46


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Anti-Takeover Measures

SSgA FM opposes antitakeover defenses, such as authorities for the board, when subject to a hostile takeover, to issue warrants convertible into shares to existing shareholders.

REMUNERATION

Executive Pay

There is a simple underlying philosophy that guides SSgA FM’s analysis of executive pay—there should be a direct relationship between remuneration and company performance over the long-term. Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance. When assessing remuneration reports, SSgA FM considers factors such as adequate disclosure of different remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and benchmarking, the mix of long term and short term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests as well as with corporate strategy and performance. SSgA FM may oppose remuneration reports where there seems to be a misalignment between pay and shareholders’ interests and where incentive policies and schemes have a re-test option or feature. SSgA FM may also vote against the re-election of members of the remuneration committee if we have serious concerns over remuneration practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure to review its approach.

Equity Incentives Plans

SSgA FM may not support proposals on equity-based incentive plans where insufficient information is provided on matters such as grant limits, performance metrics, performance and vesting periods and overall dilution. SSgA FM does not generally support options under such plans being issued at a discount to market price or plans that allow for re-testing of performance metrics.

Non-Executive Director Pay

Authorities seeking shareholder approval for non-executive directors’ fees are generally not controversial. SSgA FM generally supports resolutions regarding directors’ fees unless disclosure is poor and we are unable to determine whether they are excessive relative to fees paid by other companies in the same country or industry. SSgA FM will evaluate on a company-by-company basis any non-cash or performance related pay to non-executive directors.

RISK MANAGEMENT

SSgA FM believes that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. SSgA FM allows boards discretion over how they provide oversight in this area. However, SSgA FM expects companies to disclose how the board provides oversight on its risk management system and to identify key risks facing the company. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks as they can change with a changing political and economic landscape, or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.

Environmental and Social Issues

As a fiduciary, SSgA FM considers the financial and economic implications of environmental and social issues first and foremost. In this regard, SSgA FM supports environmental and social related items that we believe would protect or enhance shareholder value. Environmental and social factors not only can have an impact on the reputation of companies; they may also represent significant operational risks and costs to business. Well-developed environmental and social management systems can also generate efficiencies and enhance productivity, both of which impact shareholder value in the long-term.

SSgA FM encourages companies to be transparent about the environmental and social risks and opportunities they face and adopt robust policies and processes to manage such issues. In our view, companies that manage all risks and consider opportunities related to environmental and social issues are able to adapt faster to changes and appear to be better placed to achieve sustainable competitive advantage in the long-term. Similarly, companies with good risk management systems, which include environmental and social policies, have a stronger position relative to their peers to manage risk and change, which could result in anything from regulation and litigation, physical threats (severe weather, climate change), economic trends as well as shifts in consumer behavior.

 

C-47


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

In their public reporting, we expect companies to disclose information on relevant management tools and material environmental and social performance metrics. We support efforts by companies to try to demonstrate how sustainability fits into operations and business activities. SSgA FM’s team of analysts evaluates these risks and shareholder proposals relating to them on an issuer by issuer basis; understanding that environmental and social risks can vary widely depending on company industry, its operations, and geographic footprint. SSgA FM may also take action against the re-election of members of the board if we have serious concerns over ESG practices and the company has not been responsive to shareholder pressure.

State Street Global Advisors Worldwide Entities

Australia: State Street Global Advisors, Australia, Limited (ABN 42 003 914 225) is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL Number 238276). Registered Office: Level 17, 420 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia • Telephone: +612 9240-7600 • Facsimile: +612 9240-7611. Belgium: State Street Global Advisors Belgium, Office Park Nysdam, 92 Avenue Reine Astrid, B-1310 La Hulpe, Belgium • Telephone: +32 2 663 2036 • Facsimile: +32 2 672 2077. State Street Global Advisors Belgium is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Canada: State Street Global Advisors, Ltd., 770 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 1200 Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1, 1-514-282-2484 and 30 Adelaide Street East Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M5C 3G6 • Telephone: +647-775-5900. Dubai: State Street Bank and Trust Company (Representative Office), Boulevard Plaza 1, 17th Floor, Office 1703 Near Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, P.O Box 26838, Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Telephone: +971 (0)4-4372800 • Facsimile: +971 (0)4-4372818. France: State Street Global Advisors France. Authorised and regulated by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. Registered with the Register of Commerce and Companies of Nanterre under the number: 412 052 680. Registered Office: Immeuble Défense Plaza, 23-25 rue Delarivière-Lefoullon, 92064 Paris La Défense Cedex, France • Telephone: (+33) 1 44 45 40 00 • Facsimile: (+33) 1 44 45 41 92. Germany: State Street Global Advisors GmbH, Brienner Strasse 59, D-80333 Munich • Telephone: +49 (0)89-55878-100 • Facsimile: +49 (0)89-55878-440. Hong Kong: State Street Global Advisors Asia Limited, 68/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong • Telephone: +852 2103-0288 • Facsimile: +852 2103-0200. Ireland: State Street Global Advisors Ireland Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Incorporated and registered in Ireland at Two Park Place, Upper Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Registered Number: 145221. Member of the Irish Association of Investment Managers • Telephone: +353 (0)1 776 3000 • Facsimile: +353 (0)1 776 3300. Italy: State Street Global Advisors Italy, Sede Secondaria di Milano, Via dei Bossi, 4 20121 Milan, Italy • Telephone: +39 02 32066 100 • Facsimile: +39 02 32066 155. State Street Global Advisors Italy is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Japan: State Street Global Advisors (Japan) Co., Ltd., 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6239 • Telephone: +813 4530 7380. Financial Instruments Business Operator, Kanto Local Financial Bureau (Kinsho #345). Japan Investment Advisers Association, Investment Trusts Association Japan, Japan Securities Dealers Association. Netherlands: State Street Global Advisors Netherlands, Adam Smith Building, Thomas Malthusstraat 1-3, 1066 JR Amsterdam, Netherlands • Telephone: + 31 (0)20 7181701. State Street Global Advisors Netherlands is a branch office of State Street Global Advisors Limited. State Street Global Advisors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom. Singapore: State Street Global Advisors Singapore Limited, 168, Robinson Road, #33-01 Capital Tower, Singapore 068912 (Company Registered Number: 200002719D) • Telephone: +65 6826-7500 • Facsimile: +65 6826-7501. Switzerland: State Street Global Advisors AG, Beethovenstr. 19, CH-8027 Zurich • Telephone: +41 (0)44 245 70 00 • Facsimile: +41 (0)44 245 70 16. United Kingdom: State Street Global Advisors Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered Number: 2509928. VAT Number: 5776591 81. Registered Office: 20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HJ • Telephone: +020 3395 6000 • Facsimile: +020 3395 6350. United States: State Street Global Advisors, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111-2900 • Telephone: (617) 664-4738.

Web: ssga.com

The views expressed in this material are the views of State Street Global Advisors Corporate Governance Team through the period ended March 17, 2014 and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

State Street Global Advisors generally delegates commodities management for separately managed accounts to State Street Global Advisors FM, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street and an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors. State Street Global Advisors FM is registered as a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Futures Association.

This communication is not specifically directed to investors of separately managed accounts (SMA) utilizing futures, options on futures or swaps. State Street Global Advisors FM CTA clients should contact State Street Global Advisors Relationship Management for important CTA materials.

Investing involves risk including the risk of loss of principal.

The whole or any part of this work may not be reproduced, copied or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without SSgA FM’s express written consent.

The information provided does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your tax and financial advisor. All material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and State Street shall have no liability for decisions based on such information.

 

 

LOGO

 

State Street Global Advisors is the investment management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors. ssga.com
© 2014 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ID1055-INST-4620 0414 Exp. Date: 3/31/2015

SSITSAI

 

C-48


Table of Contents

PART C. Other Information

Item 28. Exhibits

 

(a)(1) Declaration of Trust dated February 16, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 18, 2000.
(2) Amendment No.1 dated February 14, 2002 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.
(3) Amendment No. 2 dated May 13, 2004 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(4) Amendment No. 3 dated May 19, 2005 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.
(5) Amendment No. 4 dated January 26, 2007 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 6, 2007.
(6) Amendment No. 5 dated October 2, 2007 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on October 2, 2007.
(7) Amendment No. 6 dated September 18, 2008 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2009.
(8) Amendment No. 7 dated October 19, 2011 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2011.
(9) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated April 14, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on
From N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014.
(b)(1) Third Amended and Restated By-laws of the Trust dated May 13, 2004 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.
(2) Amended and Restated ByLaws of State Street Institutional Investment Trust dated April 14, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014.


Table of Contents
(c)      Not applicable.
(d)(1) Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 2001 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9+ to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2002.
(2) Notice dated February 14, 2002 to Investment Advisory Contract dated May 1, 2001 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.
(3) Notice dated February 7, 2007 to Investment Advisory Contract between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust dated May 1, 2001 with respect to the State Street Institutional Limited Duration Bond Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Limited Duration Bond Fund and State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(4) Notice dated October 2, 2007 to Investment Advisory Contract between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust dated May 1, 2001 with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, and State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(5) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement dated October 9, 2014 between CBRE Clarion Securities LLC and the Trust with respect to the State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015.
(6) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement dated January 20, 2015 between CBRE Clarion Securities LLC and the Trust with respect to the State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015.
(7) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement dated April 16, 2015 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and Skipjack Strategic Real Return Cayman Fund Ltd. is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015.
(8) Fee Waiver letter dated April 12, 2010 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Short-Term Tax Exempt Bond Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2010.
(9) Fee Waiver letter dated July 2, 2009 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street


Table of Contents
Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund and State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010.
(10) Fee Waiver letter dated April 28, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Equity 2000 Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011.
(11) Fee Waiver letter dated February 1, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to State Street Money Market Portfolio, State Street Tax Free Money Market Portfolio, State Street U.S. Government Money Market Portfolio, State Street Treasury Money Market Portfolio, State Street Treasury Plus Money Market Portfolio. State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund and State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011.
(12) Amendment dated February 18, 2011 to the Investment Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 2001, between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011.
(13) Reimbursement Agreement dated September 20, 2012 by and among State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment Trust, and SSgA Funds Managements, Inc. will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(14) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015.
(15) Form of Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(16) Fee Waiver letter between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund,


Table of Contents
State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund, State Street Equity 500 Index Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015.
(17) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, and State Street Global Allocation Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(18) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(19) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(20) Fee Waiver letter dated May 6, 2015 between SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015.
(21) Fee Waiver letter dated May 6, 2015 between SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Fund Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015.
(22) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund and State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(23) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund and State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(24) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Cash Reserves Fund and State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(25) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Conservative Income Fund and State Street Conservative Income Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.


Table of Contents
(26) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund and State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(27) Notice to Investment Advisory Agreement related to the State Street Current Yield Fund and State Street Current Yield Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(e)(1) Distribution Agreement dated August 1, 2009 between State Street Global Markets, LLC, and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010.
(2) Amended Distribution Agreement dated August 1, 2009 between State Street Global Markets, LLC, and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2011.
(3) Form of Amended Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 11, 2014.
(4) Amended Distribution Agreement dated April 14, 2014 between State Street Global Markets, LLC, and the Trust to be filed by subsequent amendment.
(5) Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust, the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Macro Absolute Return Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015.
(6) Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(7) Notice to Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Green Bond Fund, State Street ESG Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund and State Street Macro Absolute Return Bond Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015.


Table of Contents
(8)  Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(9)  Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund and State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(10) Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(11) Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund and State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(12) Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Cash Reserves Fund and State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(13) Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Conservative Income Fund and State Street Conservative Income Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(14) Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund and State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(15) Notice to the Distribution Agreement related to the State Street Current Yield Fund and State Street Current Yield Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(f)      Not applicable.
(g)(1) Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9+ to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2002.
(2) Notice dated February 14, 2002 to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund and the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.
(3) Notice dated February 12, 2004 to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.
(4) Notice dated July 22, 2008 to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund and the State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.


Table of Contents
(5) Form of Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund and State Street Target Retirement Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 11, 2014.
(6) Form of Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Macro Absolute Return Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on October 8, 2014.
(7) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(8) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, and State Street Global Allocation Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(9) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 26, 2015.
(10) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street


Table of Contents
Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015.
(11) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund and State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(12) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(13) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund and State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(14) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Cash Reserves Fund and State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(15) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Conservative Income Fund and State Street Conservative Income Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(16) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund and State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(17) Notice to Amended and Restated Custodian Agreement dated February 14, 2001 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Current Yield Fund and State Street Current Yield Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(h)(1)(a) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9+ to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2002.
(1)(b) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated July 31, 2009 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010.
(1)(c) Anti-Money Laundering Services Amendment dated October 31, 2006 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(1)(d) Services Amendment dated April 5, 2004 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.


Table of Contents
(1)(e) Notice dated February 14, 2002 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund and the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2009.
(1)(f) Notice dated February 12, 2004 to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2009.
(1)(g) Notice to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated July 31, 2009 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the Class M Shares of the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 27, 2012.
(1)(h) Notice to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated July 31, 2009 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust, the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Macro Absolute Return Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015.
(1)(i) Notice to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated July 31, 2009 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(1)(j) Notice to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated July 31, 2009 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street ESG Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Green Bond Fund, State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund and State Street Macro Absolute Return Bond Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 103 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2015.
(1)(k) Notice to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated July 31, 2009 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Hedged


Table of Contents
International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 26, 2015.
(1)(l)   Notice to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated July 31, 2009 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(1)(m) Notice to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(1)(n) Notice to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(1)(o) Notice to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund and State Street 60 Day Money Market Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(1)(p) Notice to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Cash Reserves Fund and State Street Cash Reserves Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(1)(q) Notice to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Conservative Income Fund and State Street Conservative Income Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(1)(r) Notice to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund and State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(1)(s) Notice to the Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Current Yield Fund and State Street Current Yield Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(2)      Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9+ to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2002.
(2)(a) Notice dated February 14, 2002 to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund and the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.
(2)(b) Notice dated February 12, 2004 to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 28 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 30, 2008.


Table of Contents
(2)(c) Notice dated September 10, 2007 to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund and the State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(2)(d) Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the Money Market Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011.
(2)(e) Amended and Restated Administration Agreement dated October 19, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the Money Market Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2011.
(2)(f) Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 by and among State Street Bank and Trust Company, SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the Money Market Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011.
(2)(g) Form of Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 11, 2014.
(2)(h) Form of Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust, the State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Global Macro Absolute Return Fund, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund and State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on October 8, 2014.
(2)(i) Form of Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 28, 2000 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund,


Table of Contents
State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund and State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on September 9, 2014.
(2)(j)   Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(2)(k)  Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between SSgA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(2)(l)   Notice to Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund and State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(2)(m) Form of Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund and State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on September 9, 2014.
(2)(n)  Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(2)(p) Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, and State Street Global Allocation Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(2)(p) Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(2)(q) Notice to Sub-Administration Agreement dated February 1, 2011 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. with respect the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund and State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(2)(r)  Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015between SSGA Funds Management, Inc. and the Trust will be filed by subsequent amendment.


Table of Contents
(2)(s) Sub-Administration Agreement dated June 1, 2015 between State Street Bank and Trust Company and SSgA Funds Management, Inc. will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(3)     Form of Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Equity 500 Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 28, 2006.
(4)     Form of Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 28, 2006.
(5)     Form of Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Limited Duration Bond Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 28, 2006.
(6)     Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Tax Free Limited Duration Bond Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(7)     Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(8)     Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(9)     Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and the Trust with respect to the State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(10)   Master-Feeder Participation Agreement between State Street Master Funds and Henderson Global Funds dated April 20, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2009.
(11)   Information Security Program Agreement dated November 19, 2010 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011.


Table of Contents
(i)(1) Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP is incorporated herein by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission in September 2000.
(2)  Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on November 13, 2002.
(3)  Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the Class R Shares of the State Street Equity 500 Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on June 3, 2005.
(4)  Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Institutional Limited Duration Bond Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Limited Duration Bond Fund and State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 6, 2007.
(5)  Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to State Street Institutional Investment Trust and the State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 11, 2014.
(6)  Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio and State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 11, 2014.
(7)  Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on January 9, 2015.
(8)  Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the Institutional Class, Investor Class and Administration Class shares of the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund and State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014.
(9)  Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 71 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on October 8, 2014.


Table of Contents
(10) Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund and State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on November 5, 2014.
(11) Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to Class G shares of the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 66 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on September 9, 2014.
(12) Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(13) Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, and State Street Global Allocation Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(14) Legal Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP with respect to the State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015.
(j)        Not applicable.
(k)       Not applicable.
(l)        Not applicable.
(m)(1) Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan dated May 14, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010.
(2) Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan dated February 18, 2010 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 29, 2011.
(3) Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan dated April 14, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014.
(4) Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan dated June 19, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014.
(5) Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.


Table of Contents
(6) Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015.
(7) Amended Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 26, 2015.
(8) Amended Shareholder Servicing Plan for Service Class effective May 14, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010.
(9) Amended Shareholder Servicing Plan for Investment Class effective May 14, 2009 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2010.
(n)(1) Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 dated May 15, 2008 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 29 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on July 24, 2008.
(2) Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on December 12, 2011.
(3) Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014.
(4) Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on June 24, 2014.
(5) Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund will be filed by subsequent amendment.
(6) Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund and State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 6, 2015.


Table of Contents
(7) Amended Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 111 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on May 26, 2015.
(o)      Power of Attorney as it relates to the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014.
(p)(1) Joint Code of Ethics dated May 17, 2000, as amended September 16, 2004 with State Street Master Funds is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on February 25, 2005.
(2) Joint Code of Ethics governing the Registrant is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on April 25, 2014.
(3) Code of Ethics of CBRE Clarion Securities LLC is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on January 9, 2015.
(q)(1) Financial Statements for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013 for CBRE Clarion Global Listed Infrastructure Fund, LP are incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on January 9, 2015.
(2) Portfolio of Investments dated October 31, 2014 for the CBRE Clarion Global Listed Infrastructure Fund, LP is incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the State Street Institutional Investment Trust’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed with the Commission on January 9, 2015.

 

+ Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 was filed with the Commission on January 30, 2002. The next Post-Effective Amendment, filed on April 30, 2002, should have been sequentially numbered Post-Effective Amendment No. 9. Due to a scrivener’s error, it was numbered Post-Effective Amendment No. 10. Such Post-Effective Amendment has been referred to in this Part C as Post-Effective Amendment No. 9.

Item 29. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with the Fund

See the Statement of Additional Information regarding the Trust’s control relationships.

Item 30. Indemnification

Under the terms of Registrant’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, Article VIII, Registrant is required, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, to indemnify each of its Trustees and officers, including persons who serve at the Registrant’s request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the Registrant has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise who may be indemnified by Registrant under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser

SSgA Funds Management, Inc.


Table of Contents

See “Management of the Trust” in Part B. Information as to the directors and officers of the Adviser is included in its Form ADV filed with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Item 32. Principal Underwriter

(a) State Street Global Markets, LLC, State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as the Trust’s principal underwriter and also serves as the principal underwriter for the following investment companies: SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds, State Street Master Funds, and SSgA Funds.

(b) To the best of Registrant’s knowledge, the directors and executive officers of State Street Global Markets, LLC, are as follows:

 

Nicholas Bonn Chief Executive Officer and Director
Christopher P. Jensen         FINOP and Chief Financial Officer and Director
Howard Fairweather Director
Stephan Gavell Director
Mark Snyder Executive Vice President and Director
R. Bryan Woodard Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Counsel and Secretary
James Ross Executive Vice President and Director
Martine Bond Executive Vice President and Director

 

* The principal business address for each of the above directors and executive officers is 1 Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111.

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

The accounts and records of the Trust are located, in whole or in part, at the office of the Trust and the following locations:

State Street Institutional Investment Trust (“Trust”)

4 Copley Place, 3rd floor

Boston, MA 02116

SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“Adviser”)

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

SSGA Funds Management, Inc. serves as the Administrator for all Funds and Portfolios.

State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the Sub-Administrator for all Funds and Portfolios.

State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent) for all Funds, except not the Transfer Agent/Dividend Disbursing Agent for the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, the State Street Institutional


Table of Contents

Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Investment Trust, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, and State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund and State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund, State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund, State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund, State Street Cash Reserves Fund, State Street Conservative Income Fund, State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund and State Street Current Yield Fund.

State Street Bank and Trust Company

100 Huntingtin Ave, 5th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. serves as the Transfer Agent/Dividend Disbursing Agent for the State Street Institutional Liquid Reserves Fund, State Street Institutional Limited Duration Bond Fund, State Street Institutional Tax Free Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Investment Trust, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, and State Street Target Retirement 2015 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2020 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Fund, State Street Strategic Real Return Portfolio, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio, State Street Global Equity ex-U.S. Index Portfolio, State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio, State Street Opportunistic Emerging Markets Fund, State Street Small Cap Emerging Markets Equity Fund, State Street Global Managed Volatility Fund, State Street Clarion Global Infrastructure & MLP Fund, State Street Clarion Global Real Estate Income Fund, State Street Global Value Spotlight Fund, State Street International Value Spotlight Fund, State Street European Value Spotlight Fund, State Street Asia Pacific Value Spotlight Fund, the State Street Income Allocation Fund, State Street Multi-Asset Real Return Fund, State Street Global Allocation Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund, State Street 60 Day Money Market Fund, State Street Cash Reserves Fund, State Street Conservative Income Fund, State Street Institutional Liquid Assets Fund and State Street Current Yield Fund.

Boston Financial Data Services, Inc.

2000 Crown Colony Drive

Quincy, Massachusetts 02169


Table of Contents

Item 34. Management Services

Not applicable.

Item 35. Undertakings

Not applicable.


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”) and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant, State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the “Trust”) has duly caused this Amendment to the Trust’s Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on this 15th day of July, 2015.

STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST

 

By:  

/s/ Ellen M. Needham

  Ellen M. Needham
  President

Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, as amended, this Registration Statement for the Trust has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 15th day of July, 2015:

 

Signature

  

Signature

/s/ William L. Boyan*

William L. Boyan, Trustee

  

/s/ James E. Ross*

James E. Ross, Trustee

/s/ Michael F. Holland*

Michael F. Holland, Trustee

  

/s/ Richard D. Shirk*

Richard D. Shirk, Trustee

/s/ William L. Marshall*

William L. Marshall, Trustee

  

/s/ Rina K. Spence*

Rina K. Spence, Trustee

/s/ Patrick J. Riley*

Patrick J. Riley, Trustee

  

/s/ Bruce D. Taber*

Bruce D. Taber, Trustee

/s/ Chad C. Hallett

Chad C. Hallett, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

  

/s/ Douglas T. Williams*

Douglas T. Williams, Trustee

/s/ David James

*By: David James

Attorney-in-Fact

Pursuant to Powers of Attorney

  

/s/ Ellen M. Needham

Ellen M. Needham, President and Principal Executive Officer


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Document