POS AMI 1 d548034dposami.htm POS AMI POS AMI

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2018

1940 Act Registration No. 811-02611

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No. 62   

 

 

Invesco Exchange Fund

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in the Declaration of Trust)

 

 

11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000

Houston, TX 77046-1173

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(713) 626-1919

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

JEFFREY H. KUPOR, ESQ.

11 Greenway Plaza

Suite 1000

Houston, Texas 77046-1173

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Peter A. Davidson, Esquire

Invesco Advisers, Inc.

11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000

Houston, Texas 77046-1173

 

Matthew R. DiClemente, Esquire

Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

2005 Market Street, Suite 2600

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7018

 

 

 


INVESCO EXCHANGE FUND

PART A

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS

Invesco Exchange Fund (the “Fund”) is an open-end diversified management investment company, registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), and formed on December 4, 1975 under the Uniform Limited Partnership Act of California. The Fund commenced business as an investment company on December 13, 1976. On September 30, 2015, the Fund was reorganized as a Delaware statutory trust.

This Prospectus, which incorporates by reference the entire Statement of Additional Information, concisely sets forth certain information about the Fund that an investor should know. Shareholders should read this Prospectus carefully and retain it for future reference. A copy of the Statement of Additional Information may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 959-4246. The Statement of Additional Information has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is available along with other related materials at the SEC’s internet web site (http://www.sec.gov).

This Prospectus is dated April 30, 2018.

 

Item 1. Front and Back Cover Pages

Omitted pursuant to General Instruction B.2. of Form N-1A.

 

Item 2. Risk/Return Summary: Investment Objectives/Goals

Omitted pursuant to General Instruction B.2. of Form N-1A.

 

Item 3. Risk/Return Summary: Fee Table

Omitted pursuant to General Instruction B.2. of Form N-1A.

 

Item 4. Risk/Return Summary: Investments, Risks, and Performance

Omitted pursuant to General Instruction B.2. of Form N-1A.

 

Item 5. Management.

Invesco Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) is the Fund’s investment adviser.

Information about the current persons jointly and primarily responsible for the day to day management of the Fund’s portfolio is shown below:

 

Name    Title with Adviser    Date Began Managing the Fund
Anthony Munchak    Portfolio Manager    2010
Glen Murphy    Portfolio Manager    2010
Francis Orlando    Portfolio Manager    2010
Donna Wilson    Portfolio Manager    2016

 

Item 6. Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares.

The Fund does not currently offer its shares for purchase. Shareholders may redeem shares at any time without charge by the Fund at the next determined net asset value per share on any business day by submitting a written request in proper form to the Fund’s transfer agent.

 

A-1


Item 7. Tax Information.

The Fund has elected and intends to qualify each year as a regulated investment company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code). Distributions from the Delaware statutory trust to shareholders will be reported on Form 1099 and will be comprised of investment income and net short-term capital gain (generally taxable as ordinary income) and net long-term capital gains (generally taxable as long-term capital gains). The Fund intends to distribute sufficient amounts of its investment income quarterly and net capital gain at least annually to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs under the Code to avoid liability for federal income and excise tax, but no assurances can be given that all or a portion of such liability will be avoided. All distributions of income and gains will be made in cash and may not be reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

 

Item 8. Financial Intermediary Compensation.

Not applicable, as the Fund does not currently offer its shares for purchase and does not pay financial intermediaries for the sale of the Fund’s shares.

 

Item 9. Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies, Related Risks and Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings.

Objectives and Strategies

The Fund’s principal investment objective is long-term growth of capital, while the production of current income is an important secondary objective. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve these objectives by investing primarily in common stocks or convertible securities of companies believed to have long-term growth potential. The Fund does not intend to engage to any significant degree in active or frequent trading of portfolio securities. The Fund’s portfolio turnover is reported in its financial statements. The Fund may, however, for defensive purposes, temporarily invest all or a portion of its assets in other types of securities, including investment grade bonds, preferred stocks and money market obligations such as government securities, certificates of deposit and commercial paper. In taking a temporary defensive position, the Fund would temporarily not be pursuing and may not achieve its investment objective. The foregoing policies may not be changed without approval of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund’s temporary investments may consist of U.S. Treasury Bills and U.S. Treasury Bonds, both issued by and supported by the full faith and credit of the United States Government, and commercial paper rated P-1, if by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or A-1 if by Standard & Poor’s and repurchase agreements with domestic banks and broker-dealers.

Capital gains taxes will be considered in determining the sale of portfolio securities. However, sales will be effected whenever believed to be in the best interests of the shareholders, even though capital gains may be recognized.

Risks

The principal risks of investing in the Fund are:

Convertible Securities Risk. The market value of a convertible security performs like that of a regular debt security; that is, if market interest rates rise, the value of a convertible security usually falls. In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due, and their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Since a convertible security derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer risks as apply to the underlying common stock. In addition, certain convertible securities are subject to involuntary conversions and may undergo principal write-downs upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. These convertible securities are subject to an increased risk of loss and are generally subordinate in rank to other debt obligations of the issuer. Convertible securities may be rated below investment grade.

 

A-2


Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed and depends heavily on the Adviser’s judgment about markets, interest rates or the attractiveness, relative values, liquidity, or potential appreciation of particular investments made for the Fund’s portfolio. The Fund could experience losses if these judgments prove to be incorrect. There can be no guarantee that the Adviser’s investment techniques or investment decisions will produce the desired results. Additionally, legislative, regulatory, or tax developments may affect the investments or investment strategies available to the investment manager in connection with managing the Fund, which may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.

Market Risk. The market values of the Fund’s investments, and therefore the value of the Fund’s shares, will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Market risk may affect a single issuer, industry or section of the economy, or it may affect the market as a whole. The value of the Fund’s investments may go up or down due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to the particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for revenues or corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates, regional or global instability, or adverse investor sentiment generally. The value of the Fund’s investments may also go up or down due to factors that affect an individual issuer or a particular industry or sector, such as changes in production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. Individual stock prices tend to go up and down more dramatically than those of certain other types of investments, such as bonds. During a general downturn in the financial markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value. When markets perform well, there can be no assurance that specific investments held by the Fund will rise in value.

Sector Focus Risk. The Fund may from time to time invest a significant amount of its assets (i.e. over 25%) in one market sector or group of related industries. In this event, the Fund’s performance will depend to a greater extent on the overall condition of the sector or group of industries and there is increased risk that the Fund will lose significant value if conditions adversely affect that sector or group of industries.

A description of the Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio securities is available under Item 16 in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information.

 

Item 10. Management, Organization and Capital Structure.

The Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. The Adviser is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309. The Adviser, a successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976.

The Fund retains the Adviser to manage the investment of its assets and to place orders for the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities. Under an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”), the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee calculated at the annual rate of 0.30% of average daily net assets of the Fund. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, advisory fees paid by the Fund equaled 0.30% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursement, if any. The Adviser received approximately $ 227,694 (0.38% of average net assets) in both advisory and administrative service fees from the Fund during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

The Adviser has entered into one or more Sub-Advisory Agreements (the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”) with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund (the “Sub-Advisers”), pursuant to which these affiliated Sub-Advisers may be appointed by the Adviser from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund. Each of these affiliated Sub-Advisers is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Each Sub-Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. None of the affiliated Sub-Advisers currently provide sub-advisory services to the Fund.

The only fees payable to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreements are for providing discretionary investment management services. For such services, the Adviser will pay each Sub-Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, equal to (i) 40% of the monthly compensation that the Adviser receives from the Fund, multiplied by (ii) the fraction equal to the net assets of the Fund as to which such Sub-Adviser shall have provided discretionary investment management services for that month divided by the net assets of the Fund for that

 

A-3


month. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreements, this fee is reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense limitations by the Adviser, if any, in effect from time to time. In no event shall the aggregate monthly fees paid to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreements exceed 40% of the monthly compensation that the Adviser receives from the Fund pursuant to its advisory agreement with the Fund, as reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fees waivers or expense limitations by the Adviser, if any.

The Board as a whole and the Independent Trustees, who comprise more than 75% of the Board, voting separately, determined that the terms of the advisory agreements described above are fair and reasonable and approved the advisory arrangements as being in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of such advisory arrangements was included in the Fund’s Semiannual Report covering the six-month period ended June 30, 2017.

The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day to day management of the Fund’s portfolio:

 

    Anthony Munchak, Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Fund since 2010 and has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 2000.

 

    Glen Murphy, Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Fund since 2010 and has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 1995.

 

    Francis Orlando, Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Fund since 2010 and has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 1987.

 

    Donna Wilson, Portfolio Manager, who has been responsible for the Fund since 2016 and has been associated with Invesco and/or its affiliates since 1997.

Item 20 in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information provides additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation structure, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of securities in the Fund.

The Adviser and the Fund have entered into a Master Administrative Services Agreement (“Administrative Services Agreement”) pursuant to which the Adviser may perform or arrange for the provision of certain accounting and other administrative services to the Fund which are not required to be performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement. The Adviser received approximately $50,000 (0.08% of average net assets) in administrative services fees from the Fund during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. The Administrative Services Agreement provides that it will remain in effect and continue from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board, including the Independent Trustees, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. Under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive from the Fund reimbursement of its costs or such reasonable compensation as may be approved by the Board. Currently, the Adviser is reimbursed for the services of the Fund’s principal financial officer and her staff and any expenses related to fund accounting services.

Other operating expenses paid by the Fund include transfer agency fees, custodial fees, audit, legal and accounting fees, the costs of reports and proxies to shareholders, trustees fees, and all other business expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Fund’s other operating expenses were 0.17% of average net assets.

The Adviser has contractually agreed, through at least June 30, 2019, to waive the advisory fee payable by the Fund in an amount equal to 100% of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the affiliated money market funds on investments by the Fund of uninvested cash in such affiliated money market funds. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Adviser waived advisory fees of $ 579.

 

A-4


Item 11. Shareholder Information.

The Fund will determine its net asset value as of the close of each business day on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”). The Fund’s net assets equal the value of its portfolio securities, plus all cash and other assets (including dividends and interest accrued but not collected) less all liabilities (including accrued expenses). The Fund’s portfolio securities are valued by using prices as of the close of trading on the Exchange and valuing portfolio securities (i) for which market quotations are readily available at such market quotations (for example, using the last reported sale price for securities listed on a securities exchange or using the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices on unlisted securities) and (ii) for which market quotations are not readily available and any other assets at their fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures established by the Board. The intended effect of applying fair value pricing is to compute an NAV that accurately reflects the value of the Fund’s portfolio at the time that the NAV is calculated. An additional effect of fair value pricing may be to reduce the ability of frequent traders to take advantage of arbitrage opportunities resulting from potentially “stale” prices of portfolio holdings. However, the application of fair value pricing cannot eliminate the possibility of frequent trading. Because shares of the Fund are not available for additional investments, the Fund is not susceptible to the “market-timing” or “short-term trading” practices that affect other continuously offered Invesco Funds. Therefore, the “market timing” and “short term trading” policies applicable to other Invesco Funds are not currently applied to the Fund. If in the future the Fund offers additional shares for purchase, it is expected that those policies would be applied to the Fund and the Fund’s prospectus would be updated to describe those policies. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market. See the financial statements and notes thereto in the Fund’s Annual Report.

The Fund does not currently offer its shares for purchase. Shareholders may redeem shares at any time, without charge by the Fund, at the next determined net asset value per share by submitting a written request in proper form to the Fund’s transfer agent, Invesco Investment Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219078, Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9078. The request for redemption should indicate the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, and the shareholder’s account number. The redemption request must be signed by all persons in whose names the shares are registered. After receipt of the redemption request in proper order by the Fund’s transfer agent, Invesco Investment Services, Inc., redemptions are required to be priced at the next determined net asset value per share and payment for shares redeemed will be made within seven days thereafter. “Proper order” means that all necessary information and documentations related to the redemption request have been provided to the Funds’ transfer agent, if applicable. If your request is not in proper order, the Funds’ transfer agent may require additional documentation in order to redeem your shares. Redemptions are not made on days during which the Exchange is closed. The right of redemption may be suspended and the payment therefor may be postponed for more than seven days during any period when (a) the Exchange is closed for other than customary weekends or holidays; (b) the SEC determines trading on the Exchange is restricted; (c) the SEC determines an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the value of its net assets; or (d) the SEC, by order, so permits.

The shares redeemed may be paid in cash or securities, at the option of the Fund and will ordinarily be paid in whole or in part in securities. Such securities may be illiquid and difficult or impossible for a shareholder to sell at a time and a price acceptable to a shareholder. The Fund’s valuation will determine the quantity of securities tendered. The Fund will select securities for tender in redemptions based on tax or investment considerations.

While there is no charge when shares are redeemed or repurchased through the Fund or through Invesco Distributors, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, dealers may make a charge for effecting a repurchase. Payment for shares redeemed may be postponed or the right of redemption suspended as provided by the rules of the SEC.

Shareholders may exchange shares of the Fund for Class Y shares of another Invesco Fund. Shareholders may not exchange shares of another Invesco Fund for shares of the Fund. An exchange is the purchase of shares in one fund which is paid for with the proceeds from a redemption of shares of another fund effectuated on the same day. Any gain on the transaction may be subject to federal income tax. Accordingly, the process for redemptions of Fund shares discussed above will apply. Before requesting an exchange, review the prospectus of the Invesco Fund you wish to acquire. All exchanges are subject to the limitations set forth in the prospectuses of the applicable Invesco Funds. If you wish to exchange shares of the Fund for those of another Invesco Fund, you must consult the prospectus of the Invesco Fund whose shares you wish to acquire to determine whether the fund is offering shares to new investors and whether you are eligible to acquire shares of that fund.

 

A-5


The following conditions apply to all exchanges: Shares must have been held for at least one day prior to the exchange and if you have physical share certificates, you must return them to the Fund’s transfer agent in order to affect the exchange. Under unusual market conditions, the Fund may delay the exchange of shares for up to five business days if it determines that it would be materially disadvantaged by the immediate transfer of exchange proceeds. The exchange privilege is not an option or right to purchase shares.

Dividends and Distributions

The Fund expects, based on its investment objective and strategies that its distributions, if any, will consist of ordinary income, capital gains, or some combination of both.

Dividends

The Fund generally declares and pays dividends from net investment income, if any, quarterly.

Capital Gains Distributions

The Fund generally distributes long-term and short-term capital gains (net of any available capital loss carryovers), if any, at least annually. Capital gains distributions may vary considerably from year to year as a result of the Fund’s normal investment activities and cash flows. During a time of economic volatility, the Fund may experience capital losses and unrealized depreciation in value of investments, the effect of which may be to reduce or eliminate capital gains distributions for a period of time. Even though the Fund may experience a current year loss, it may nonetheless distribute prior year capital gains.

Tax Matters

The following is a summary of certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders, and the discussion here is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning.

This “Tax Matters” section is based on the Code and applicable regulations in effect on the date hereof. Future legislative, regulatory or administrative changes, including provisions of current law that sunset and thereafter no longer apply, or court decisions may significantly change the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders. Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect.

This is for general information only and not tax advice. All investors should consult their own tax advisors as to the federal, state, local and foreign tax provisions applicable to them.

Taxation of the Fund. The Fund has elected and intends to qualify each year as a “regulated investment company” (sometimes referred to as a regulated investment company, RIC or fund) under Subchapter M of the Code. If the Fund qualifies, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on the portion of its investment company taxable income (i.e., generally, taxable interest, dividends, net short-term capital gains and other taxable ordinary income net of expenses without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) that it distributes to shareholders.

Qualification as a regulated investment company. In order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund must satisfy the following requirements:

 

    Distribution Requirement – the Fund must distribute an amount equal to the sum of at least 90% of its investment company taxable income and 90% of its net tax-exempt income, if any, for the tax year (certain distributions made by the Fund after the close of its tax year are considered distributions attributable to the previous tax year for purposes of satisfying this requirement). For purposes of satisfying the Distribution Requirement, a distribution will not qualify if it is a “preferential” dividend (i.e., a distribution which is not fully pro rata among shares of the same class or where there is preference to one class of stock as compared with another class except to the extent that such preference exists by reason of the issuance of such shares.)

 

A-6


    Income Requirement – the Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, certain payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived from its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from qualified publicly traded partnerships (QPTPs).

 

    Asset Diversification Test – The Fund must satisfy the following asset diversification test at the close of each quarter of the Fund’s tax year: (1) at least 50% of the value of the Fund’s assets must consist of cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and securities of other issuers (as to which the Fund has not invested more than 5% of the value of the Fund’s total assets in securities of an issuer and as to which the Fund does not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer); and (2) no more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses, or, collectively, in the securities of QPTPs.

In some circumstances, the character and timing of income realized by the Fund for purposes of the Income Requirement or the identification of the issuer for purposes of the Asset Diversification Test is uncertain under current law with respect to a particular investment, and an adverse determination or future guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with respect to such type of investment may adversely affect the Fund’s ability to satisfy these requirements. In other circumstances, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio holdings in order to meet the Income Requirement, Distribution Requirement, or Asset Diversification Test, which may have a negative impact on the Fund’s income and performance. In lieu of potential disqualification, the Fund is permitted to pay a tax for certain failures to satisfy the Asset Diversification Test or Income Requirement, which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect.

The Fund may use “equalization accounting” (in lieu of making some cash distributions) in determining the portion of its income and gains that has been distributed. If the Fund uses equalization accounting, it will allocate a portion of its undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain to redemptions of Fund shares and will correspondingly reduce the amount of such income and gains that it distributes in cash. However, the Fund intends to make cash distributions for each taxable year in an aggregate amount that is sufficient to satisfy the Distribution Requirement without taking into account its use of equalization accounting. If the IRS determines that the Fund’s allocation is improper and that the Fund has under-distributed its income and gain for any taxable year, the Fund may be liable for federal income and/or excise tax.

If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at the applicable corporate income tax rate without any deduction for dividends paid to shareholders, and the dividends would be taxable to the shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly as qualified dividend income) to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Failure to qualify as a regulated investment company thus would have a negative impact on the Fund’s income and performance. Subject to savings provisions for certain inadvertent failures to satisfy the Income Requirement or Asset Diversification Test which, in general, are limited to those due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, it is possible that the Fund will not qualify as a regulated investment company in any given tax year. Even if such savings provisions apply, the Fund may be subject to a monetary sanction of $50,000 or more. Moreover, the Board reserves the right not to maintain the qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company if it determines such a course of action to be beneficial to shareholders.

Capital loss carryovers. The capital losses of the Fund, if any, do not flow through to shareholders. Rather, the Fund may use its capital losses, subject to applicable limitations, to offset its capital gains without being required to pay taxes on or distribute to shareholders such gains that are offset by the losses. If the Fund has a “net capital loss” (that is, capital losses in excess of capital gains), the excess (if any) of the Fund’s net short-term capital losses over its net long-term capital gains is treated as a short-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year, and the excess (if any) of the Fund’s net long-term capital losses over its net short-term capital gains is treated as a long-term capital loss arising on the first day of the Fund’s next taxable year. Any such net capital losses of the Fund that are not used to offset capital gains may be carried forward indefinitely to reduce any future capital gains realized by the Fund in succeeding taxable years. The amount of capital losses that can be carried forward and used in any single year is subject to an annual limitation if there is a more than 50% “change in ownership” of the Fund. The Fund undertakes no obligation to avoid or prevent an ownership change, which can occur in the normal course of shareholder redemptions.

 

A-7


Deferral of late year losses. The Fund may elect to treat part or all of any “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year in determining the Fund’s taxable income, net capital gain, net short-term capital gain, and earnings and profits. The effect of this election is to treat any such “qualified late year loss” as if it had been incurred in the succeeding taxable year, which may change the timing, amount, or characterization of Fund distributions (see “Taxation of Fund Distributions – Capital gain dividends” below). A “qualified late year loss” includes:

 

  (i) any net capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, or, if there (i) is no such loss, any net long-term capital loss or any net short-term capital loss incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year (post-October capital losses), and

 

  (ii) the sum of (1) the excess, if any, of (a) specified losses incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year, over (b) specified gains incurred after October 31 of the current taxable year and (2) the excess, if any, of (a) ordinary losses incurred after December 31 of the current taxable year, over (b) the ordinary income incurred after December 31 of the current taxable year.

The terms “specified losses” and “specified gains” mean ordinary losses and gains from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of property (including the termination of a position with respect to such property), foreign currency losses and gains, and losses and gains resulting from holding stock in a passive foreign investment company (PFIC) for which a mark-to-market election is in effect. The terms “ordinary losses” and “ordinary income” mean other ordinary losses and income that are not described in the preceding sentence. Special rules apply to a fund with a fiscal year ending in November or December that elects to use its taxable year for determining its capital gain net income for excise tax purposes.

Undistributed capital gains. The Fund may retain or distribute to shareholders its net capital gain for each taxable year. The Fund currently intends to distribute net capital gains. If the Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, the Fund will be taxed thereon (except to the extent of any available capital loss carryovers) at the highest applicable corporate income tax rate. If the Fund elects to retain its net capital gain, it is expected that the Fund also will elect to have shareholders treated as if each received a distribution of its pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will be required to report its pro rata share of such gain on its tax return as long-term capital gain, will receive a refundable tax credit for its pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain and will increase the tax basis for its shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.

Federal excise tax. To avoid a 4% non-deductible excise tax, the Fund must distribute by December 31 of each year an amount equal to at least: (1) 98% of its ordinary income for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of capital gain net income (the excess of the gains from sales or exchanges of capital assets over the losses from such sales or exchanges) for the one-year period ended on October 31 of such calendar year (or, at the election of a regulated investment company having a taxable year ending November 30 or December 31, for its taxable year), and (3) any prior year undistributed ordinary income and capital gain net income. The Fund may elect to defer to the following year any net ordinary loss incurred for the portion of the calendar year which is after the beginning of the Fund’s taxable year. Also, the Fund will defer any “specified gain” or “specified loss” which would be properly taken into account for the portion of the calendar year after October 31. Any net ordinary loss, specified gain, or specified loss deferred shall be treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year. Generally, the Fund may make sufficient distributions to avoid liability for federal income and excise tax, but can give no assurances that all or a portion of such liability will be avoided. In addition, under certain circumstances temporary timing or permanent differences in the realization of income and expense for book and tax purposes can result in the Fund having to pay an excise tax.

Foreign income tax. Investment income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income tax withheld at the source, and the amount of tax withheld generally will be treated as an expense of the Fund. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries that entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of, or exemption from, tax on such income. Some countries require the filing of a tax reclaim or other forms to receive the benefit of the reduced tax rate; whether or when the Fund will receive the tax reclaim is

 

A-8


within the control of the individual country. Information required on these forms may not be available such as shareholder information; therefore, the Fund may not receive the reduced treaty rates or potential reclaims. Other countries have conflicting and changing instructions and restrictive timing requirements which may cause the Fund not to receive the reduced treaty rates or potential reclaims. Other countries may subject capital gains realized by the Fund on sale or disposition of securities of that country to taxation. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the Fund’s assets to be invested in various countries is not known. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may elect to pass-through foreign taxes paid by the Fund to shareholders, although it reserves the right not to do so. A shareholder will then be entitled either to deduct its share of these taxes in computing its taxable income, or to claim a foreign tax credit for these taxes against its U.S. federal income tax (subject to limitations for certain shareholders). If the Fund makes such an election and obtains a refund of foreign taxes paid by the Fund in a prior year, the Fund may be eligible to reduce the amount of foreign taxes reported by the Fund to its shareholders, generally by the amount of the foreign taxes refunded, for the year in which the refund is received.

Taxation of Fund Distributions. The Fund anticipates distributing substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain for each taxable year. Distributions by the Fund will be treated in the manner described regardless of whether such distributions are paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund (or of another Fund). The Fund will send you information annually as to the federal income tax consequences of distributions made (or deemed made) during the year.

Distributions of ordinary income. The Fund receives income generally in the form of dividends and/or interest on its investments. The Fund may also recognize ordinary income from other sources, including, but not limited to, certain gains on foreign currency-related transactions. This income, less expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, constitutes the Fund’s net investment income from which dividends may be paid to you. If you are a taxable investor, distributions of net investment income generally are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund’s earnings and profits. A portion of the income dividends paid to you by the Fund may be qualified dividends eligible to be taxed at reduced rates.

Capital gain dividends. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her shares. In general, the Fund will recognize long-term capital gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of assets it has owned for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss on investments it has owned for one year or less. Distributions of net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that are properly reported by the Fund to shareholders as capital gain dividends generally will be taxable to a shareholder receiving such distributions as long-term capital gain. Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals are 0%, 15% , 20% or 25% depending on the nature of the capital gain and the individual’s taxable income. Distributions of net short-term capital gains for a taxable year in excess of net long-term capital losses for such taxable year generally will be taxable to a shareholder receiving such distributions as ordinary income.

Qualified dividend income for individuals. Ordinary income dividends reported by the Fund to shareholders as derived from qualified dividend income will be taxed in the hands of individuals and other noncorporate shareholders at the rates applicable to long-term capital gain. Qualified dividend income means dividends paid to the Fund (a) by domestic corporations, (b) by foreign corporations that are either (i) incorporated in a possession of the United States, or (ii) are eligible for benefits under certain income tax treaties with the United States that include an exchange of information program, or (c) with respect to stock of a foreign corporation that is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Both the Fund and the investor must meet certain holding period requirements to qualify Fund dividends for this treatment. Income derived from investments in derivatives, fixed-income securities, U.S. REITs, PFICs, and income received “in lieu of” dividends in a securities lending transaction generally is not eligible for treatment as qualified dividend income. If the qualifying dividend income received by the Fund is equal to 95% (or a greater percentage) of the Fund’s gross income (exclusive of net capital gain) in any taxable year, all of the ordinary income dividends paid by the Fund will be qualifying dividend income.

Corporate dividend-received deduction. Ordinary income dividends reported by the Fund to shareholders as derived from qualified dividends from domestic corporations will qualify for the 50% dividends- received deduction generally available to corporations. The availability of the dividends-received deduction is subject to certain holding period and debt financing restrictions imposed under the Code on the corporation claiming the deduction. Income derived by the Fund from investments in derivatives, fixed-income and foreign securities generally is not eligible for this treatment.

 

A-9


Return of capital distributions. Distributions by the Fund that are not paid from earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholder’s tax basis in his shares; any excess will be treated as gain from the sale of his shares. Thus, the portion of a distribution that constitutes a return of capital will decrease the shareholder’s tax basis in his Fund shares (but not below zero), and will result in an increase in the amount of gain (or decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the shareholder for tax purposes on the later sale of such Fund shares. Return of capital distributions can occur for a number of reasons including, among others, the Fund overestimates the income to be received from certain investments such as those classified as partnerships or equity REITs.

U.S. Government interest. Income earned on certain U.S. Government obligations is exempt from state and local personal income taxes if earned directly by you. States also grant tax-free status to dividends paid to you from interest earned on direct obligations of the U.S. Government, subject in some states to minimum investment or reporting requirements that must be met by the Fund. Income on investments by the Fund in certain other obligations, such as repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government obligations, commercial paper and federal agency-backed obligations (e.g., Government National Mortgage Association or Federal National Mortgage Association obligations), generally does not qualify for tax-free treatment. The rules on exclusion of this income are different for corporations.

Dividends declared in December and paid in January. Ordinarily, shareholders are required to take distributions by the Fund into account in the year in which the distributions are made. However, dividends declared in October, November or December of any year and payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month will be deemed to have been received by the shareholders (and made by the Fund) on December 31 of such calendar year if such dividends are actually paid in January of the following year. Shareholders will be advised annually as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of distributions made (or deemed made) during the year in accordance with the guidance that has been provided by the IRS.

Medicare tax. A 3.8% Medicare tax is imposed on net investment income earned by certain individuals, estates and trusts. “Net investment income,” for these purposes, means investment income, including ordinary dividends and capital gain distributions received from the Fund and net gains from redemptions or other taxable dispositions of Fund shares, reduced by the deductions properly allocable to such income. In the case of an individual, the tax will be imposed on the lesser of (1) the shareholder’s net investment income or (2) the amount by which the shareholder’s modified adjusted gross income exceeds $250,000 (if the shareholder is married and filing jointly or a surviving spouse), $125,000 (if the shareholder is married and filing separately) or $200,000 (in any other case). This Medicare tax, if applicable, is reported by you on, and paid with, your federal income tax return.

Investment expenses. Because shares of the Fund are not publicly offered, the Fund will report certain of its investment expenses to shareholders on Form 1099. Shares of the Fund are not treated as publicly offered for this purpose because such shares will not be: (i) continuously offered pursuant to a public offering (within the meaning of section 4 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended); (ii) regularly traded on an established securities market; or (iii) held by or for more than 500 persons at all times during a taxable year). Under 2017 legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and ending before January 1, 2026, individual shareholders will not be entitled to deduct such shareholder’s share of any such expenses as an itemized deduction. Provided the suspension is not extended, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, any individual that is shareholder of the Fund (directly or through a partnership or other pass-through entity) will be entitled to deduct such shareholder’s share, of any such expenses only to the extent that such share, together with such shareholder’s other itemized deductions, exceeds 2% of such shareholder’s adjusted gross income. Additionally, under the TCJA, the overall limitation on itemized deductions is suspended for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and ending before January 1, 2026. Provided the suspension is not extended, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2026, certain itemized deductions of an individual are subject to reduction to the extent the individual’s adjusted gross income exceeds a threshold that is adjusted each year for inflation. The reduction (“phaseout”) is equal to the lesser of 3% of the excess of his adjusted gross income over an applicable amount or 80% of those itemized deductions otherwise allowable.

 

A-10


Sale or Redemption of Fund Shares. Because, as described above, shares of the Fund are not publicly offered, a redemption of shares generally will be treated as a taxable sale or exchange of such shares for tax purposes, provided (a) the redemption is not essentially equivalent to a dividend, (b) the redemption is a substantially disproportionate redemption, (c) the redemption is a complete redemption of a shareholder’s entire interest in the Fund, or (d) the redeeming shareholder is not a corporation and the redemption is in partial liquidation of the Fund.

A shareholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale or redemption of shares of the Fund in an amount equal to the difference between the proceeds of the sale or redemption and the shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the shares. A shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares may be less than the price paid for the shares as a result of distributions by the Fund in excess of the Fund’s earnings and profits (i.e., returns of capital). If you owned your shares as a capital asset, any gain or loss that you realize will be considered capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for longer than one year. Capital losses in any year are deductible only to the extent of capital gains plus, in the case of a noncorporate taxpayer, $3,000 of ordinary income. Redemptions that do not qualify for sale or exchange treatment will be treated as described above under “Taxation of Fund Distributions.”

Tax basis information. The Fund is required to report to shareholders and the IRS annually on Form 1099-B the cost basis of shares purchased or acquired on or after January 1, 2012 where the cost basis of the shares is known by the Fund (referred to as covered shares) and which are disposed of after that date. Shares of the Fund acquired as a result of the Fund being reorganized as a Delaware Statutory Trust (referred to as the reorganization) are not anticipated to be covered shares since the shares were acquired in a tax-free transaction and a shareholder’s basis of the shares carried over from the shares held by the shareholder prior to the reorganization. Accordingly, the cost basis of shares of the Fund will not be reported to the shareholders or the IRS.

Exchange of shares of the Fund for shares of another fund. The exchange of shares in one fund for shares of another fund is taxable for federal income tax purposes and the exchange will be reported as a taxable sale. An exchange occurs when the purchase of shares of a fund is made using the proceeds from a redemption of shares of another fund and is effectuated on the same day as the redemption. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the state and local tax consequences of an exchange of shares.

Reportable transactions. Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund’s shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

Tax Treatment of Portfolio Transactions. In general, gain or loss recognized by the Fund on the sale or other disposition of portfolio investments will be a capital gain or loss. Such capital gain and loss may be long-term or short-term depending, in general, upon the length of time a particular investment position is maintained and, in some cases, upon the nature of the transaction. Property held for more than one year generally will be eligible for long-term capital gain or loss treatment. The application of certain rules may serve to alter the manner in which the holding period for a security is determined or may otherwise affect the characterization as long-term or short-term, and also the timing of the realization and/or character, of certain gains or losses.

Tax Certification and Backup Withholding. By law, if you do not provide the Fund with your proper taxpayer identification number and certain required certifications, you may be subject to backup withholding on any distributions of income, capital gains, or proceeds from the sale of your shares. The Fund also must withhold if the IRS instructs it to do so. When withholding is required, the amount will be 24% of any distributions or proceeds paid.

Foreign Shareholders. Foreign investors should be aware that U.S. withholding, special certification requirements to avoid U.S. backup withholding and claim any treaty benefits, and estate taxes may apply to an investment in the Fund.

 

A-11


Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Under FATCA, the Fund will be required to withhold a 30% tax on the following payments or distributions made by the Fund to certain foreign entities, referred to as foreign financial institutions or non-financial foreign entities, that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive reporting and withholding requirements designed to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts: (a) income dividends and (b) after December 31, 2018, certain capital gain distributions, return of capital distributions and the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares. The Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA or similar laws. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of the Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.

Local Tax Considerations. Rules of state and local taxation of ordinary income, qualified dividend income and capital gain dividends may differ from the rules for U.S. federal income taxation described above. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder’s particular situation.

 

Item 12. Distribution Arrangements.

Not Applicable, as the Fund does not currently offer its shares for purchase.

 

Item 13. Financial Highlights Information.

Omitted pursuant to General Instruction B.2 of Form N-1A.

 

A-12


INVESCO EXCHANGE FUND

PART B

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

Item 14. Cover Page and Table of Contents.

This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. This Statement of Additional Information should be read in conjunction with the prospectus (the “Prospectus”) of Invesco Exchange Fund (the “Fund”) dated as of the same date as this Statement of Additional Information. This Statement of Additional Information does not include all of the information an investor should consider. Investors should obtain and read the Prospectus prior to purchasing shares of the Fund. Portions of the Fund’s financial statements are incorporated by reference to the Fund’s most recent Annual Report to Shareholders. The Fund’s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information and Annual and Semiannual Reports may be obtained without charge by writing or calling Invesco Distributors, Inc., 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77046, at (800) 959-4246.

This Statement of Additional Information is dated April 30, 2018.

 

     Page  

Fund History

     B-1  

Description of the Fund and its Investment Risks

     B-1  

Management of the Fund

     B-5  

Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities

     B-28  

Investment Advisory and Other Services

     B-28  

Portfolio Managers

     B-30  

Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices

     B-33  

Capital Stock and Other Securities

     B-39  

Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares

     B-39  

Taxation of the Fund

     B-39  

Underwriters

     B-39  

Calculation of Performance Data

     B-39  

Financial Statements

     B-39  

Appendix A  — Persons to Whom Invesco Provides Non-Public Portfolio Holdings on an Ongoing Basis

     A-1  

Appendix B — Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

     B-1  

 

Item 15. Fund History.

The Fund was formed on December 4, 1975 under the Uniform Limited Partnership Act of California. The Fund commenced business as an investment company on December 13, 1976 under the name American General Exchange Fund. On September 30, 2015, the Fund was reorganized as a Delaware statutory trust.

On September 9, 1983, the name of the Fund was changed from American General Exchange Fund to American Capital Exchange Fund. On April 26, 1996, the name of the Fund was changed from American Capital Exchange Fund to Van Kampen American Capital Exchange Fund. On December 9, 1998, the name of the Fund was changed from Van Kampen American Capital Exchange Fund to Van Kampen Exchange Fund. On June 1, 2010, the name of the Fund was changed from Van Kampen Exchange Fund to Invesco Van Kampen Exchange Fund. On August 2, 2013, the name of the Fund was changed to its current name, Invesco Exchange Fund.

 

Item 16. Description of the Fund and its Investment Risks.

The Fund is a diversified open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). The Fund’s principal investment objective is long-term growth of capital, while the production of current income is an important secondary objective. Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve these objectives by investing primarily in common stocks or convertible

 

B-1


securities of companies believed to have long-term growth potential. In seeking to attain its investment objectives of long-term growth of capital, and, secondarily, production of income, the Fund will acquire securities for long-term appreciation and does not intend to engage to any significant degree in short-term trading. Capital gains taxes will be considered in determining the sale of portfolio securities. However, sales will be effected whenever believed to be in the best interests of the shareholders even though capital gains may be recognized thereby.

The Fund has no present intention of investing in corporate bonds, preferred stocks or certificates of deposit in an amount in excess of 5% of the value of its net assets.

The Fund has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions which may not be changed without approval by the vote of a majority of its outstanding voting securities, which is defined by the 1940 Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. The percentage limitations contained in the restrictions and policies set forth herein apply at the time of purchase of the securities. With respect to the limitations on illiquid securities and borrowings, the percentage limitations apply at the time of purchase and on an ongoing basis. The Fund may not:

 

  (1) Purchase securities on margin or make short sales.

 

  (2) Purchase or write any options, puts, calls, straddles, spreads or combinations thereof.

 

  (3) Borrow money, except from banks for a purpose other than the purchase of securities, such borrowing not to exceed 5% of the Fund’s total assets at market value at the time of borrowing. Any such borrowing may be secured provided that not more than 10% of the total assets at market value at the time of pledging may be used as security for such borrowings.

 

  (4) Engage in the underwriting of securities or invest in securities subject to restrictions on resale.

 

  (5) Invest more than 25% of its assets at market value at the time of purchase in securities of companies all of which conduct their principal activities in the same industry.

 

  (6) Invest in real estate (including interests in real estate investment trusts) or invest in oil, gas or mineral exploration or development programs, except in publicly traded securities of issuers which engage in such business.

 

  (7) Purchase or sell commodities except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and any other governing statute, and by the rules thereunder, and by the SEC or other regulatory agency with authority over the Fund.

 

  (8) Make loans of money or securities to other persons provided that this limitation shall not prevent the purchase of a portion of an issue of bonds, notes, debentures or other debt securities which are publicly distributed or of a type customarily purchased by institutional investors.

 

  (9) Invest more than 5% of its total assets at market value at the time of purchase in the securities of any one issuer (other than obligations of the United States Government or any instrumentalities thereof).

 

  (10) Purchase securities if such purchase would result in the Fund owning more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer at the time of purchase.

 

  (11) Invest in securities of companies which have a record, together with their predecessors, of less than three years of continuous operation.

 

  (12) Purchase or hold securities of any company if any of its Trustees, or officers or directors of the Fund’s investment adviser, who beneficially own more than 0.50% of the securities of that company together own beneficially more than 5% of the securities of such company.

 

  (13) InInvest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or management. (The Fund’s officers may be authorized to vote proxies issued with respect to its portfolio securities consistently with its investment objectives).

 

B-2


  (14) Invest in or hold warrants unless received with respect to securities held by the Fund.

 

  (15) Invest in foreign securities unless listed at the time of purchase on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

  (16) IInvest more than 5% of its total assets at market value at the time of purchase in equity securities which arare not readily marketable.

The Fund does not issue senior securities.

Explanatory Note

For purposes of the Fund’s fundamental restriction related to physical commodities above, the Fund is currently permitted to invest in futures, swaps and other instruments on physical commodities to the extent disclosed in a Fund’s prospectus or SAI.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings

Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Fund Holdings

The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings (the Holdings Disclosure Policy). Invesco and the Board may amend the Holdings Disclosure Policy at any time without prior notice. As used in the Holdings Disclosure Policy and throughout the Statement of Additional Information, the term “portfolio holdings information” includes information with respect to the portfolio holdings of the Fund, including holdings that are derivatives and holdings held as short positions. Information generally excluded from “portfolio holdings information” includes, without limitation, (i) descriptions of allocations among asset classes, regions, countries, industries or sectors; (ii) aggregated data such as average or median ratios, market capitalization, credit quality or duration; (iii) performance attributions by asset class, country, industry or sector; (iv) aggregated risk statistics, analysis and simulations, such as stress testing, (v) the characteristics of the stock and bond components of the Fund’s portfolio holdings and other investment positions; (vi) the volatility characteristics of the Fund; (vii) information on how various weightings and factors contributed to Fund performance; (viii) various financial characteristics of the Fund or its underlying portfolio investments; and (ix) other information where, in the reasonable belief of the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (or a designee), the release of such information would not present risks of dilution, arbitrage, market timing, insider trading or other inappropriate trading for the Fund.

Selective disclosure of portfolio holdings information pursuant to non-disclosure agreement. Employees of Invesco and its affiliates may disclose non-public full portfolio holdings information on a selective basis only if Invesco approves the parties to whom disclosure of non-public full portfolio holdings information will be made. Invesco must determine that the proposed selective disclosure will be made for legitimate business purposes of the applicable Fund and is in the best interest of the applicable Fund’s shareholders. In making such determination, Invesco will address any perceived conflicts of interest between shareholders of such Fund and Invesco or its affiliates as part of granting its approval.

The Board exercises continuing oversight of the disclosure of Fund portfolio holdings information by (1) overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Holdings Disclosure Policy and the Invesco Funds Code of Ethics by the Chief Compliance Officer (or his designee) of Invesco and the Invesco Funds and (2) considering reports and recommendations by the Chief Compliance Officer concerning any material compliance matters (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 206(4)-7 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended) that may arise in connection with the Holdings Disclosure Policy. Pursuant to the Holdings Disclosure Policy, the Board recives reports on the specific types of situations in which Invesco proposes to provide selective disclosure, and the situations where providing selective disclosure raises perceived conflicts of interest between shareholders of the applicable Fund and Invesco or its affiliates. In any specific situation where Invesco addresses a perceived conflict, Invesco will report to the Board on the persons to whom such disclosures are to be made and the treatment of such conflict before agreeing to provide selective disclosure.

 

B-3


Invesco discloses non-public full portfolio holdings information to the following persons in connection with the day-to-day operations and management of the Invesco Funds:

 

    Attorneys and accountants;

 

    Securities lending agents;

 

    Lenders to the Invesco Funds;

 

    Rating and rankings agencies;

 

    Persons assisting in the voting of proxies;

 

    Invesco Funds’ custodians;

 

    The Invesco Funds’ transfer agent(s) (in the event of a redemption in kind);

 

    Pricing services, market makers, or other fund accounting software providers (to determine the price of investments held by an Invesco Fund);

 

    Brokers identified by the Invesco Funds’ portfolio management team who provide execution and research services to the team; and

 

    Analysts hired to perform research and analysis to the Invesco Funds’ portfolio management team.

In many cases, Invesco will disclose current portfolio holdings information on a daily basis to these persons. In these situations, Invesco has entered into non-disclosure agreements which provide that the recipient of the portfolio holdings information will maintain the confidentiality of such portfolio holdings information and will not trade on such information (Non-Disclosure Agreements). Please refer to Appendix A for a list of examples of persons to whom Invesco provides non-public portfolio holdings information on an ongoing basis.

Invesco will also disclose non-public portfolio holdings information if such disclosure is required by applicable laws, rules or regulations, or by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over Invesco and its affiliates or the Fund, and where there is no other way to transact the Fund’s business without disclosure of such portfolio holdings information.

The Holdings Disclosure Policy provides that the Fund, Invesco or any other party in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information will not request, receive or accept any compensation (including compensation in the form of the maintenance of assets in the Fund or other mutual fund or account managed by Invesco or one of its affiliates) for the selective disclosure of portfolio holdings information.

Disclosure of certain portfolio holdings information without non-disclosure agreement. Invesco and its affiliates that provide services to the Fund, the Sub-Advisers and each of their employees may receive or have access to portfolio holdings information as part of the day to day operations of the Fund.

From time to time, employees of Invesco and its affiliates may express their views orally or in writing on one or more of the Fund’s portfolio investments or may state that the Fund has recently purchased or sold one or more investments. The investments subject to these views and statements may be ones that were purchased or sold since the date on which portfolio holdings information was made available on the Fund’s web site and therefore may not be reflected on the portfolio holdings disclosed on the website. Such views and statements may be made to various persons, including members of the press, shareholders in the applicable Fund, persons considering investing in the applicable Fund or representatives of such shareholders or potential shareholders, such as fiduciaries of a 401(k) plan and their advisers. The nature and content of the views and statements provided to each of these persons may differ.

 

B-4


Disclosure of portfolio holdings information by traders. Additionally, employees of Invesco and its affiliates may disclose one or more of the investments held by the Fund when purchasing and selling investments through broker-dealers, futures commissions merchants, clearing agencies and other counterparties, requesting bids on investments, obtaining price quotations on investments, or in connection with litigation involving the Fund’s portfolio investments. Invesco does not enter into formal Non-Disclosure Agreements in connection with these situations; however, the Fund would not continue to conduct business with a person who Invesco believed was misusing the disclosed information.

Disclosure of portfolio holdings of other Invesco-managed products. Invesco and its affiliates manage products sponsored by companies other than Invesco, including investment companies, offshore funds, and separate accounts. In many cases, these other products are managed in a similar fashion to certain Invesco Funds and thus have similar portfolio holdings. The sponsors of these other products managed by Invesco and its affiliates may disclose the portfolio holdings of their products at different times than Invesco discloses portfolio holdings for the Invesco Funds.

 

Item 17. Management of the Fund.

The business and affairs of the Fund (also referred to as the “Trust”) are managed under the direction of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) and the Fund’s officers appointed by the Board. The tables below list the Trustees and executive officers of the Fund and their principal occupations during the last five years, other directorships held by the Trustees and their affiliations, if any, with Invesco Advisers, Inc. (“Invesco” or the “Adviser”) the Fund’s investment adviser, or its affiliates. The term “Fund Complex” includes each of the investment companies (“Invesco Funds”) advised by the Adviser as of March 30, 2018. The address of each Trustee is 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000 Houston, Texas 77046.

Interested Trustees

 

Name, Year of

Birth and Position(s)

Held with the Trust

   Trustee and/or
Officer since
  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

   Number of Funds
in Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
   Other Trusteeships/Directorships
Held by Trustee/
Director During the
Past 5 Years

Martin L. Flanagan1

(1960)

Trustee

   2014   

Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Ltd. (ultimate parent of Invesco and a global investment management firm); Trustee, The Invesco Funds; Vice Chair, Investment Company Institute; and Member of Executive Board, SMU Cox School of Business

 

Formerly: Advisor to the Board, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (registered investment adviser); Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Holding Company (US), Inc. (formerly IVZ Inc.) (holding company), Invesco Group Services, Inc. (service provider) and Invesco North American Holdings, Inc. (holding company); Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Holding Company Limited (parent of Invesco and a global investment management firm); Director, Invesco Ltd.; Chairman, Investment Company Institute and President, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc. (global investment management organization)

   158    None

 

B-5


Philip A. Taylor2

(1954)

Trustee,

and Senior Vice President

   2014    Head of Americas and Senior Managing Director, Invesco Ltd.; Director, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Management Group, Inc.) (financial services holding company); Director and Chairman, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Investment Services, Inc.) (registered transfer agent); Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Corporate Class Inc. (corporate mutual fund company); Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Canada Ltd. (formerly known as Invesco Trimark Ltd./Invesco Trimark Ltèe) (registered investment adviser and registered transfer agent); Trustee, and Senior Vice President, The Invesco Funds; Director, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management)    158    None
      Formerly: Co-Chairman, Co-President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Van Kampen Exchange Corp. President and Principal Executive Officer, The Invesco Funds (other than AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust), Short-Term Investments Trust and Invesco Management Trust); Executive Vice President, The Invesco Funds (AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust), Short-Term Investments Trust and Invesco Management Trust only); Director and President, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc. (registered investment adviser and registered transfer agent); Director and Chairman, IVZ Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as INVESCO Distributors, Inc.) (registered broker dealer); Director, President and Chairman, Invesco Inc. (holding company), Invesco Canada Holdings Inc. (holding company), Trimark Investments Ltd./Placements Trimark Ltèe and Invesco Financial Services Ltd/Services Financiers Invesco Ltèe; Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Canada Fund Inc. (corporate mutual fund company); Director and Chairman, Van Kampen Investor Services Inc.; Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, 1371 Preferred Inc. (holding company) and Van Kampen Investments      

 

B-6


      Inc.; Director and President, AIM GP Canada Inc. (general partner for limited partnerships) and Van Kampen Advisors, Inc.; Director and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Trimark Dealer Inc. (registered broker dealer); Director, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Aim Distributors, Inc.) (registered broker dealer); Manager, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC; Director, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Advisers, Inc.; Director, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc.; President, Invesco Trimark Dealer Inc. and Invesco Trimark Ltd./Invesco Trimark Ltèe; Director and President, AIM Trimark Corporate Class Inc. and AIM Trimark Canada Fund Inc.; Senior Managing Director, Invesco Holding Company Limited; Director and Chairman, Fund Management Company (former registered broker dealer); President and Principal Executive Officer, The Invesco Funds (AIM Treasurer’s Series Trust (Invesco Treasurer’s Series Trust), and Short-Term Investments Trust only); President, AIM Trimark Global Fund Inc. and AIM Trimark Canada Fund Inc.          

 

1  Mr. Flanagan is considered an interested person (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund because he is an officer of the Adviser, and an officer and a director of Invesco Ltd., ultimate parent of the Adviser.
2 Mr. Taylor is considered an interested person (within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund because he is an officer and a director of the Adviser.

Independent Trustees:

 

Name, Year of

Birth and Position(s)

Held with the Trust

   Trustee and/or
Officer Since
  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

   Number of Funds
in Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
  

Other Trusteeships/Directorships

Held by Trustee/

Director During the

Past 5 Years

Bruce L. Crockett

(1944)

Trustee and Chair

   2014   

Chairman, Crockett Technologies Associates (technology consulting company)

 

Formerly: Director, Captaris (unified messaging provider); Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, COMSAT Corporation; Chairman, Board of Governors of INTELSAT (international communications company); ACE Limited (insurance company); Independent Directors Council and Investment Company Institute: Member of the Audit Committee, Investment Company Institute; Member of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Governance Committee, Independent Directors Counsel    

   158    Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee, ALPS (Attorneys Liability Protection Society) (insurance company); Director and Member of the Audit Committee, Ferroglobe PLC (metallurgical company)

 

B-7


David C. Arch

(1945)

Trustee

   1997    Chairman of Blistex Inc. (consumer health care products manufacturer); Member, World Presidents’ Organization    158    Board member of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association

Jack M. Fields

(1952)

Trustee

   2014   

Chief Executive Officer, Twenty First Century Group, Inc. (government affairs company); and Chairman, Discovery Learning Alliance (non-profit)

 

Formerly: Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Dos Angeles Ranch, L.P. (cattle, hunting, corporate entertainment); Director, Insperity, Inc. (formerly known as Administaff) (human resources provider); Chief Executive Officer, Texana Timber LP (sustainable forestry company); Director of Cross Timbers Quail Research Ranch (non-profit); and member of the U.S. House of Representatives.    

   158    None

 

B-8


Cynthia Hostetler

(1962)

Trustee

   2017   

Non-Executive Director and Trustee of a number of public and private business corporations

 

Formerly: Head of Investment Funds and Private Equity, Overseas Private Investment Corporation; President, First Manahattan Bancorporation, Inc.; Attorney, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

   158    Vulcan Materials Company (construction materials company); Trilinc Global Impact Fund; Aberdeen Investment Funds (4 portfolios); Artio Global Investment LLC (mutual fund complex); Eden Group, Inc. (specialized energy and infrastructure products distributor)

Eli Jones

(1961)

Trustee

   2016    Professor and Dean, Mays Business School – Texas A&M University    158    Insperity, Inc. (formerly known as Administaff)(human resources provider)
      Formerly: Professor and Dean, Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas and E.J. Ourso College of Business, Louisiana State University, Director, Arvest Bank      

Prema Mathai-Davis

(1950)

Trustee    

   2014    Retired    144
   None

 

B-9


Teresa M. Ressel

(1962)

Trustee

   2017   

Non-executive director and trustee of a number of public and private business corporations

 

Formerly: Chief Financial Officer, The Olayan Group (international investor/commercial/industrial); Chief Executive Officer, UBS Securities LLC, Group Chief Operating Officer, Americas, UBS AG, Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget and CFO, U.S. Department of the Treasury.

   158    Atlantic Power Corporation (power generation company); ON Semiconductor Corp. (semiconductor supplier)

Ann Barnett Stern

(1957) Trustee

   2017   

President and Chief Executive Officer, Houston Endowment Inc. (private philanthropic institution)

 

Formerly: Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Texas Children’s Hospital; Attorney, Beck, Redden and Secrest, LLP, Business Law Instructor, University of St. Thomas, Attorney, Andrews & Kurth LLP

   158    Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Raymond Stickel, Jr.

(1944)

Trustee

   2014   

Retired

 

Formerly: Director, Mainstay VP Series Funds, Inc. (25 portfolios) Partner, Deloitte & Touche.

   158    None

Robert C. Troccoli

(1949)

Trustee

   2016   

Adjunct Professor, University of Denver- Daniels College of Business

 

Formerly: Senior Partner, KPMG LLP    

   158    None

 

B-10


Christopher L. Wilson

(1957)

Trustee

   2017   

Non-executive director and trustee of a number of public and private business corporations

Formerly: Managing Partner, CT2, LLC (investing and consulting firm)

 

Formerly, President/Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Funds, Bank of America Corporation, President/Chief Executive Officer, CDC IXIS Asset Management Services, Inc. Principal & Director of Operations, Scudder Funds, Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., Assistant Vice President, Fidelity Investments

   158    TD Asset Management USA Inc. (mutual fund complex) (22 portfolios), ISO New England, Inc. (non-profit organization managing regional electricity market)

 

 

B-11


Officers

The following information relates to the executive officers of the Fund. Each officer also serves in the same capacity for all or a number of the other Invesco Funds. The address of each officer is 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000 Houston, Texas 77046.

 

Name, Year of

Birth and Position(s)

Held with the Trust

   Trustee and/or
Officer Since
  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

   Number of Funds
in Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
   Other Trusteeships/
Directorships Held
by Trustee/Director
During Past 5 Years

Sheri Morris – 1964

President, Principal

Executive Officer

and Treasurer

   2010   

President, Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer, The Invesco Funds; Vice President, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); and Vice President, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and PowerShares Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust

 

Formerly: Vice President and Principal Financial Officer, The Invesco Funds; Vice President, Invesco Aim Advisers, Inc., Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc. and Invesco Aim Private Asset Management, Inc.; Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer, The Invesco Funds and Assistant Vice President, Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Aim Capital Management, Inc. and Invesco Aim Private Asset Management, Inc.; and Treasurer, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust

   N/A    N/A

Jeffrey H. Kupor – 1968

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary

   2018    Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Management Group, Inc.); Senior Vice President and Secretary, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Senior Vice President and Secretary, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco    N/A    N/A

 

B-12


     

AIM Distributors, Inc.); Vice President and Secretary, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Investment Services, Inc.) Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, The Invesco Funds; Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management); Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.) and Chief Legal Officer, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and PowerShares Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust; Secretary, Invesco Indexing LLC; Secretary and General Counsel, INVESCO Private Capital Investments, Inc.; Secretary, W.L. Ross & Co., LLC; Secretary and Vice President, Jemstep, Inc.

 

Formerly: Assistant Secretary, INVESCO Asset Management (Bermuda) Ltd.; Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Private Capital, Inc.; Assistant Secretary and General Counsel, INVESCO Realty, Inc.; Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.; and Secretary, Sovereign G/.P. Holdings Inc.

     

Russell C. Burk – 1958

Senior Vice President and Senior Officer    

   2010    Senior Vice President and Senior Officer, The Invesco Funds    N/A    N/A

 

B-13


John M. Zerr – 1962

Senior Vice President,

   2010    Chief Operating Officer of the Americas; Director and Senior Vice President, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Management Group, Inc.); Senior Vice President, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Senior Vice President, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Distributors, Inc.); Directorand Vice President, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Investment Services, Inc.) Senior Vice President, The Invesco Funds; Managing Director, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC; Director, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management); Senior Vice President, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.); Manager, Invesco Indexing LLC    N/A    N/A
      Formerly: Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Management Group, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Management Group, Inc.); Secretary, Invesco Investment Services, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Investment Services, Inc.); Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, The Invesco Funds; Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Investment Advisers LLC (formerly known as Van Kampen Asset Management); Secretary and General Counsel, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.); Chief Legal Officer, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and PowerShares Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust; Secretary, Invesco Indexing LLC; Director, Secretary, General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Van Kampen Exchange Corp.; Director, Vice President and Secretary, IVZ Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as INVESCO Distributors, Inc.); Director and Vice President, INVESCO Funds Group, Inc.; Director and Vice President, Van Kampen Advisors Inc.; Director, Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Van Kampen Investor Services Inc.; Director and Secretary, Invesco Distributors, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco AIM Distributors, Inc.); Director, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Invesco AIM Advisers, Inc. and Van Kampen Investments Inc.; Director, Vice President and Secretary, Fund Management Company;          

 

B-14


      Director, Senior Vice President, Secretary, General Counsel and Vice President, Invesco AIM Capital Management, Inc.; Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Liberty Ridge Capital, Inc. (an investment adviser); Vice President and Secretary, PBHG Funds (an investment company) and PBHG Insurance Series Fund (an investment company); Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Investment Partners (a broker-dealer); General Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Fund Services (an administrator) and Old Mutual Shareholder Services (a shareholder servicing center); Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Old Mutual Capital, Inc. (an investment adviser); and Vice President and Secretary, Old Mutual Advisors Funds (an investment company)      

Gregory G. McGreevey – 1962

Senior Vice President

   2012   

Senior Managing Director, Invesco Ltd.; Director, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser); Senior Vice President, Invesco Management Group, Inc.; Director, Invesco Mortgage Capital, Inc. and Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.; and Senior Vice President, The Invesco Funds

Formerly: Assistant Vice President, The Invesco Funds

   N/A    N/A

Kelli Gallegos – 1970

Vice President, Principal Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer

   2010   

Vice President, Principal Financial Officer and Assistant Treasurer, The Invesco Funds; Assistant Treasurer, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and PowerShares Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust

 

Formerly: Assistant Vice President, The Invesco Funds

   N/A    N/A

Tracy Sullivan – 1962

Vice President, Chief Tax Officer and Assistant Treasurer

   2010    Vice President, Chief Tax Officer and Assistant Treasurer, The Invesco Funds; Assistant Treasurer, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and PowerShares Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust    N/A    N/A
     

 

Formerly: Assistant Vice President, The Invesco Funds

     

 

B-15


Crissie M.Wisdom – 1969

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer

   2013   

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (formerly known as Invesco Institutional (N.A.), Inc.) (registered investment adviser), Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (formerly known as Van Kampen Funds Inc.), Invesco Distributors, Inc., Invesco Investment Services, Inc., Invesco Management Group, Inc., Van Kampen Exchange Corp., The Invesco Funds, and PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust and PowerShares Exchange-Traded Self-Indexed Fund Trust; Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer and Bank Secrecy Act Officer, INVESCO National Trust Company and Invesco Trust Company; and Fraud Prevention Manager and Controls and Risk Analysis Manager for Invesco Investment Services, Inc.

 

Formerly: Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officer, Van Kampen Exchange Corp.

   N/A    N/A

Robert R. Leveille – 1969

Chief Compliance Officer

   2016   

Chief Compliance Officer, Invesco Advisers, Inc. (registered investment adviser); and Chief Compliance Officer, The Invesco Funds.

 

Formerly; Chief Compliance Officer, Putnam Investments and the Putnam Funds

   N/A    N/A

Trustee Qualifications

The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under direction of the Board. The Board seeks to provide shareholders with a highly qualified, highly capable and diverse group of Board members reflecting the diversity of investor interests underlying the Fund and with a diversity of backgrounds, experience and skills that the Board considers desirable and necessary to its primary goal — protecting and promoting shareholders’ interests.

After considering all factors together, including each Trustee’s background, experience and skills summarized below, the Board believes that each Trustee is qualified to serve as a Trustee of the Fund.

 

B-16


Additional Information about the Trustees

Interested Persons

Martin L. Flanagan, Trustee

Martin L. Flanagan has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2007. Mr. Flanagan is president and chief executive officer of Invesco Ltd., a position he has held since August 2005. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of Invesco Ltd.

Mr. Flanagan joined Invesco, Ltd. from Franklin Resources, Inc., where he was president and co-chief executive officer from January 2004 to July 2005. Previously he had been Franklin’s co-president from May 2003 to January 2004, chief operating officer and chief financial officer from November 1999 to May 2003, and senior vice president and chief financial officer from 1993 until November 1999.

Mr. Flanagan served as director, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Templeton, Galbraith & Hansberger, Ltd. before its acquisition by Franklin in 1992. Before joining Templeton in 1983, he worked with Arthur Andersen & Co.

Mr. Flanagan is a chartered financial analyst and a certified public accountant. He serves as vice chairman of the Investment Company Institute and a member of the executive board at the SMU Cox School of Business.

The Board believes that Mr. Flanagan’s long experience as an executive in the investment management area benefits the Fund.

Philip A. Taylor, Trustee

Philip A. Taylor has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2006. Mr. Taylor has headed Invesco’s North American retail business as Senior Managing Director of Invesco Ltd. since April 2006. He previously served as chief executive officer of Invesco Trimark Investments since January 2002.

Mr. Taylor joined Invesco in 1999 as senior vice president of operations and client services and later became executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Mr. Taylor was president of Canadian retail broker Investors Group Securities from 1994 to 1997 and managing partner of Meridian Securities, an execution and clearing broker, from 1989 to 1994. He held various management positions with Royal Trust, now part of Royal Bank of Canada, from 1982 to 1989. He began his career in consumer brand management in the U.S. and Canada with Richardson-Vicks, now part of Procter & Gamble.

The Board believes that Mr. Taylor’s long experience in the investment management business benefits the Fund.

Independent Trustees

Bruce L. Crockett, Trustee and Chair

Bruce L. Crockett has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1978, and has served as Independent Chair of the Board of Trustees and their predecessor funds since 2004.

Mr. Crockett has more than 30 years of experience in finance and general management in the banking, aerospace and telecommunications industries. From 1992 to 1996, he served as president, chief executive officer and a director of COMSAT Corporation, an international satellite and wireless telecommunications company.

 

B-17


Mr. Crockett has also served, since 1996, as chairman of Crockett Technologies Associates, a strategic consulting firm that provides services to the information technology and communications industries. Mr. Crockett also serves on the Board of ALPS (Attorneys Liability Protection Society) and Ferroglobe PLC (metallurgical company) and he is a life trustee of the University of Rochester Board of Trustees. He is a member of the Audit Committee of Ferroglobe PLC. The Board of Trustees elected Mr. Crockett to serve as its Independent Chair because of his extensive experience in managing public companies and familiarity with investment companies.

David C. Arch, Trustee

David C. Arch has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds and their predecessor funds since 2010. From 1984 to 2010, Mr. Arch served as Director or Trustee of investment companies in the Van Kampen Funds complex.

Mr. Arch is the Chairman of Blistex Inc., a consumer health care products manufacturer. Mr. Arch is a member of the Board of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, and a member of the World Presidents’ Organization.

The Board believes that Mr. Arch’s experience as the CEO of a public company and his experience with investment companies benefits the Fund.

Jack M. Fields, Trustee

Jack M. Fields has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1997.

Mr. Fields served as a member of Congress, representing the 8th Congressional District of Texas from 1980 to 1997. As a member of Congress, Mr. Fields served as Chairman of the House Telecommunications and Finance Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction and oversight of the Federal Communications Commission and the SEC. Mr. Fields co-sponsored the National Securities Markets Improvements Act of 1996, and played a leadership role in enactment of the Securities Litigation Reform Act.

Mr. Fields currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Twenty-First Century Group, Inc. in Washington, D.C., a bipartisan Washington consulting firm specializing in Federal government affairs.

Mr. Fields also served as a Director of Insperity, Inc. (formerly known as Administaff), a premier professional employer organization with clients nationwide until 2015. In addition, Mr. Fields serves as Chairman and sits on the Board of Discovery Learning Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational resources to people in need around the world through the use of technology.

The Board believes that Mr. Fields’ experience in the House of Representatives, especially concerning regulation of the securities markets, benefits the Fund.

Cynthia Hostetler, Trustee

Cynthia Hostetler is currently a member of the board of directors of the Vulcan Materials Company, a public company engaged in the production and distribution of construction materials, and Trilinc Global Impact Fund LLC, a publicly registered non-traded limited liability company that invests in a diversified portfolio of private debt instruments. . Previously, Ms. Hostetler served as a member of the board of directors/trustees of Aberdeen Investment Funds, a mutual fund complex, and Edgen Group Inc., a public company that provides products and services to energy and construction companies, from 2012 to 2013, prior to its sale to Sumitomo.

From 2001 to 2009 Ms. Hostetler served as Head of Investment Funds and Private Equity at Overseas Private Investment Corporation (“OPIC”), a government agency that supports US investment in the emerging markets. Ms. Hostetler oversaw a multi-billion dollar investment portfolio in private equity funds. Prior to joining OPIC, Ms. Hostetler served as President and member of the board of directors of First Manhattan Bancorporation, a bank holding company, and its largest subsidiary, First Savings Bank, from 1991 to 2001.

 

B-18


The Board believes that Ms. Hostetler’s knowledge of financial services and investment management, her experience as a director of other companies, including a mutual fund complex, her legal background, and other professional experience gained through her prior employment benefit the Fund.

Dr. Eli Jones, Trustee

Dr. Eli Jones has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2016.

Dr. Jones is the dean of the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University and holder of the Peggy Pitman Mays Eminent Scholar Chair in Business. Dr. Jones has served as a director of Insperity, Inc. since April 2004 and is chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Prior to his current position, from 2012-2015, Dr. Jones was the dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas and holder of the Sam M. Walton Leadership Chair in Business. Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Arkansas, he was dean of the E. J. Ourso College of Business and Ourso Distinguished Professor of Business at Louisiana State University from 2008 to 2012; professor of marketing and associate dean at the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston from 2007 to 2008; an associate professor of marketing from 2002 to 2007; and an assistant professor from 1997 until 2002. He taught at Texas A&M University for several years before joining the faculty of the University of Houston. Dr. Jones served as the executive director of the Program for Excellence in Selling and the Sales Excellence Institute at the University of Houston from 1997 to 2007. Before becoming a professor, he worked in sales and sales management for three Fortune 100 companies: Quaker Oats, Nabisco, and Frito-Lay. Dr. Jones is a past director of Arvest Bank. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in journalism in 1982, his MBA in 1986 and his Ph.D. in 1997, all from Texas A&M University.

The Board believes that Dr. Jones’ experience in academia and his experience in marketing benefits the Fund.

Dr. Prema Mathai-Davis, Trustee

Dr. Prema Mathai-Davis has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 1998.

Prior to her retirement in 2000, Dr. Mathai-Davis served as Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of the USA. Prior to joining the YWCA, Dr. Mathai-Davis served as the Commissioner of the New York City Department for the Aging. She was a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York, the largest regional transportation network in the U.S. Dr. Mathai-Davis also serves as a Trustee of the YWCA Retirement Fund, the first and oldest pension fund for women, and on the advisory board of the Johns Hopkins Bioethics Institute. Dr. Mathai-Davis was the president and chief executive officer of the Community Agency for Senior Citizens, a non-profit social service agency that she established in 1981. She also directed the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine-Hunter College Long-Term Care Gerontology Center, one of the first of its kind.

The Board believes that Dr. Mathai-Davis’ extensive experience in running public and charitable institutions benefits the Fund.

Teresa M. Ressel, Trustee

Teresa M. Ressel has previously served across both the private sector and the U.S. government. Formerly, Ms. Ressel served from 2004 to 2012 in various capacities at UBS AG, including most recently as Chief Executive Officer of UBS Securities LLC, a broker-dealer division of UBS Investment Bank, and Group Chief Operating Officer of the Americas group at UBS AG. In these roles, Ms. Ressel managed a broad array of operational risk controls, supervisory control, regulatory, compliance, and logistics functions covering the United States and Canada, as well as banking activities covering the Americas.

Between 2001 and 2004, Ms. Ressel served at the U.S. Treasury first as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget and then as Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Ressel was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and handles a broad array of management duties including finance & accounting, operational risk, audit and performance measurement along with information technology and infrastructure security.

 

B-19


Ms. Ressel currently serves as a member of the board of directors and as a member of the audit committee of ON Semiconductor Corporation, a publicly traded technology company. Ms. Ressel currently chairs their Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. ON Semiconductor is a leading supplier of semiconductor-based solutions, many of which reduce global energy use. She has served on the ON Semiconductor board since 2012.

From 2014 to 2017, Ms. Ressel also served on the board of directors at Atlantic Power Corporation, a publicly traded company which owns and operates a diverse fleet of power generation across the United States and Canada.

The Board believes that Ms. Ressel’s risk management and financial experience in both the private and public sectors benefit the Fund.

Ann Barnett Stern, Trustee

Ann Barnett Stern is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Houston Endowment Inc., a private philanthropic institution. She has served in this capacity since 2012. Formerly, Ms. Stern served in various capacities at Texas Children’s Hospital from 2003 to 2012, including General Counsel and Executive Vice President.

Ms. Stern is also currently a member of the Dallas Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, a role she has held since 2013.

The Board believes that Ms. Stern’s knowledge of financial services and investment management and her experience as a director, and other professional experience gained through her prior employment benefit the Fund.

Raymond Stickel, Jr., Trustee

Raymond Stickel, Jr. has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2005.

Mr. Stickel retired after a 35-year career with Deloitte & Touche. For the last five years of his career, he was the managing partner of the investment management practice for the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut region. In addition to his management role, he directed audit and tax services for several mutual fund clients.

Mr. Stickel began his career with Touche Ross & Co. (the Firm) in Dayton, Ohio, became a partner in 1976 and managing partner of the office in 1985. He also started and developed an investment management practice in the Dayton office that grew to become a significant source of investment management talent for the Firm. In Ohio, he served as the audit partner on numerous mutual funds and on public and privately held companies in other industries. Mr. Stickel has also served on the Firm’s Accounting and Auditing Executive Committee.

The Board believes that Mr. Stickel’s experience as a partner in a large accounting firm working with investment managers and investment companies, and his status as an Audit Committee Financial Expert, benefits the Fund.

Robert C. Troccoli, Trustee

Robert C. Troccoli has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Invesco Funds since 2016.

Mr. Troccoli retired in 2010 after a 39-year career with KPMG LLP. Since 2013 he has been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business.

Mr. Troccoli’s leadership roles during his career with KPMG included managing partner and partner in charge of the Denver office’s Financial Services Practice. He served regulated investment companies, investment advisors, private partnerships, private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, and financial services companies. Toward the end of his career, Mr. Troccoli was a founding member of KPMG’s Private Equity Group in New York City, where he served private equity firms and sovereign wealth funds. Mr. Troccoli also served mutual fund clients along with several large private equity firms as Global Lead Partner of KPMG’s Private Equity Group.

 

B-20


The Board believes that Mr. Troccoli’s experience as a partner in a large accounting firm and his knowledge of investment companies, investment advisors, and private equity firms benefits the Fund.

Christopher L. Wilson, Trustee

Christopher L. Wilson started a career in the investment management business in 1980. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Wilson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Funds, a mutual fund complex with over $350 billion in assets. From 2009 to 2017, Mr. Wilson served as a Managing Partner of CT2, LLC, an early stage investing and consulting firm for start-up companies.

From 2014 to 2016, Mr. Wilson served as a member of the Board of Directors of the mutual fund company managed by TDAM USA Inc., an affiliate of TD Bank, N.A.

Mr. Wilson also currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of ISO New England, Inc., the company that establishes the wholesale electricity market and manages the electrical power grid in New England. Mr. Wilson is currently the chair of the Audit and Finance Committee, which also oversees cybersecurity, and a member of the systems planning committee of ISO-NE, Inc. He previously served as chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee and was a member of the Markets Committee. He has served on the ISO New England, Inc. board since 2011.

The Board believes that Mr. Wilson’s knowledge of financial services and investment management, his experience as a director and audit committee member of other companies, including a mutual fund company, and other professional experience gained through his prior employment benefit the Fund.

Management Information

The Trustees have the authority to take all actions that they consider necessary or appropriate in connection with management of the Fund, including, among other things, approving the investment objectives, policies and fundamental investment restrictions for the Fund. The Fund enters into agreements with various service providers, including the Fund’s investment advisers, administrator, transfer agent, distributor and custodians to conduct the day-to-day operations of the Fund. The Trustees are responsible for selecting these service providers and approving the terms of their contracts with the Fund, and exercising general oversight of these service providers on an ongoing basis.

Certain Trustees and officers of the Fund are affiliated with Invesco and Invesco Ltd., the parent corporation of Invesco. All of the Fund’s executive officers hold similar offices with some or all of the other Trusts.

Leadership Structure and the Board. The Board is currently composed of thirteen Trustees, including eleven Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (collectively, the Independent Trustees and each an Independent Trustee). In addition to eight regularly scheduled meetings per year, the Board holds special meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may require action prior to the next regular meeting. As discussed below, the Board has established five standing committees – the Audit Committee, the Compliance Committee, the Governance Committee, the Investments Committee and the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee (the Committees), to assist the Board in performing its oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed an Independent Trustee to serve in the role of Chairman. The Chairman’s primary role is to preside at meetings of the Board and act as a liaison with the Adviser and other service providers, officers, including the Senior Officer of the Trust, attorneys, and other Trustees between meetings. The Chairman also participates in the preparation of the agenda for the meetings of the Board, is active with mutual fund industry organizations, and may perform such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time. Except for any duties specified pursuant to the Trust’s Declaration of Trust or By-laws, the designation of Chairman does not impose on such Independent Trustee any duties, obligations or liability that is greater than the duties, obligations or liability imposed on such person as a member of the Board generally.

 

B-21


The Board believes that its leadership structure, which includes an Independent Trustee as Chairman, allows for effective communication between the Trustees and management, among the Trustees and among its Independent Trustees. The existing Board structure, including its Committee structure, provides the Independent Trustees with effective control over Board governance while also allowing them to receive and benefit from insight from the two interested Trustees who are active officers of the Fund’s investment adviser. The Board’s leadership structure promotes dialogue and debate, which the Board believes will allow for the proper consideration of matters deemed important to the Fund and their shareholders and result in effective decision-making.

Risk Oversight. The Board considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year at its regular meetings and at regular meetings of its Committees. Invesco prepares regular reports that address certain investment, valuation and compliance matters, and the Board as a whole or the Committees also receive special written reports or presentations on a variety of risk issues at the request of the Board, a Committee or the Senior Officer.

The Audit Committee is apprised by, and discusses with, management its policies on risk assessment and risk management. Such discussion includes a discussion of the guidelines governing the process by which risks are assessed and managed and an identification of each Fund’s major financial risk exposures. In addition, the Audit Committee meets regularly with representatives of Invesco Ltd.’s internal audit group to review reports on their examinations of functions and processes within Invesco that affect the Funds.

The Compliance Committee receives regular compliance reports prepared by Invesco’s compliance group and meets regularly with the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to discuss compliance issues, including compliance risks. The Compliance Committee has recommended and the Board has adopted compliance policies and procedures for the Funds and for the Funds’ service providers. The compliance policies and procedures are designed to detect, prevent and correct violations of the federal securities laws.

The Governance Committee monitors the composition of the Board and each of its Committees and monitors the qualifications of the Trustees to ensure adherence to certain governance undertakings applicable to the Funds. In addition, the Governance Committee oversees an annual self-assessment of the Board and addresses governance risks, including insurance and fidelity bond matters, for the Trust.

The Investments Committee and its sub-committees receive regular written reports describing and analyzing the investment performance of the Fund. In addition, Invesco’s Chief Investment Officers and the portfolio managers of the Fund meets regularly with Investments Committee or its sub-committees to discuss portfolio performance, including investment risk, such as the impact on the Fund of the investment in particular types of securities or instruments, such as derivatives. To the extent that the Fund changes a particular investment strategy that could have a material impact on the Fund’s risk profile, the Board generally is consulted in advance with respect to such change.

The Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee monitors fair valuation of portfolio securities based on management reports that include explanations of the reasons for the fair valuation and the methodology used to arrive at the fair value. Such reports also include information concerning illiquid securities in the Fund’s portfolio.

Committee Structure.

The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Arch, Crockett, Stickel (Chair), Troccoli (Vice Chair), Mss. Hostetler and Ressel. The Audit Committee performs a number of functions with respect to the oversight of the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting, including: (i) assisting the Board with its oversight of the qualifications, independence and performance of the independent registered public accountants; (ii) appointing independent registered public accountants for the Fund; (iii) to the extent required, pre-approving certain audit and permissible non-audit services; (iv) overseeing the financial reporting process for the Funds; and (v) assisting the Board with its oversight of the integrity of the Fund’s financial statements and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Audit Committee held nine meetings.

 

B-22


The members of the Compliance Committee are Messrs. Arch (Chair), Stickel, Troccoli, and Wilson and Ms. Ressel (Vice Chair). The Compliance Committee performs a number of functions with respect to compliance matters, including: (i) if requested by the Board, reviewing and making recommendations concerning the qualifications, performance and compensation of the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Officer; (ii) reviewing recommendations and reports made by the Chief Compliance Officer or Senior Officer of the Funds regarding compliance matters; (iii) overseeing compliance policies and procedures of the Fund and its service providers; and (iv) overseeing potential conflicts of interest that are reported to the Compliance Committee by Invesco, the Chief Compliance Officer, or the Senior Officer. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Compliance Committee held six meetings.

The members of the Governance Committee are Messrs. Crockett and Fields (Chair), Mss. Hostetler and Stern and Drs. Jones and Mathai-Davis (Vice-Chair). The Governance Committee performs a number of functions with respect to governance, including: (i) nominating persons to serve as Independent Trustees and as members of each Committee, and nominating the Chair of the Board and the Chair and Vice-Chair of each Committee; (ii) reviewing and making recommendations to the full Board regarding the size and composition of the Board and the compensation payable to the Independent Trustees; and (iii) overseeing the annual self-evaluation of the performance of the Board and its Committees. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Governance Committee held five meetings.

The Governance Committee will consider nominees recommended by a shareholder to serve as trustees, provided: (i) that such person is a shareholder of record at the time he or she submits such names and is entitled to vote at the meeting of shareholders at which trustees will be elected; and (ii) that the Governance Committee or the Board, as applicable, shall make the final determination of persons to be nominated. Notice procedures set forth in the Trust’s bylaws require that any shareholder of the Fund desiring to nominate a candidate for election at a shareholder meeting must provide certain information about itself and the candidate, and must submit to the Trust’s Secretary the nomination in writing not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day, nor earlier than the close of business on the 120th day, prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from such anniversary date or if the Trust has not previously held an annual meeting, notice by the Shareholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by the Trust.

The members of the Investments Committee are, Messrs. Arch (Vice Chair), Crockett (Chair), Fields, Flanagan, Stickel, Taylor, Troccoli (Vice Chair), and Wilson, Mss. Hostetler, Resse and Stern and Drs. Jones, (Vice Chair) and Mathai-Davis. The Investments Committee’s primary purposes are to assist the Board in its oversight of the investment management services provided by Invesco and the Sub-Advisers and to periodically review Fund performance information. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Investments Committee held six meetings.

The Investments Committee has established three Sub-Committees and delegated to the Sub-Committees responsibility for, among other matters: (i) reviewing the performance of the Funds that have been assigned to a particular Sub-Committee (for each Sub-Committee, the Designated Funds), unless the Investments Committee takes such action directly; and (ii) reviewing with the applicable portfolio managers from time to time the investment objective(s), policies, strategies, risks and limitations of the Designated Funds.

The members of the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee are Messrs. Fields and Wilson, Ms. Stern and Drs. Jones (Vice Chair) and Mathai-Davis (Chair). The Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee performs a number of functions with respect to valuation, distribution and proxy voting, including: (i) reviewing reports and making recommendations to the full Board regarding the Fund’s valuation and liquidity methods and determinations, and annually approving and making recommendations to the full Board regarding pricing procedures and procedures for determining the liquidity of securities; (ii) reviewing Invesco’s annual report evaluating the pricing vendors, and approving and recommending that the full Board approve changes to pricing vendors and pricing methodologies; (iii) reviewing reports and making recommendations to the full Board regarding mutual fund distribution and marketing channels and expenditures; and (iv) reviewing reports and making recommendations to the full Board regarding proxy voting guidelines, policies and procedures. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Valuation, Distribution and Proxy Oversight Committee held four meetings.

 

B-23


Compensation of Trustees

Each Trustee who is not affiliated with Invesco is compensated for his or her services according to a fee schedule that recognizes the fact that such Trustee also serves as a Trustee of other Invesco Funds. Each such Trustee receives a fee, allocated among the Invesco Funds for which he or she serves as a Trustee that consists of an annual retainer component and a meeting fee component. The Chair of the Board and of each Committee and Sub-Committee receive additional compensation for their services.

Information regarding compensation paid or accrued for each Trustee of the Trust who was not affiliated with Invesco during the year ended December 31, 2017 is found in the chart below.

COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Name

   Compensation
from the
Fund(1)
     Retirement
Benefits
Accrued
by All Invesco
Funds
     Total
Compensation
from Fund
Complex(3)
     Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement(2)
     Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustees
 

Independent Trustees(4)

              

David C. Arch

   $ 1,382        —        $ 388,122      $ 205,000        158  

Bruce L. Crockett

     2,484        —          691,672        205,000        158  

Jack M. Fields

     1,431        —          398,322        205,000        158  

Cynthia Hostetler(5)

     1,036        —          283,775        —          158  

Eli Jones

     1,340        —          372,372        —        158  

Prema Mathai-Davis

     1,431        —          398,322        205,000        158  

Teresa M. Ressel(5)

     1,033        —          286,275        —          158  

Ann Barnett Stern(5)

     1,009        —          276,275        —          158  

Raymond Stickel, Jr

     1,524        —          427,522        205,000        158  

Robert C. Troccoli

     1,352        —          386,372        —        158  

Christopher L. Wilson(5)

     998        —          276,275        —          158  

 

(1)  Amounts shown are based on the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. The total amount of compensation deferred by all trustees of the Trust during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, including earnings, was $2,822.
(2)  These amounts represent the estimated annual benefits payable by the Invesco Funds upon the trustees’ retirement and assumes each trustee serves until his or her normal retirement date. These amounts are not adjusted to reflect deemed investment appreciation or depreciation.
(3)  All trustees currently serve as trustee of 32 registered investment companies advised by Invesco.
(4)  On December 31, 2017, Mr. James T. Bunch and Dr. Larry Soll retired. During the fiscal year ended December 2017 compensation from the Trust for both Mr. Bunch and Dr. Soll was $2,883.
5)  Mss. Cynthia Hostetler, Teresa M. Ressel and Ann Barnett Stern and Mr. Christopher L. Wilson were elected as trustees of the Trusts by shareholders at a meeting held on March 9, 2017 and for all closed-end funds at a meeting held on March 28, 2017.

 

B-24


Shareholder Communications

Shareholders may send communications to the Board. Shareholders should send communications intended for the Board by addressing the communication directly to the Board (or individual Trustee) and/or otherwise clearly indicating in the salutation that the communication is for the Board (or individual Trustees) and by sending the communication to either the Fund’s office or directly to such Trustee at the address specified for such Trustee above. Other shareholder communications received by the Fund not directly addressed and sent to the Board will be reviewed and generally responded to by management, and will be forwarded to the Board only at management’s discretion based on the matters contained therein.

Trustee Ownership of Fund Shares

The dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each trustee (i) in the Fund and (ii) on an aggregate basis, in all registered investment companies overseen by the trustee within the Invesco Funds complex, is set forth in the following table:

 

Name

   Fund    Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in all Registered Investment
Companies Overseenby Trusteein the
Fund Complex

Independent Trustees

  

Arch

   $10,001-$50,000    Over $100,000

Crockett

   $1-$10,000    Over $100,000(1)

Fields

   $1-$10,000    Over $100,000

Hostetler

   None    None

Jones

   None    Over $100,000(1)

Mathai-Davis

   $1-$10,000    Over $100,000(1)

Ressel

   None    None

Stern

   None    Over $100,000(1)

Stickel

   $1-$10,000    Over $100,000

Robert Troccoli

   None    Over $100,000(1)

Wilson

   None    Over $100,000

Interested Trustees

     

Flanagan

   $1-$10,000    Over $100,000

Taylor

   None    None

 

(1)  Includes total amount of compensation deferred by the Trustee at his or her election pursuant to a deferred compensation plan. Such deferred compensation is placed in a deferral account and deemed to be invested in one or more of the Invesco Funds.

(2)

Retirement Policy

The Trustees have adopted a retirement policy that permits each Trustee to serve until December 31 of the year in which the Trustee turns 75.

Pre-Amendment Retirement Plan For Trustees

The Trustees have adopted a Retirement Plan for the Trustees who are not affiliated with the Adviser. A description of the pre-amendment Retirement Plan follows. Annual retirement benefits are available from the Funds and/or the other Invesco Funds for which a Trustee serves (each, a Covered Fund), for each Trustee who is not an employee or officer of the Adviser, who either (a) became a Trustee prior to December 1, 2008, and who has at least five years of credited service as a Trustee (including service to a predecessor fund) of a Covered Fund, or (b) was a member of the Board of Trustees of a Van Kampen Fund immediately prior to June 1, 2010 (Former Van Kampen Trustee), and has at least one year of credited service as a Trustee of a Covered Fund after June 1, 2010.

 

B-25


For Trustees other than Former Van Kampen Trustees, effective January 1, 2006, for retirements after December 31, 2005, the retirement benefits will equal 75% of the Trustee’s annual retainer paid to or accrued by any Covered Fund with respect to such Trustee during the twelve-month period prior to retirement, including the amount of any retainer deferred under a separate deferred compensation agreement between the Covered Fund and the Trustee. The amount of the annual retirement benefit does not include additional compensation paid for Board meeting fees or compensation paid to the Chair of the Board and the Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain Board committees, whether such amounts are paid directly to the Trustee or deferred. The annual retirement benefit is payable in quarterly installments for a number of years equal to the lesser of (i) sixteen years or (ii) the number of such Trustee’s credited years of service. If a Trustee dies prior to receiving the full amount of retirement benefits, the remaining payments will be made to the deceased Trustee’s designated beneficiary for the same length of time that the Trustee would have received the payments based on his or her service or, if the Trustee has elected, in a discounted lump sum payment. A Trustee must have attained the age of 65 (60 in the event of disability) to receive any retirement benefit. A Trustee may make an irrevocable election to commence payment of retirement benefits upon retirement from the Board before age 72; in such a case, the annual retirement benefit is subject to a reduction for early payment.

If the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes at least 10 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the retirement benefit will equal 75% of the Former Van Kampen Trustee’s annual retainer paid to or accrued by any Covered Fund with respect to such Trustee during the twelve-month period prior to retirement, including the amount of any retainer deferred under a separate deferred compensation agreement between the Covered Fund and such Trustee. The amount of the annual retirement benefit does not include additional compensation paid for Board meeting fees or compensation paid to the Chair of the Board and the Chairs and Vice Chairs of certain Board committees, whether such amounts are paid directly to the Trustee or deferred. The annual retirement benefit is payable in quarterly installments for 10 years beginning after the later of the Former Van Kampen Trustee’s termination of service or attainment of age 72 (or age 60 in the event of disability or immediately in the event of death). If a Former Van Kampen Trustee dies prior to receiving the full amount of retirement benefits, the remaining payments will be made to the deceased Trustee’s designated beneficiary or, if the Trustee has elected, in a discounted lump sum payment.

If the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes less than 10 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the retirement benefit will be payable at the applicable time described in the preceding paragraph, but will be paid in two components successively. For the period of time equal to the Former Van Kampen Trustee’s years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the first component of the annual retirement benefit will equal 75% of the compensation amount described in the preceding paragraph. Thereafter, for the period of time equal to the Former Van Kampen Trustee’s years of credited service after June 1, 2010, the second component of the annual retirement benefit will equal the excess of (x) 75% of the compensation amount described in the preceding paragraph, over (y) $68,041 plus an interest factor of 4% per year compounded annually measured from June 1, 2010 through the first day of each year for which payments under this second component are to be made. In no event, however, will the retirement benefits under the two components be made for a period of time greater than 10 years. For example, if the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes 7 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, he or she will receive 7 years of payments under the first component and thereafter 3 years of payments under the second component, and if the Former Van Kampen Trustee completes 4 years of credited service after June 1, 2010, he or she will receive 4 years of payments under the first component and thereafter 4 years of payments under the second component.

 

B-26


Amendment of Retirement Plan and Conversion to Defined Contribution Plan

The Trustees approved an amendment to the Retirement Plan to convert it to a defined contribution plan for active Trustees (the Amended Plan). Under the Amended Plan, the benefit amount was amended for each active Trustee to the present value of the Trustee’s existing retirement plan benefit as of December 31, 2013 (the Existing Plan Benefit) plus the present value of retirement benefits expected to be earned under the Retirement Plan through the end of the calendar year in which the Trustee attained age 75 (the Expected Future Benefit and, together with the Existing Plan Benefit, the Accrued Benefit). On the conversion date, the Covered Funds established bookkeeping accounts in the amount of their pro rata share of the Accrued Benefit, which is deemed to be invested in one or more Invesco Funds selected by the participating Trustees. Such accounts will be adjusted from time to time to reflect deemed investment earnings and losses. Each Trustee’s Accrued Benefit is not funded and, with respect to the payments of amounts held in the accounts, the participating Trustees have the status of unsecured creditors of the Covered Funds. Trustees will be paid the adjusted account balance under the Amended Plan in quarterly installments for the same period as described above.

Deferred Compensation Agreements

Three retired Trustees, as well as Messrs. Crockett, Fields and Dr. Mathai-Davis (for purposes of this paragraph only, the Deferring Trustees) have each executed a Deferred Compensation Agreement (collectively, the Compensation Agreements). Pursuant to the Compensation Agreements, the Deferring Trustees have the option to elect to defer receipt of up to 100% of their compensation payable by the Funds, and such amounts are placed into a deferral account and deemed to be invested in one or more Invesco Funds selected by the Deferring Trustees.

Distributions from these deferral accounts will be paid in cash, generally in equal quarterly installments over a period of up to ten (10) years (depending on the Compensation Agreement) beginning on the date selected under the Compensation Agreement. If a Deferring Trustee dies prior to the distribution of amounts in his or her deferral account, the balance of the deferral account will be distributed to his or her designated beneficiary. The Compensation Agreements are not funded and, with respect to the payments of amounts held in the deferral accounts, the Deferring Trustees have the status of unsecured creditors of the Funds and of each other Invesco Fund from which they are deferring compensation.

Code of Ethics

The Fund, the Adviser, the Sub-Advisers and Invesco Distributors, Inc. have each adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) that sets forth general and specific standards relating to the securities trading activities of their employees. The Code of Ethics does not prohibit employees from acquiring securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund, but is intended to ensure that all employees conduct their personal transactions in a manner that

does not interfere with the portfolio transactions of the Fund or other funds in the Fund Complex, and that such employees do not take unfair advantage of their relationship with the Fund. Among other things, the Code of Ethics prohibits certain types of transactions absent prior approval, imposes various trading restrictions (such as time periods during which personal transactions may or may not be made) and requires quarterly reporting of securities transactions and other reporting matters. Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders, research analysts and others who may have access to nonpublic information about the trading activities of the Fund or other funds in the Fund Complex or who otherwise are involved in the investment advisory process. Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Code of Ethics may be granted in particular circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.

Proxy Voting Policy and Proxy Voting Record

The Board believes that the voting of proxies on securities held by the Fund is an important element of the overall investment process. The Board has delegated day-to-day responsibility to the Adviser to vote such proxies, pursuant to the Board approved Proxy Voting Policy, a copy of which is currently in effect as of the date of this Statement of Additional Information and is attached hereto as Appendix B.

 

B-27


The Proxy Voting Policy is subject to change over time and investors seeking the most current copy of the Proxy Voting Policy should go to the Adviser’s web site at www.invesco.com/us. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent 12 month period ended June 30 is also available without charge on the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov.

 

Item 18. Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities.

As of April 19 2018, no person was known by the Fund to own beneficially or to holder of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Fund, except as follows:

 

Name and Address of Holder    Approximate Percentage of
Ownership on April
19, 2018
 

Comerica Bank Cust

For TTEE Edward S. Mardigian

Detroit, MI 48275-3446

     22.81

Comerica Bank Agent for Edward and Helen Mardigian,

Detroit, MI 48275-3446

     18.96

Gordon E. Moore & Betty I. Moore

TR FBO Gordon E. Moore & Betty I. Moore Trust

UA DTD 10-9-73

Woodside, CA 94062-4104

     10.69

Michael Lloyd DOW TR

Estate Planning Trust # 1

DTD 01/31/2001

Charlevoix, MI 49720-9492

     7.36

On April 19, 2018, all Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities.

 

Item 19. Investment Advisory and Other Services.

Investment Adviser. Invesco Advisers, Inc. (the “Adviser”) is the Fund’s investment adviser. The Adviser is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. The Adviser is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309. The Adviser, a successor in interest to multiple investment advisers, has been an investment adviser since 1976.

The Fund and the Adviser are parties to an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”). Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays to the Adviser as compensation for the services rendered, facilities furnished, and expenses paid by it a fee payable monthly computed on average daily net assets of the Fund at an annual rate of 0.30%.

The Adviser received approximately $177,694, $174,937 and $196,975 in advisory fees from the Fund during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Adviser waived advisory fees of $579, $1,287 and $735 during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Invesco has contractually agreed through at least June 30, 2019, to waive advisory fees payable by the Fund in an amount equal to 100% of the advisory fee Invesco receives from the Affiliated Money Market Funds as a result of the Fund’s investment of uninvested cash in the Affiliated Money Market Funds. Contractual fee waivers or reductions may not be terminated or amended to the Fund’s detriment during the period stated in the agreement between Invesco and the Fund.

The Advisory Agreement may be continued from year to year if specifically approved at least annually (a)(i) by the Fund’s Trustees or (ii) by vote of a majority of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities and (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the agreement or interested persons of any such party by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Advisory Agreement provides that it shall terminate automatically if assigned and that it may be terminated without penalty by either party on 30 days written notice.

 

B-28


Under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund retains the Adviser to manage the investment of its assets and to place orders for the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities. The Adviser is responsible for obtaining and evaluating economic, statistical, and financial data and for formulating and implementing investment programs in furtherance of the Fund’s investment objectives. The Adviser also furnishes at no cost to the Fund (except as noted herein) the services of sufficient executive and clerical personnel for the Fund as are necessary to prepare registration statements, shareholder reports, and notices and proxy solicitation materials. In addition, the Adviser furnishes at no cost to the Fund the services of a Chief Executive Officer and other executive and clerical personnel, as needed.

Investment Sub-Advisers. The Adviser has entered into a Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) with certain affiliates to serve as sub-advisers to the Fund (each, a Sub-Adviser), pursuant to which these affiliated sub-advisers may be appointed by the Adviser from time to time to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund. These affiliated sub-advisers, each of which is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 are:

Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH

Invesco Asset Management Limited

Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited

Invesco Canada Ltd.

Invesco Hong Kong Limited

Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.

Invesco has also entered into Sub-Advisory Agreements with Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC (Invesco PowerShares) and Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited (Invesco India), also affiliated sub-advisers which are registered investment advisers under the Advisers Act, to provide discretionary investment management services, investment advice, and/or order execution services to the Fund.

The only fees payable to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreements are for providing discretionary investment management services. For such services, the Adviser will pay each Sub-Adviser a fee, computed daily and paid monthly, equal to (i) 40% of the monthly compensation that the Adviser receives from the Fund, multiplied by (ii) the fraction equal to the net assets of such Fund as to which such Sub-Adviser shall have provided discretionary investment management services for that month divided by the net assets of such Fund for that month. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreements, this fee is reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense limitations by the Adviser, if any, in effect from time to time. In no event shall the aggregate monthly fees paid to the Sub-Advisers under the Sub-Advisory Agreements exceed 40% of the monthly compensation that the Adviser receives from the Fund pursuant to its advisory agreement with the Fund, as reduced to reflect contractual or voluntary fees waivers or expense limitations by the Adviser, if any.

Administrative Services Agreement. The Adviser and the Fund have entered into a Master Administrative Services Agreement (“Administrative Services Agreement”) pursuant to which the Adviser may perform or arrange for the provision of certain accounting and other administrative services to the Fund which are not required to be performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement. The Administrative Services Agreement provides that it will remain in effect and continue from year to year only if such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board, including the Independent Trustees, by votes cast in person at a meeting called for such purpose. Under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Adviser is entitled to receive from the Fund reimbursement of its costs or such reasonable compensation as may be approved by the Board. Currently, the Adviser is reimbursed for the services of the Fund’s principal financial officer and her staff and any expenses related to fund accounting services. The Adviser received approximately $50,000 $50,000 and $50,000 in administrative services fees from the Fund during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other Service Providers. The Fund also pays transfer agency fees, custodian fees, legal and auditing fees, the costs of reports to shareholders and all other ordinary expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser. Invesco Investment Services, Inc. is the Fund’s transfer agent. The contact information for Invesco Investment Services, Inc. is P.O. Box 219078, Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9078, or by telephone at (800) 959-4246. The custodian of all the assets of the Fund is State Street Bank and Trust Company located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

 

B-29


An independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund performs an annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements.

 

Item 20. Portfolio Managers.

Portfolio Manager Fund Holdings and Information on Other Managed Accounts

The Adviser’s portfolio managers develop investment models which are used in connection with the management of certain Invesco Funds as well as other mutual funds for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as sub-adviser, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals. The ‘Investments’ chart reflects the portfolio managers’ investments in the funds that they manage. Accounts are grouped into three categories: (i) investments made directly in the Fund’s shares beneficially owned by a portfolio manager, as determined in accordance Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (beneficial ownership includes ownership by a portfolio manager’s immediate family members sharing the same household); (ii) investments made either directly or through a deferred compensation or similar plan in Invesco pooled investment vehicles with the same or similar objectives and strategies as the Fund; and (iii) total investments made in any Invesco Fund or Invesco pooled investment vehicle. The ‘Assets Managed’ chart reflects information regarding accounts other than the Funds for which each portfolio manager has day to-day management responsibilities. Accounts are grouped into three categories: (i) other registered investment companies; (ii) other pooled investment vehicles; and (iii) other accounts. To the extent that any of these accounts pay advisory fees that are based on account performance (performance-based fees), information on those accounts is specifically noted. In addition, any assets denominated in foreign currencies have been converted into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates as of the applicable date.

Investments

The following information is as of December 31, 2017 (unless otherwise noted):

 

Portfolio Manager

   Dollar Range of
Investments In
the Fund
   Dollar Range of
Investments In Invesco
Pooled Investment
Vehicles with the
Same or Similar
Objectives and
Strategies as the Fund
   Dollar Range of
Investments in All
Invesco Funds and
Invesco Pooled
Investment Vehicles

Anthony Munchak

   None    N/A    $500,001-$1,000,000

Glen Murphy

   None    N/A    Over $1,000,000

Francis Orlando

   None    N/A    $500,001-$1,000,000

Donna Wilson

   None    N/A    Over $1,000,000

 

B-30


Assets Managed

The following information is as of December 31, 2017 (unless otherwise noted):

 

     Other Registered
Investment Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles Managed
    Other Accounts Managed  

Portfolio Manager

   Number of
Accounts
     Assets
(in millions)
     Number of
Accounts
    Assets
(in millions)
    Number of
Accounts
    Assets
(in millions)
 

Anthony Munchak

     8      $ 10,114.0        51 1    $ 12,266 1      89 2    $ 15,733 2 

Glen Murphy

     11      $ 10,349.0        51 1    $ 12,266 1      89 2    $ 15,733 2 

Francis Orlando

     8      $ 10,114.0        51 1    $ 12,266 1      89 2    $ 15,733 2 

Donna Wilson

     15      $ 10,527.0        51 1    $ 12,266 1      89 2    $ 15,733 2 

 

1  This amount includes 2 funds that pay performance-based fees with $498M in total assets under management.
2  This amount includes 20 funds that pay performance-based fees with $2.9M in total assets under management .

Potential Conflicts of Interest

Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one Fund or other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple Funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the following potential conflicts:

 

    The management of multiple Funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each Fund and/or other account. The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser seek to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of portfolio managers by having portfolio managers focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment models that are used in connection with the management of the Fund.

 

    If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one Fund or other account, a Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible Funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, the Adviser, each Sub-Adviser and the Fund have adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts.

 

    The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser determine which broker to use to execute each order for securities transactions for the Fund, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, for certain other accounts (such as mutual funds for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as sub-adviser, other pooled investment vehicles that are not registered mutual funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for the Fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of the Fund or other account(s) involved.

 

    Finally, the appearance of a conflict of interest may arise where the Adviser or Sub-Adviser has an incentive, such as a performance-based management fee, which relates to the management of one Fund or account but not all Funds and accounts for which a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities.

The Adviser, each Sub-Adviser, and the Fund have adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.

 

B-31


Description of Compensation Structure

For the Adviser and each affiliated Sub-Adviser

The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser seek to maintain a compensation program that is competitively positioned to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Portfolio managers receive a base salary, an incentive cash bonus opportunity and a deferred compensation opportunity. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed and may be modified each year as appropriate to reflect changes in the market, as well as to adjust the factors used to determine bonuses to promote competitive Fund performance. The Adviser and each Sub-Adviser evaluate competitive market compensation by reviewing compensation survey results conducted by an independent third party of investment industry compensation. Each portfolio manager’s compensation consists of the following three elements:

Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a base salary. In setting the base salary, the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser’s intention is to be competitive in light of the particular portfolio manager’s experience and responsibilities.

Annual Bonus. The portfolio managers are eligible, along with other employees of the Adviser and each Sub-Adviser, to participate in a discretionary year-end bonus pool. The Compensation Committee of Invesco Ltd. reviews and approves the firm-wide bonus pool based upon progress against strategic objectives and annual operating plan, including investment performance and financial results. In addition, while having no direct impact on individual bonuses, assets under management are considered when determining the starting bonus funding levels. Each portfolio manager is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus which is based on quantitative (i.e. investment performance) and non-quantitative factors (which may include, but are not limited to, individual performance, risk management and teamwork).

Each portfolio manager’s compensation is linked to the pre-tax investment performance of the funds/accounts managed by the portfolio manager as described in the table below.

 

Sub-Adviser

  

Performance time period1

Invesco2    One-, Three- and Five-year performance against Fund peer group
Invesco Deutschland    One-, Three- and Five-year performance against Fund peer group
Invesco Hong Kong2    One-, Three- and Five-year performance against Fund peer group
Invesco Asset Management    One-, Three- and Five-year performance against Fund peer group
Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited    One-, Three- and Five-year performance against Fund peer group
Invesco – Invesco Real Estate2,3    Not applicable
Invesco Senior Secured2,4    Not applicable
Invesco PowerShares2,5    Not applicable
Invesco Canada2    One-year performance against Fund peer group
   Three-and Five-year performance against entire universe of Canadian funds
Invesco Japan6    One-, Three-and Five-year performance

 

1  Rolling time periods based on calendar year-end.
2  Portfolio managers may be granted an annual deferral award that vests on a pro-rata basis over a four year period.
3  Portfolio managers for Invesco Global Infrastructure Fund, Invesco Global Real Estate Fund, Invesco MLP Fund, Invesco Real Estate Fund, Invesco Global Real Estate Income Fund and Invesco V.I. Global Real Estate Fund base their bonus on new operating profits of the U.S. Real Estate Division of Invesco.
4  Invesco Senior Secured’s bonus is based on annual measures of equity return and standard tests of collateralization performance.
5  Portfolio managers for Invesco PowerShares base their bonus on Invesco results as well as growth in net operating profits of Invesco PowerShares.
6  Compensation for portfolio managers for Invesco Pacific Growth Fund is based on the one-, three- and five-year performance against the appropriate Micropol benchmark.

 

B-32


High investment performance (against applicable peer group and/or benchmarks) would deliver compensation generally associated with top pay in the industry (determined by reference to the third-party provided compensation survey information) and poor investment performance (versus applicable peer group) would result in low bonus compared to the applicable peer group or no bonus at all. These decisions are reviewed and approved collectively by senior leadership which has responsibility for executing the compensation approach across the organization.

With respect to Invesco PowerShares, there is no policy regarding, or agreement with, the portfolio managers or any other senior executive of the Adviser to receive bonuses or any other compensation in connection with the performance of any of the accounts managed by the portfolio managers.

Deferred / Long Term Compensation. Portfolio managers may be granted a deferred compensation award based on a firm-wide bonus pool approved by the Compensation Committee of Invesco Ltd. Deferred compensation awards may take the form of annual deferral awards or long-term equity awards. Annual deferral awards may be granted as an annual stock deferral award or an annual fund deferral award. Annual stock deferral awards are settled in Invesco Ltd. common shares. Annual fund deferral awards are notionally invested in certain Invesco Funds selected by the Portfolio Manager and are settled in cash. Long-term equity awards are settled in Invesco Ltd. common shares. Both annual deferral awards and long-term equity awards have a four-year ratable vesting schedule. The vesting period aligns the interests of the portfolio managers with the long-term interests of clients and shareholders and encourages retention.

Retirement and health and welfare arrangements. Portfolio managers are eligible to participate in retirement and health and welfare plans and programs that area available generally to all employees.

 

Item 21. Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices.

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers have adopted compliance procedures that cover, among other items, brokerage allocation and other trading practices. If all or a portion of the Fund’s assets are managed by one or more Sub-Advisers, the decision to buy and sell securities and broker selection will be made by the Sub-Adviser for the assets it manages. Unless specifically noted, the Sub-Advisers’ brokerage allocation procedures do not materially differ from the Adviser’s procedures.

As discussed below, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers, unless prohibited by applicable law, may cause a Fund to pay a broker-dealer a commission for effecting a transaction that exceeds the amount another broker-dealer would have charged for effecting the same transaction in recognition of the value of brokerage and research services provided by that broker-dealer. Effective January 3, 2018, under the European Union’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (“MiFID II”), European Union investment advisers, including Invesco Deutschland and Invesco Asset Management, which may act as sub-adviser to certain Funds as described in such Funds’ prospectuses, must pay for research from broker-dealers directly out of their own resources, rather than through client commissions.

Brokerage Transactions

Placing trades generally involves acting on portfolio manager instructions to buy or sell a specified amount of portfolio securities, including selecting one or more broker-dealers, including affiliated and third-party broker-dealers to execute the trades, and negotiating commissions and spreads. Various Invesco Ltd. subsidiaries have created a global equity trading desk. The global equity trading desk has assigned local traders in six primary trading centers to place equity securities trades in their regions. Invesco’s Americas desk, located in Atlanta and Toronto, generally places trades of equity securities trading in North America, Canada, and Latin America; the Hong Kong desk of Invesco Hong Kong (the “Hong Kong Desk”) generally places trades of

 

B-33


equity securities in the Asia-Pacific markets, except Japan and China; the Japan trading desk generally places trades of equity securities in the Japanese markets and the EMEA trading desk of Invesco Asset Management (the “EMEA Desk”) generally places trades of equity securities in European Middle Eastern and African countries; the Australia desk, located in Sydney and Melbourne, for the execution of orders of equity securities trading in the Australian and New Zealand Market; and the Taipei desk, located in Taipei, for the execution of orders of securities trading in the Chinese Market. The Adviser, Invesco Canada, Invesco Japan, Invesco Deutschland, Invesco Hong Kong, Invesco PowerShares and Invesco Asset Management use the global equity trading desk to place equity trades. Other Sub-Advisers may use the global equity trading desk in the future. The trading procedures for the global trading desks are similar in all material respects.

References in the language below to actions by the Adviser or a Sub-Adviser (other than Invesco Canada or Invesco Japan) making determinations or taking actions related to equity trading include these entities’ delegation of these determinations/actions to the Americas Desk, the Hong Kong Desk, and the EMEA Desk. Even when trading is delegated by the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers to the various arms of the global equity trading desk, the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers that delegate trading is responsible for oversight of this trading activity.

The Adviser or the Sub-Advisers make decisions to buy and sell securities for the Fund, select broker-dealers (each, a “Broker”), effect the Fund’s investment portfolio transactions, allocate brokerage fees in such transactions and, where applicable, negotiate commissions and spreads on transactions. The Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ primary consideration in effecting a security transaction is to obtain best execution, which Invesco defines as prompt and efficient execution of the transaction at the best obtainable price with payment of commissions, mark-ups or mark-downs which are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage services provided by the Broker. While the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers seek reasonably competitive commission rates, the Fund may not pay the lowest commission or spread available. See “Broker Selection” below.

Some of the securities in which the Fund invests may be traded in over-the-counter markets. Portfolio transactions in such markets may be effected on a principal basis at net prices without commissions, but which include compensation to the Broker in the form of a mark-up or mark-down, or on an agency basis, which involves the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions to the Broker, including electronic communication networks. Purchases of underwritten issues, which include initial public offerings and secondary offerings, include a commission or concession paid by the issuer (not the Fund) to the underwriter. Purchases of money market instruments may be made directly from issuers without the payment of commissions.

Historically, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers did not negotiate commission rates on stock markets outside the United States. In recent years many overseas stock markets have adopted a system of negotiated rates; however, a number of markets maintain an established schedule of minimum commission rates.

In some cases, the Adviser may decide to place trades on a “blind principal bid” basis, which involves combining all trades for one or more portfolios into a single basket, and generating a description of the characteristics of the basket for provision to potential executing brokers. Based on the trade characteristics information provided by the Adviser, these brokers submit bids for executing all of the required trades at a designated time for a specific commission rate. The Adviser generally selects the broker with the lowest bid to execute these trades.

The Fund did not pay brokerage commissions during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Fund paid brokerage commissions in the amount of $1,780.

Commissions

The Fund may engage in certain principal and agency transactions with banks and their affiliates that own 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a fund in the Fund Complex, provided the conditions of an exemptive order received by such fund from the SEC are met. In addition, the Fund may purchase or sell a security from or to certain other funds in the Fund Complex or other accounts (and may invest in affiliated money market funds) provided the Fund follows procedures adopted by the boards of the various funds in the Fund Complex, including the Fund. These inter-fund transactions generally do not generate brokerage commissions but may result in custodial fees or taxes or other related expenses.

 

B-34


Broker Selection

The Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ primary consideration in selecting Brokers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund is to obtain best execution. In selecting a Broker to execute a portfolio transaction in equity securities for the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers consider the full range and quality of a Broker’s services, including the value of research and/or brokerage services provided (if permitted by applicable law or regulation), execution capability, commission rate, and willingness to commit capital, anonymity and responsiveness. The Adviser’s and the Sub-Advisers’ primary consideration when selecting a Broker to execute a portfolio transaction in fixed income securities for the Fund is the Broker’s ability to deliver or sell the relevant fixed income securities; however, the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers will, if permitted by applicable law or regulation, also consider the various factors listed above. In each case, the determinative factor is not the lowest commission or spread available but whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution for the Fund. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers will not select Brokers based upon their promotion or sale of Fund shares, if in the future Fund shares are offered to investors for purchase.

Unless prohibited by applicable law, such as MiFID II (described herein), in choosing Brokers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund, the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers may select Brokers that are not affiliated with the Adviser that provide brokerage and/or research services (“Soft Dollar Products”) to the Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Adviser and its affiliates have investment discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, European Union investment advisers, including Invesco Deutschland and Invesco Asset Management, which may act as sub-adviser to certain Funds as described in such Funds’ prospectuses, must pay for research from broker-dealers directly out of their own resources, rather than through client commissions. Therefore, the use of the defined term “Sub-Advisers” throughout this section shall not be deemed to apply to those Sub-Advisers subject to the MiFID II prohibitions. Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, provides that the Adviser or the Sub- Advisers, under certain circumstances, lawfully may cause an account to pay a higher commission than the lowest available. Under Section 28(e)(1), the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers must make a good faith determination that the commissions paid are “reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the [Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’] overall responsibilities with respect to the accounts as to which [it] exercises investment discretion.” The services provided by the Broker also must lawfully and appropriately assist the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser in the performance of its investment decision-making responsibilities. Accordingly, the Fund may pay a Broker commissions higher than those available from another Broker in recognition of the Broker’s provision of Soft Dollar Products to the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers.

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers face a potential conflict of interest when they use client trades to obtain Soft Dollar Products. This conflict exists because the Adviser and the Sub-Advisers are able to use the Soft Dollar Products to manage client accounts without paying cash for the Soft Dollar Products, which reduces the Adviser’s or a Sub-Advisers’ expenses to the extent that the Adviser or such Sub-Adviser would have purchased such products had they not been provided by Brokers. Section 28(e) permits the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers to use Soft Dollar Products for the benefit of any account it manages. Certain Adviser-managed accounts (or accounts managed by the Sub-Advisers) may generate soft dollars used to purchase Soft Dollar Products that ultimately benefit other Invesco managed accounts (or Sub-Adviser-managed accounts), effectively cross subsidizing the other Adviser-managed accounts (or the other Sub-Adviser-managed accounts) that benefit directly from the product. The Adviser or the Sub-Advisers may not use all of the Soft Dollar Products provided by Brokers through which a fund in the Fund Complex effects securities transactions in connection with managing the fund whose trades generated the soft dollars used to purchase such products.

The Adviser presently engages in the following instances of cross-subsidization:

Fixed income funds in the Fund Complex normally do not generate soft dollar commissions to pay for Soft Dollar Products. Therefore, soft dollar commissions used to pay for Soft Dollar Products which are used to manage certain fixed income Invesco Funds are generated entirely by equity Invesco Funds and other equity client accounts managed by the Adviser. In other words, certain fixed income Invesco Funds are cross-subsidized by the equity Invesco Funds in that the fixed income Invesco Funds receive the benefit of Soft Dollar Products services for which they do not pay. Similarly, other accounts managed by the Adviser or certain of its affiliates may benefit from Soft Dollar Products services for which they do not pay.

 

B-35


The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers attempt to reduce or eliminate the potential conflicts of interest concerning the use of Soft Dollar Products by directing client trades for Soft Dollar Products only if the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers conclude that the Broker supplying the product is capable of providing best execution.

Certain Soft Dollar Products may be available directly from a vendor on a hard dollar basis; other Soft Dollar Products are available only through Brokers in exchange for soft dollars. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers use soft dollars to purchase two types of Soft Dollar Products:

 

    proprietary research created by the Broker executing the trade, and

 

    other products created by third parties that are supplied to the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers through the Broker executing the trade.

Proprietary research consists primarily of traditional research reports, recommendations and similar materials produced by the in-house research staffs of broker-dealer firms. This research includes evaluations and recommendations of specific companies or industry groups, as well as analyses of general economic and market conditions and trends, market data, contacts and other related information and assistance. The Adviser periodically rates the quality of proprietary research produced by various Brokers. Based on the evaluation of the quality of information that the Adviser receives from each Broker, the Adviser develops an estimate of each Broker’s share of Adviser clients’ commission dollars and attempts to direct trades to these firms to meet these estimates.

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers also use soft dollars to acquire products from third parties that are supplied to the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers through Brokers executing the trades or other Brokers who “step in” to a transaction and receive a portion of the brokerage commission for the trade. The Adviser or the Sub-Advisers may from time to time instruct the executing Broker to allocate or “step out” a portion of a transaction to another Broker. The Broker to which the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers have “stepped out” would then settle and complete the designated portion of the transaction, and the executing Broker would settle and complete the remaining portion of the transaction that has not been “stepped out.” Each Broker may receive a commission or brokerage fee with respect to that portion of the transaction that it settles and completes.

Soft Dollar Products received from Brokers supplement the Adviser’s and/or the Sub-Advisers’ own research (and the research of certain of its affiliates), and may include the following types of products and services:

 

    Database Services — comprehensive databases containing current and/or historical information on companies and industries and indices. Examples include historical securities prices, earnings estimates and financial data. These services may include software tools that allow the user to search the database or to prepare value-added analyses related to the investment process (such as forecasts and models used in the portfolio management process).

 

    Quotation/Trading/News Systems — products that provide real time market data information, such as pricing of individual securities and information on current trading, as well as a variety of news services.

 

    Economic Data/Forecasting Tools — various macro- economic forecasting tools, such as economic data or currency and political forecasts for various countries or regions.

 

    Quantitative/Technical Analysis — software tools that assist in quantitative and technical analysis of investment data.

 

    Fundamental/Industry Analysis — industry specific fundamental investment research.

 

    Fixed Income Security Analysis — data and analytical tools that pertain specifically to fixed income securities. These tools assist in creating financial models, such as cash flow projections and interest rate sensitivity analyses, which are relevant to fixed income securities.

 

    Other Specialized Tools — other specialized products, such as consulting analyses, access to industry experts, and distinct investment expertise such as forensic accounting or custom built investment-analysis software.

 

B-36


If the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers determine that any service or product has a mixed use (i.e., it also serves functions that do not assist the investment decision-making or trading process), the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers will allocate the costs of such service or product accordingly in its reasonable discretion. The Adviser or the Sub-Advisers will allocate brokerage commissions to Brokers only for the portion of the service or product that the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers determine assists it in the investment decision-making or trading process and will pay for the remaining value of the product or service in cash.

Outside research assistance is useful to the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers because the Brokers used by the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers tend to provide more in-depth analysis of a broader universe of securities and other matters than the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ staff follow. In addition, such services provide the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers with a diverse perspective on financial markets. Some Brokers may indicate that the provision of research services is dependent upon the generation of certain specified levels of commissions and underwriting concessions by the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ clients, including the Fund. However, the Fund is not under any obligation to deal with any Broker in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. In some cases, Soft Dollar Products are available only from the Broker providing them. In other cases, Soft Dollar Products may be obtainable from alternative sources in return for cash payments. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers believe that because Broker research supplements rather than replaces the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ research, the receipt of such research tends to improve the quality of the Adviser’s or the Sub-Advisers’ investment advice. The advisory fee paid by the Fund is not reduced because the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers receive such services. To the extent the Fund’s portfolio transactions are used to obtain Soft Dollar Products, the brokerage commissions obtained by the Fund might exceed those that might otherwise have been paid.

The Adviser or the Sub-Advisers may determine target levels of brokerage business with various Brokers on behalf of its clients (including the Fund) over a certain time period. The Adviser determines target levels based upon the following factors, among others: (1) the execution services provided by the Broker; and (2) the research services provided by the Broker. Portfolio transactions may be effected through Brokers that recommend the Fund to their clients, or that act as agent in the purchase of the Fund’s shares for their clients, provided that the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers believe such Brokers provide best execution and such transactions are executed in compliance with the Adviser’s policy against using directed brokerage to compensate Brokers for promoting or selling shares of funds in the Fund Complex. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers will not enter into a binding commitment with Brokers to place trades with such Brokers involving brokerage commissions in precise amounts.

As noted above, under MiFID II, European Union investment advisers, including Invesco Deutschland and Invesco Asset Management, are not permitted to use Soft Dollar Products to pay for research from brokers but rather must pay for research out of their own profit and loss or have research costs paid by clients through research payment accounts that are funded by a specific client research charge or the research component of trade orders. Such payments for research must be unbundled from the payments for execution. As a result, Invesco Deutschland and Invesco Asset Management are restricted from using Soft Dollar Products in managing the Funds that they sub-advise.

Directed Brokerage (Research Service)

During the last fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Fund did not allocate any directed brokerage commissions for certain research, statistics or other information.

Affiliated Transactions

Invesco and the Sub-Advisers may place trades with Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. (ICMI), a broker-dealer with whom it is affiliated, provided the Adviser or Sub-Adviser determines that ICMI’s trade execution abilities and costs are at least comparable to those of non-affiliated brokerage firms with which the Adviser or Sub-Adviser could otherwise place similar trades. ICMI receives brokerage commissions in connection with effecting trades for the Fund and, therefore, use of ICMI presents a conflict of interest for the Adviser or Sub-Adviser. Trades placed through ICMI, including the brokerage commissions paid to ICMI, are subject to procedures adopted by the Board.

 

B-37


Brokerage commissions on affiliated transactions paid by the Fund during the last three fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 are found below.

 

          Total $ Amount
of Brokerage
Commissions
Paid to Affiliated
Brokers
            % of Total
Brokerage
Commissions
Paid to Affiliated
Brokers
     % of total
Brokerage
Transaction
Dollars Effected
Through Affilated
Brokers
 

Fund

  

2017

   2016      2015      2017      2017  

Invesco Exchange Fund

   $ 0    $ 1,780      $  0        0        0  

During the last fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, the Fund did not purchase securities from regular brokers or dealers.

Allocation of Portfolio Transactions

The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers manage numerous Invesco Funds and other accounts. Some of these accounts may have investment objectives similar to the Fund. Occasionally, identical securities will be appropriate for investment by the Fund and by another Invesco Fund or one or more other accounts. However, the position of each account in the same security and the length of time that each account may hold its investment in the same security may vary. The Adviser and the Sub-Advisers will also determine the timing and amount of purchases for an account based on its cash position. If the purchase or sale of securities is consistent with the investment policies of the Fund and one or more other accounts, and is considered at or about the same time, the Adviser or the Sub-Advisers will allocate transactions in such securities among the Fund and these accounts on a pro rata basis based on order size or in such other manner believed by Invesco to be fair and equitable. The Adviser or the Sub-Advisers may combine transactions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to obtain the most favorable execution. Simultaneous transactions could, however, adversely affect the Fund’s ability to obtain or dispose of the full amount of a security which it seeks to purchase or sell.

Allocation of Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) Transactions

Certain of the Invesco Funds or other accounts managed by the Adviser may become interested in participating in IPOs. Purchases of IPOs by one Invesco Fund or other accounts may also be considered for purchase by one or more other Invesco Funds or accounts. The Adviser combines indications of interest for IPOs for all Invesco Funds and accounts participating in purchase transactions for that IPO. When the full amount of all IPO orders for such Invesco Funds and accounts cannot be filled completely, the Adviser shall allocate such transactions in accordance with the following procedures:

The Adviser or the Sub-Advisers may determine the eligibility of each Invesco Fund and account that seeks to participate in a particular IPO by reviewing a number of factors, including market capitalization/liquidity suitability and sector/style suitability of the investment with the Invesco Fund’s or account’s investment objective, policies, strategies and current holdings. The Adviser will allocate securities issued in IPOs to eligible Invesco Funds and accounts on a pro rata basis based on order size.

Invesco Canada, Invesco Hong Kong and Invesco Japan allocate IPOs on a pro rata basis based on size of order or in such other manner which they believe is fair and equitable.

Invesco Asset Management allocates IPOs on a pro rata basis based on account size or in such other manner believed by Invesco Asset Management to be fair and equitable.

 

B-38


Invesco Deutschland and Invesco Senior Secured do not subscribe to IPOs.

 

Item 22. Capital Stock and Other Securities.

See Items 6, 7 and 11.

The Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that the Board may authorize (i) a merger, consolidation or sale of assets (including, but not limited to, mergers, consolidations or sales of assets between the Fund and a series of any other registered investment company), and (ii) the combination of two or more classes of shares of the Fund into a single class, each without shareholder approval but subject to applicable requirements under the 1940 Act and state law.

The Fund has outstanding shares of beneficial interest (“shares”) with equal rights to participate in distributions made by the Fund and equal rights to the Fund’s assets. Each share is entitled to one vote and there is no cumulative voting.

 

Item 23. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Shares.

No shares are being offered to the public. As more fully described in Item 6, the redemption price per share is equivalent to the net asset value per share, calculated as described in Item 11.

 

Item 24. Taxation of the Fund.

See Items 7 and 11.

 

Item 25. Underwriters.

Not Applicable, as the Fund does not currently offer its shares for purchase.

 

Item 26. Calculation of Performance Data.

Not Applicable.

 

Item 27. Financial Statements.

The audited financial statements of the Fund, including the Financial Highlights pertaining thereto, and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm thereon, are incorporated herein by reference to the Annual Report to shareholders of the Fund dated December 31, 2017. The Annual Report may be obtained by following the instructions on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information. The Annual Report is included as part of the Fund’s filing- on Form N-CSR as filed with the SEC on March 9, 2018. The Annual Report may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or on the EDGAR database on the SEC’s internet site (http://www.sec.gov). Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC’s e-mail address (publicinfo@sec.gov) or by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-1520.

The portions of such Annual Report that are not specifically listed above are not incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information and are not a part of this Registration Statement.

 

B-39


APPENDIX A

PERSONS TO WHOM INVESCO PROVIDES

NON-PUBLIC PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS ON AN ONGOING BASIS

(as of March 31, 2018)

 

Service Provider

  

Disclosure Category

ABN AMRO Financial Services, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Absolute Color    Financial Printer
Anglemyer & Co.    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP    Special Insurance Counsel
Barclays Capital, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Blaylock Robert Van LLC    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
BB&T Capital Markets    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Bear Stearns Pricing Direct, Inc.    Pricing Vendor (for certain Invesco Funds)
BLNS Securities Ltd.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
BOSC, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.    Securities Lender (for certain Invesco Funds)
Cabrera Capital Markets    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Charles River Systems, Inc.    System Provider
Chas. P. Young Co.    Financial Printer
Cirrus Research, LLC    Trading System
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Commerce Capital Markets    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Crane Data, LLC    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
Credit Suisse International / Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Ltd.    Service Provider
Crews & Associates    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
D.A. Davidson & Co.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Dechert LLP    Legal Counsel
DEPFA First Albany    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
E.K. Riley Investments LLC    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Empirical Research Partners    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
Finacorp Securities    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
First Miami Securities    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
First Southwest Co.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
First Tryon Securities    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Fitch, Inc.    Rating & Ranking Agency (for certain Invesco Funds)
FT Interactive Data Corporation    Pricing Vendor
FTN Financial Group    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
GainsKeeper    Software Provider (for certain Invesco Funds)
GCom2 Solutions    Software Provider (for certain Invesco Funds)
George K. Baum & Company    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Glass, Lewis & Co.    System Provider (for certain Invesco Funds)
Global Trading Analytics, LLC    Software Provider
Global Trend Alert    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
Hattier, Sanford & Reynoir    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Hutchinson, Shockey, Erley & Co.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
ICI (Investment Company Institute)    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
ICRA Online Ltd.    Rating & Ranking Agency (for certain Invesco Funds)
Lincoln Investment Advisors Corporation    Other

 

1


Service Provider

  

Disclosure Category

iMoneyNet, Inc.    Rating & Ranking Agency (for certain Invesco Funds)
Initram Data, Inc.    Pricing Vendor
Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.    Proxy Voting Service (for certain Invesco Funds)
Invesco Investment Services, Inc.    Transfer Agent
Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.    System Provider (for certain Invesco Funds)
Investment Company Institute    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
Investortools, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
ITG, Inc.    Pricing Vendor (for certain Invesco Funds)
J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc.    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.\Citigroup Global Markets Inc.\JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.    Lender (for certain Invesco Funds)
J.P. Morgan Securities    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
John Hancock Investment Management Services, LLC    Sub-advisor (for certain sub-advised accounts)
Jorden Burt LLP    Special Insurance Counsel
KeyBanc Capital Markets, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP    Legal Counsel
Lebenthal & Co. LLC    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Lipper, Inc.    Rating & Ranking Agency (for certain Invesco Funds)
Loan Pricing Corporation    Pricing Service (for certain Invesco Funds)
Loop Capital Markets    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
M.R. Beal    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
MarkIt Group Limited    Pricing Vendor (for certain Invesco Funds)
Merrill Communications LLC    Financial Printer
Mesirow Financial, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Middle Office Solutions    Software Provider
Moody’s Investors Service    Rating & Ranking Agency (for certain Invesco Funds)
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Morrison Foerster LLP    Legal Counsel
MS Securities Services, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated    Securities Lender (for certain Invesco Funds)
Muzea Insider Consulting Services, LLC    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
Ness USA Inc.    System provider
Noah Financial, LLC    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
Omgeo LLC    Trading System
Piper Jaffray    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
Prager, Sealy & Co.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP    Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (for all Invesco Funds)
Protective Securities    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Ramirez & Co., Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
RBC Capital Markets    Analyst (for certain Invesco Funds)
RBC Dain Rauscher Incorporated    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Reuters America LLC    Pricing Service (for certain Invesco Funds)
Rice Financial Products    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
RR Donnelley Financial    Financial Printer
Ryan Beck & Co.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
SAMCO Capital Markets, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Seattle-Northwest Securities Corporation    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)

 

2


Service Provider

  

Disclosure Category

Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., L.L.C.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Simon Printing Company    Financial Printer
Southwest Precision Printers, Inc.    Financial Printer
Southwest Securities    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Standard and Poor’s/Standard and Poor’s Securities Evaluations, Inc.    Pricing Service and Rating and Ranking Agency (each, respectively, for certain Invesco Funds)
StarCompliance, Inc.    System Provider
State Street Bank and Trust Company    Custodian, Lender, Securities Lender, and System Provider (each, respectively, for certain Invesco Funds)
Sterne, Agee & Leach, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP    Legal Counsel
The Bank of New York    Custodian and Securities Lender (each, respectively, for certain Invesco Funds)
The MacGregor Group, Inc.    Software Provider
The Savader Group LLC    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Thomson Information Services Incorporated    Software Provider
UBS Financial Services, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
VCI Group Inc.    Financial Printer
Vining Sparks IBG    Broker (for Certain Invesco Funds)
W.H Mell Associates, Inc.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Wachovia National Bank, N.A.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
Western Lithograph    Financial Printer
Wiley Bros. Aintree Capital L.L.C.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
William Blair & Co.    Broker (for certain Invesco Funds)
XSP, LLC\Solutions Plus, Inc.    Software Provider

 

3


 

 

 

APPENDIX B

 

PROXY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES


 

 

Invesco’s Policy Statement on Global Corporate

Governance and Proxy Voting

The Adviser and each sub-adviser rely on this policy. In addition, Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Canada Ltd., Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC and Invesco Asset Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. have also adopted operating guidelines and procedures for proxy voting particular to each regional investment center. Such guidelines and procedures are attached hereto.


LOGO

 

   Invesco’s Policy Statement on Global Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting

 

I.

Guiding Principles and Philosophy

Public companies hold shareholder meetings, attended by the company’s executives, directors, and shareholders, during which important issues, such as appointments to the company’s board of directors, executive compensation, and auditors, are addressed and where applicable, voted on. Proxy voting gives shareholders the opportunity to vote on issues that impact the company’s operations and policies without being present at the meetings.

Invesco views proxy voting as an integral part of its investment management responsibilities and believes that the right to vote proxies should be managed with the same high standards of care and fiduciary duty to its clients as all other elements of the investment process. Invesco’s proxy voting philosophy, governance structure and process are designed to ensure that proxy voles are cast in accordance with clients’ best interests, which Invesco interprets to mean clients’ best economic interests, this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of Invesco’s regional investment centers.

Invesco investment teams vote proxies on behalf of Invesco-sponsored funds and non-fund advisory clients that have explicitly granted Invesco authority in writing to vote proxies on their behalf.

The proxy voting process at Invesco, which is driven by investment professionals, Focuses on maximizing long-term value for our clients, protecting clients’ rights and promoting governance structures and practices that reinforce the accountability of corporate management and boards of directors to shareholders. Invesco takes a nuanced approach to voting and, therefore, many matters to be voted upon are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Votes in favor of board or management proposals should not be interpreted as an indication of insufficient consideration by lnvesco fund managers. Such votes may reflect the outcome of past or ongoing engagement and active ownership by Invesco with representatives of the companies in which we invest.

 

II.

Applicability of this Policy

This Policy sets forth the framework of Invesco’s corporate governance approach, broad philosophy and guiding principles that inform the proxy voting practices of Invesco’s investment teams around the world. Given the different nature of these teams and their respective investment processes, as well as the significant differences in regulatory regimes and market practices across jurisdictions, not all aspects of this Policy may apply to all Invesco investment teams at all times. In the case of a conflict between this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of a regional investment center the latter will control.

 

1


III.

Proxy Voting for Certain Fixed Income, Money Market Accounts and Index

For proxies held by certain client accounts managed in accordance with fixed income, money market and index strategies (including exchange traded funds), lnvesco will typically vote in line with the majority holder of the active-equity shares held by Invesco outside of those strategies (“Majority Voting”). In this manner Invesco seeks to leverage the active-equity expertise and comprehensive proxy voting reviews conducted by teams employing active-equity strategies, which typically incorporate analysis of proxy issues as a core component of the investment process. Portfolio managers for accounts employing Majority Voting still retain full discretion to override Majority Voting and to vote the shares as they determine to be in the best interest of those accounts, absent certain types of conflicts of interest, which are discussed elsewhere in this Policy.

 

IV.

Conflicts of Interest

There may be occasions where voting proxies may present a real or perceived conflict of interest between Invesco, as investment manager, and one or more of Invesco’s clients or vendors. Under Invesco’s Code of Conduct, Invesco entities and individuals are strictly prohibited from putting personal benefit, whether tangible or intangible, before the interests of clients. “Personal benefit” includes any intended benefit for Invesco, oneself or any other individual, company, group or organization of any kind whatsoever, except a benefit for the relevant lnvesco client.

Firm-level Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest may exist if Invesco has a material business relationship with, or is actively soliciting business from, either the company soliciting a proxy or a third party that has a material interest in the outcome of a proxy vote or that is actively lobbying for a particular outcome of a proxy vote (e.g., issuers that are distributors of Invesco’s products, or issuers that employ lnvesco to manage portions of their retirement plans or treasury accounts). Invesco’s proxy governance team maintains a list of all such issuers for which a conflict of interest exists.

If the proposal that gives rise to the potential conflict is specifically addressed by this Policy or the operating guidelines and procedures of the relevant regional investment center, Invesco generally will vote the proxy in accordance therewith. Otherwise, based on a majority vote of its members, the Global IPAC (as described below) will vote the proxy.

Because this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment center are pre-determined and crafted to be in the best economic interest of clients, applying them to vote client proxies should, in most instances, adequately resolve any potential conflict of interest. As an additional safeguard, persons from Invesco’s marketing, distribution and other customer-facing functions may not serve on the Global IPAC. For the avoidance of doubt, Invesco may not consider Invesco Ltd.’s pecuniary interest when voting proxies on behalf of clients.

 

2


Personal Conflicts of Interest

A conflict also may exist where an Invesco employee has a known personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors, or candidates for directorships.

All Invesco personnel with proxy voting responsibilities are required to report any known personal conflicts of interest regarding proxy issues with which they are involved. In such instances, the individual(s) with the conflict will be excluded from the decision-making process relating to such issues.

Other Conflicts of Interest

In order to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, Invesco will not vote proxies issued by, or related to matters involving, Invesco Ltd. that may be held in client accounts from time to time.1 Shares of an Invesco-sponsored fund held by other lnvesco funds will be voted in the same proportion as the votes of external shareholders of the underlying fund.

 

V.

Use of Third-Party Proxy Advisory Services

Invesco may supplement its internal research with information from third-parties, such as proxy advisory firms. However, Invesco generally retains full and independent discretion with respect to proxy voting decisions.

As part of its fiduciary obligation to clients, Invesco performs extensive initial and ongoing due diligence on the proxy advisory firms it engages. This includes reviews of information regarding the capabilities of their research staffs and internal controls, policies and procedures, including those relating to possible conflicts of interest. In addition, lnvesco regularly monitors and communicates with these firms and monitors their compliance with Invesco’s performance and policy standards.

 

VI.

Global Proxy Voting Platform and Administration

Guided by its philosophy that investment teams should manage proxy voting, Invesco has created the Global lnvesco Proxy Advisory Committee (“Global IPAC”). The Global IPAC is a global investments-driven committee comprised of representatives from various investment management teams and Invesco’s Global Head of Proxy Governance and Responsible Investment (“Head of Proxy Governance”). The Global IPAC provides a forum for investment teams to monitor, understand and discuss key proxy issues and voting trends within the lnvesco complex. Absent a conflict of interest, the Global IPAC representatives, in consultation with the respective investment team, are responsible for voting proxies for the securities the team manages (unless such responsibility is explicitly delegated to the portfolio managers of the securities in question) In addition to the Global IPAC, for some clients, third parties (e.g., U.S. mutual fund boards) provide oversight of the proxy process. The Global IPAC and Invesco’s

 

1  Generally speaking, Invesco does not invest for its clients in the shares of Invesco Ltd., however, limited exceptions apply in the case of funds or accounts designed to track an index that includes Invesco Ltd. as a component.

 

3


proxy administration and governance team, compliance and legal teams regularly communicate and review this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment center to ensure that they remain consistent with clients’ best interests, regulatory requirements, governance trends and industry best practices.

Invesco maintains a proprietary global proxy administration platform, known as the “fund manager portal” and supported by the Head of Proxy Governance and a dedicated team of internal proxy specialists. The platform streamlines the proxy voting and ballot reconciliation processes, as well as related functions, such as share blocking and managing conflicts of interest issuers. Managing these processes internally, as opposed to relying on third parties, gives Invesco greater quality control, oversight and independence in the proxy administration process.

The platform also includes advanced global reporting and record-keeping capabilities regarding proxy matters that enable Invesco to satisfy client, regulatory and management requirements. Historical proxy voting information, including commentary by investment professionals regarding the votes they cast, where applicable, is stored to build institutional knowledge across the Invesco complex with respect to individual companies and proxy issues. Certain investment teams also use the platform to access third-party proxy research.

 

VII.

Non-Votes

In the great majority of instances, Invesco is able to vote proxies successfully. However, in certain circumstances Invesco may refrain from voting where the economic or other opportunity costs of voting exceeds any anticipated benefits of that proxy proposal. In addition, there may be instances in which Invesco is unable to vote all of its clients’ proxies despite using commercially reasonable efforts to do so. For example:

 

 

Invesco may not receive proxy materials from the relevant fund or client custodian with sufficient time and information to make an informed independent voting decision. In such cases, Invesco may choose not to vote, to abstain from voting, to vote in line with management or to vote in accordance with proxy advisor recommendations. These matters are left to the discretion of the fund manager.

 

 

If the security in question is on loan as part of a securities lending program, lnvesco may determine that the benefit to the client of voting a particular proxy is outweighed by the revenue that would be lost by terminating the loan and recalling the securities.

 

 

In some countries the exercise of voting rights imposes temporary transfer restrictions on the related securities (“share blocking”). Invesco generally refrains from voting proxies in share-blocking countries unless Invesco determines that the benefit to the client(s) of voting a specific proxy outweighs the client’s temporary inability to sell the security.

 

 

Some companies require a representative to attend meetings in person in order to vote a proxy. In such cases, Invesco may determine that the costs of sending a representative or signing a power-of-attorney outweigh the benefit of voting a particular proxy.

 

4


VIII.

 Proxy Voting Guidelines

The following guidelines describe Invesco’s general positions on various common proxy voting issues. This list is not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. As noted above, Invesco’s proxy process is investor-driven, and each fund manager retains ultimate discretion to vote proxies in the manner they deem most appropriate, consistent with Invesco’s proxy voting principles and philosophy discussed in Sections I through IV. Individual proxy votes therefore will differ from these guidelines from time to time.

 

A.

Shareholder Access and Treatment of Shareholder Proposals

Invesco reviews on a case by case basis but generally votes in favor of proposals that would increase shareholders’ opportunities to express their views to boards of directors, proposals that would lower barriers to shareholder action, and proposals to promote the adoption of generally accepted best practices in corporate governance, provided that such proposals would not require a disproportionate amount of management attention or corporate resources or otherwise that may inappropriately disrupt the company’s business and main purpose. usually set out in their reporting disclosures and business model. Likewise, Invesco reviews on a case by case basis but generally votes for shareholder proposals that are designed to protect shareholder rights if a company’s corporate governance standards indicate that such additional protections are warranted (for example, where minority shareholders’ rights are not adequately protected).

 

B.

Environmental, Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues

Invesco believes that a company’s long-term response to environmental, social and corporate responsibility issues can significantly affect its long-term shareholder value. We recognize that to manage a corporation effectively, directors and management may consider not only the interests of shareholders, but also the interests of employees, customers, suppliers, creditors and the local community, among others. While Invesco generally affords management discretion with respect to the operation of a company’s business, Invesco will evaluate such proposals on a case by case basis and will vote proposals relating to these issues in a manner intended to maximize long-term shareholder value.

 

C. Capitalization Structure Issues

 

  i.

Stock Issuances

Invesco generally supports a board’s decisions about the need for additional capital stock to meet ongoing corporate needs, except where the request could adversely affect Invesco clients’ ownership stakes or voting rights. Some capitalization proposals, such as those to authorize common or preferred stock with special voting rights or to issue additional stock in connection with an acquisition, may require additional analysis. lnvesco generally opposes proposals to authorize classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend or other rights (“blank check” stock) when they appear to be intended as an anti-takeover mechanism; such issuances may be supported when used for general financing purposes.

 

5


  ii.

Stock Splits

Invesco generally supports a board’s proposal to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in excessive dilution given the company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

 

  iii.

Share Repurchases

lnvesco generally supports a board’s proposal to institute open-market share repurchase plans only if all shareholders participate on an equal basis.

 

D. Corporate Governance Issues

i. Board of Directors

 

  1.

Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Subject to the other considerations described below, in an uncontested director election for a company without a controlling shareholder, lnvesco generally votes in favor of the director slate if it is comprised of at least a majority of independent directors and if the board’s key committees are fully independent, effective and balanced. Key committees include the audit, compensation/remuneration and governance/nominating committees. lnvesco’s standard of independence excludes directors who, in addition to the directorship, have any material business or family relationships with the companies they serve.

 

  2.

Director Nominees in Contested Elections

Invesco recognizes that short-term investment sentiments influence the corporate governance landscape and may influence companies in Invesco clients’ portfolios and more broadly across the market. Invesco recognizes that short-term investment sentiment may conflict with long-term value creation and as such looks at each proxy contest matter on a case by case basis, considering factors such as:

 

   

Long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry,

 

   

Management’s track record,

 

   

Background to the proxy contest,

 

   

Qualifications of director nominees (both slates),

 

   

Evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met, and

 

   

Stock ownership positions in the company.

 

6


  3.

Director Accountability

Invesco generally withholds votes from directors who exhibit a lack of accountability to shareholders. Examples include, without limitation, poor attendance (less than 75%, absent extenuating circumstances) at meetings, failing to implement shareholder proposals that have received a majority of votes and/or by adopting or approving egregious corporate-governance or other policies. In cases of material financial restatements, accounting fraud, habitually late filings, adopting shareholder rights plan (“poison pills”) without shareholder approval, or other areas of poor performance, Invesco may withhold votes from some or all of a company’s directors. In situations where directors’ performance is a concern, Invesco may also support shareholder proposals to take corrective actions such as so-called “clawback” provisions.

 

  4.

Director Independence

lnvesco generally supports proposals to require a majority of directors to be independent unless particular circumstances make this not Feasible or in the best interests of shareholders, We generally vote for proposals that would require the board’s audit, compensation/remuneration, and/or governance/nominating committees to be composed exclusively of independent directors since this minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest.

 

  5.

Director Indemnification

Invesco recognizes that individuals may be reluctant to serve as corporate directors if they are personally liable for all related lawsuits and legal costs. As a result, reasonable limitations on directors’ liability can benefit a company and its shareholders by helping to attract and retain qualified directors while preserving recourse for shareholders in the event of misconduct by directors, Invesco, therefore, generally supports proposals to limit directors’ liability and provide indemnification and/or exculpation, provided that the arrangements are limited to the director acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and, in criminal matters, are limited to the director having reasonable grounds for believing the conduct was lawful.

 

  6.

Separate Chairperson and CEO

Invesco evaluates these proposals on a case by case basis, recognizing that good governance requires either an independent chair or a qualified, proactive, and lead independent director.

Voting decisions may take into account, among other factors, the presence or absence of:

 

   

a designated lead director, appointed from the ranks of the independent board members, with an established term of office and clearly delineated powers and duties;

 

   

a majority of independent directors;

 

   

completely independent key committees;

 

   

committee chairpersons nominated by the independent directors;

 

7


   

CEO performance reviewed annually by a committee of independent directors; and

 

   

established governance guidelines.

 

  7.

Majority/Supermajority/Cumulative Voting for Directors

The right to elect directors is the single most important mechanism shareholders have to promote accountability. Invesco generally votes in favor of proposals to elect directors by a majority vote. Except in cases where required by law in the jurisdiction of incorporation or when a company has adopted formal governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard, Invesco generally votes against actions that would impose any supermajority voting requirement. and generally supports actions to dismantle existing supermajority requirements.

The practice of cumulative voting can enable minority shareholders to have representation on a company’s board. Invesco generally opposes such proposals as unnecessary where the company has adopted a majority voting standard. However, Invesco generally supports proposals to institute the practice of cumulative voting at companies whose overall corporate-governance standards indicate a particular need to protect the interests of minority shareholders.

 

  8.

Staggered Boards/Annual Election of Directors

Invesco generally supports proposals to elect each director annually rather than electing directors to staggered multi-year terms because annual elections increase a board’s level of accountability to its shareholders.

 

  9.

Board Size

lnvesco believes that the number of directors is an important factor to consider when evaluating the board’s ability to maximize long-term shareholder value. Invesco approaches proxies relating to board size on a case by case basis but generally will defer to the board with respect to determining the optimal number of board members, provided that the proposed board size is sufficiently large to represent shareholder interests and sufficiently limited to remain effective.

 

  10.

Term Limits for Directors

lnvesco believes it is important for a board of directors to examine its membership regularly with a view to ensuring that the company continues to benefit from a diversity of director viewpoints and experience. We generally believe that an individual board’s nominating committee is best positioned to determine whether director term limits would be an appropriate measure to help achieve these goals and, if so, the nature of such limits.

 

8


ii. Audit Committees and Auditors

 

  1.

Qualifications of Audit Committee and Auditors

Invesco believes a company’s Audit Committee has a high degree of responsibility to shareholders in matters of financial disclosure, integrity of the financial statements and effectiveness of a company’s internal controls. Independence. experience and financial expertise are critical elements of a well-functioning Audit Committee. When electing directors who are members of a company’s Audit Committee, or when ratifying a company’s auditors, Invesco considers the past performance of the Audit Committee and holds its members accountable for the quality of the company’s financial statements and reports.

 

  2.

Auditor Indemnifications

A company’s independent auditors play a critical role in ensuring and attesting to the integrity of the company’s financial statements. It is therefore essential that they perform their work in accordance with the highest standards. Invesco generally opposes proposals that would limit the liability of or indemnify auditors because doing so could serve to undermine this obligation.

 

  3.

Adequate Disclosure of Auditor Fees

Understanding the fees earned by the auditors is important for assessing auditor independence. Invesco’s support for the re-appointment of the auditors will take into consideration the availability of adequate disclosure concerning the amount and nature of audit versus non-audit fees. Invesco generally will support proposals that call for this disclosure if it is not already being made.

 

E.

Remuneration and Incentives

Invesco believes properly constructed compensation plans that include equity ownership are effective in creating incentives that induce management and employees of portfolio companies to create greater shareholder wealth. Invesco generally supports equity compensation plans that promote the proper alignment of incentives with shareholders’ long-term interests! and generally votes against plans that are overly dilutive to existing shareholders, plans that contain objectionable structural features. and plans that appear likely to reduce the value of the client’s investment.

i. Independent Compensation/Remuneration Committee

Invesco believes that an independent, experienced and well-informed compensation/remuneration committee is critical to ensuring that a company’s remuneration practices align with shareholders’ interests and, therefore, generally supports proposals calling for a compensation/remuneration committee to be comprised solely of independent directors.

 

9


ii. Advisory Votes on Executive Compensation

Invesco believes that an independent compensation/remuneration committee of the board, with input from management, is generally best positioned to determine the appropriate components and levels of executive compensation, as well as the appropriate frequency of related shareholder advisory votes. This is particularly the case where shareholders have the ability to express their views on remuneration matters through annual votes for or against the election of the individual directors who comprise the compensation/remuneration committee. Invesco, therefore, generally will support management’s recommendations with regard to the components and levels of executive compensation and the frequency of shareholder advisory votes on executive compensation. However, Invesco will vote against such recommendations where Invesco determines that a company’s executive remuneration policies are not properly aligned with shareholder interests or may create inappropriate incentives for management.

iii. Equity Based Compensation Plans

Invesco generally votes against plans that contain structural features that would impair the alignment of incentives between shareholders and management. Such features include, without limitation, the ability to reprice or reload options without shareholder approval, the ability to issue options below the stock’s current market price, or the ability to replenish shares automatically without shareholder approval.

iv. Severance Arrangements

lnvesco considers proposed severance arrangements (sometimes known as “golden parachute” arrangements) on a case-by-case basis due to the wide variety among their terms. Invesco acknowledges that in some cases such arrangements, if reasonable, may be in shareholders’ best interests as a method of attracting and retaining high quality executive talent. lnvesco generally votes in favor of proposals requiring advisory shareholder ratification of senior executives’ severance agreements while generally opposing proposals that require such agreements to be ratified by shareholders in advance of their adoption.

 

10


v. “Claw Back” Provisions

lnvesco generally supports so called “claw back” policies intended to recoup remuneration paid to senior executives based upon materially inaccurate financial reporting (as evidenced by later restatements) or fraudulent accounting or business practices.

vi. Employee Stock Purchase Plans

Invesco generally supports employee stock purchase plans that are reasonably designed to provide proper incentives to a broad base of employees, provided that the price at which employees may acquire stock represents a reasonable discount from the market price.

 

F.

Anti-Takeover Defenses; Reincorporation

Measures designed to protect a company from unsolicited bids can adversely affect shareholder value and voting rights, and they have the potential to create conflicts of interests among directors, management and shareholders. Such measures include adopting or renewing shareholder rights plans (“poison pills”), requiring supermajority voting on certain corporate actions, classifying the election of directors instead of electing each director to an annual term, or creating separate classes of common or preferred stock with special voting rights. In determining whether to support a proposal to add, eliminate or restrict anti-takeover measures, Invesco will examine the particular elements of the proposal to assess the degree to which it would adversely affect shareholder rights of adopted. Invesco generally supports shareholder proposals directing companies to subject their anti-takeover provisions to a shareholder vote. Invesco generally opposes payments by companies to minority shareholders intended to dissuade such shareholders from pursuing a takeover or other changes (sometimes known as “greenmail”) because these payments result in preferential treatment of some shareholders over others.

Reincorporation involves re-establishing the company in a different legal jurisdiction. Invesco generally will vote for proposals to reincorporate a company provided that the board and management have demonstrated sound financial or business reasons for the move. Invesco generally will oppose proposals to reincorporate if they are solely part of an anti-takeover defense or intended to limit directors’ liability.

 

11


 

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

for

Invesco Advisers, Inc.


LOGO

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

Applicable to    All Advisory Clients, including the Invesco Funds
Risk Addressed by the Guidelines    Breach of fiduciary duty to client under Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by placing Invesco’s interests ahead of client’s best interests in voting proxies
Relevant Law and Other Sources    U.S. Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended

Last

    Reviewed     Revised

    by Compliance for Accuracy

   April 19, 2016
Guideline Owner    U.S. Compliance and Legal
Policy Approver    Invesco Advisers, Inc., Invesco Funds Board
Approved/Adopted Date    May 3-4, 2016

The following guidelines apply to all institutional and retail funds and accounts that have explicitly authorized Invesco Advisers, Inc. (“Invesco”) to vote proxies associated with securities held on their behalf (collectively, “Clients”).

A. INTRODUCTION

 

 

Invesco Ltd. (“IVZ”), the ultimate parent company of Invesco, has adopted a global policy statement on corporate governance and proxy voting (the “Invesco Global Proxy Policy”). The policy describes IVZ’s views on governance matters and the proxy administration and governance approach. Invesco votes proxies by using the framework and procedures set forth in the Invesco Global Proxy Policy, while maintaining the Invesco-specific guidelines described below.

B. PROXY VOTING OVERSIGHT: THE MUTUAL FUNDS’ BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

 

In addition to the Global Invesco Proxy Advisory Committee, the Invesco mutual funds’ board of trustees provides oversight of the proxy process through quarterly reporting and an annual in-person presentation by Invesco’s Global Head of Proxy Governance and Responsible Investment.


C. USE OF THIRD PARTY PROXY ADVISORY SERVICES

 

 

Invesco has direct access to third-party proxy advisory analyses and recommendations (currently provided by Glass Lewis (“GL”) and Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (“ISS”)), among other research tools, and uses the information gleaned from those sources to make independent voting decisions.

Invesco’s proxy administration team performs extensive initial and ongoing due diligence on the proxy advisory firms that it engages. When deemed appropriate, representatives from the proxy advisory firms are asked to deliver updates directly to the mutual funds’ board of trustees. Invesco conducts semi-annual, in-person policy roundtables with key heads of research from ISS and GL to ensure transparency, dialogue and engagement with the firms. These meetings provide Invesco with an opportunity to assess the firms’ capabilities, conflicts of interest and service levels, as well as provide investment professionals with direct insight into the advisory firms’ stances on key governance and proxy topics and their policy framework/methodologies. Invesco’s proxy administration team also reviews the annual SSAE 16 reports for, and the periodic proxy guideline updates published by, each proxy advisory firm to ensure that their guidelines remain consistent with Invesco’s policies and procedures. Furthermore, each proxy advisory firm completes an annual due diligence questionnaire submitted by Invesco, and Invesco conducts on-site due diligence at each firm, in part to discuss their responses to the questionnaire.

If Invesco becomes aware of any material inaccuracies in the information provided by ISS or GL, Invesco’s proxy administration team will investigate the matter to determine the cause, evaluate the adequacy of the proxy advisory firm’s control structure and assess the efficacy of the measures instituted to prevent further errors.

ISS and GL provide updates to previously issued proxy reports when necessary to incorporate newly available information or to correct factual errors. ISS also has a Feedback Review Board, which provides a mechanism for stakeholders to communicate with ISS about issues related to proxy voting and policy formulation, research, and the accuracy of data contained in ISS reports.

D. PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

 

 

The following guidelines describe Invesco’s general positions on various common proxy issues. The guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive or prescriptive. Invesco’s proxy process is investor-driven, and each portfolio manager retains ultimate discretion to vote proxies in the manner that he or she deems to be the most appropriate, consistent with the proxy voting principles and philosophy discussed in the Invesco Global Proxy Policy. Individual proxy votes therefore will differ from these guidelines from time to time.

 

  I.

Corporate Governance

Management teams of companies are accountable to the boards of directors and directors of publicly held companies are accountable to shareholders. Invesco endeavors to vote the proxies of companies in a manner that will reinforce the notion of a board’s accountability. Consequently, Invesco generally votes against any actions that would impair the rights of shareholders or would reduce shareholders’ influence over the board.

 

2


The following are specific voting issues that illustrate how Invesco applies this principle of accountability.

Elections of directors

In uncontested director elections for companies that do not have a controlling shareholder, Invesco generally votes in favor of slates if they are comprised of at least a majority of independent directors and if the boards’ key committees are fully independent. Key committees include the audit, compensation and governance or nominating Committees. Invesco’s standard of independence excludes directors who, in addition to the directorship, have any material business or family relationships with the companies they serve. Contested director elections are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Director performance

Invesco generally withholds votes from directors who exhibit a lack of accountability to shareholders, either through their Level of attendance at meetings or by adopting or approving egregious corporate-governance or other policies. In cases of material financial restatements, accounting fraud, habitually late filings, adopting shareholder rights plan (“poison pills”) without shareholder approval, or other areas of poor performance, Invesco may withhold votes from some or all of a company’s directors. In situations where directors’ performance is a concern, Invesco may also support shareholder proposals to take corrective actions, such as so-called “clawback” provisions.

Auditors and Audit Committee members

Invesco believes a company’s audit committee has a high degree of responsibility to shareholders in matters of financial disclosure, integrity of the financial statements and effectiveness of a company’s internal controls. Independence, experience and financial expertise are critical elements of a well-functioning audit committee. When electing directors who are members of a company’s audit committee, or when ratifying a company’s auditors, Invesco considers the past performance of the committee and holds its members accountable for the quality of the company’s financial statements and reports.

Majority standard in director elections

The right to elect directors is the single most important mechanism shareholders have to promote accountability. Invesco supports the nascent effort to reform the U.S. convention of electing directors, and generally votes in favor of proposals to elect directors by a majority vote.

Staggered Boards/Annual Election of Directors

Invesco generally supports proposals to elect each director annually rather than electing directors to staggered multi-year terms because annual elections increase a board’s level of accountability to its shareholders.

Supermajority voting requirements

Unless required by law in the state of incorporation, Invesco generally votes against actions that would impose any supermajority voting requirement, and generally supports actions to dismantle existing supermajority requirements.

Responsiveness of Directors

Invesco generally withholds votes for directors who do not adequately respond to shareholder proposals that were approved by a majority of votes cast the prior year.

 

3


Cumulative voting

The practice of cumulative voting can enable minority shareholders to have representation on a company’s board, Invesco generally supports proposals to institute the practice of cumulative voting at companies whose overall corporate-governance standards indicate a particular need to protect the interests of minority shareholders.

Proxy access

Invesco generally supports shareholders’ nominations of directors in the proxy statement and ballot because it increases the accountability of the board to shareholders. Invesco will generally consider the proposed minimum period of ownership (e.g., three years), minimum ownership percentage (e.g., three percent), limitations on a proponent’s ability to aggregate holdings with other shareholders and the maximum percentage of directors who can be nominated when determining how to vote on proxy access proposals.

Shareholder access

On business matters with potential financial consequences, Invesco generally votes in favor of proposals that would increase shareholders’ opportunities to express their views to boards of directors, proposals that would lower barriers to shareholder action and proposals to promote the adoption of generally accepted best practices in corporate governance. Furthermore, Invesco generally votes for shareholder proposals that are designed to protect shareholder rights if a company’s corporate governance standards indicate that such additional protections are warranted.

Exclusive Forum

Invesco generally supports proposals that would designate a specific jurisdiction in company bylaws as the exclusive venue for certain types of shareholder lawsuits in order to reduce costs arising out of multijurisdidional litigation.

 

  II. Compensation and Incentives

Invesco believes properly constructed compensation plans that include equity ownership are effective in creating incentives that induce management and employees of companies to create greater shareholder wealth. Invesco generally supports equity compensation plans that promote the proper alignment of incentives with shareholders’ long-term interests, and generally votes against plans that are overly dilutive to existing shareholders, plans that contain objectionable structural features, and plans that appear likely to reduce the value of the Client’s investment.

Following are specific voting issues that illustrate how Invesco evaluates incentive plans.

Executive compensation

Invesco evaluates executive compensation plans within the context of the company’s performance under the executives’ tenure. Invesco believes independent compensation committees are best positioned to craft executive-compensation plans that are suitable for their company-specific circumstances. Invesco views the election of independent compensation committee members as the appropriate mechanism for shareholders to express their approval or disapproval of a company’s compensation practices. Therefore, Invesco generally does not support shareholder proposals to limit or eliminate certain forms of executive compensation. In the interest of reinforcing the notion of a compensation committee’s accountability to shareholders, Invesco generally supports proposals requesting that companies subject each year’s compensation record to an advisory shareholder vote, or so-called “say on pay” proposals.

 

4


Equity-based compensation plans

Invesco generally votes against plans that contain structural features that would impair the alignment of incentives between shareholders and management. Such features include the ability to reprice or reload options without shareholder approval, the ability to issue options below the stock’s current market price, or the ability automatically to replenish shares without shareholder approval.

Employee stock-purchase plans

Invesco generally supports employee stock-purchase plans that are reasonably designed to provide proper incentives to a broad base of employees, provided that the price at which employees may acquire stock is at most a 15 percent discount from the market price.

Severance agreements

Invesco generally votes in favor of proposals requiring advisory shareholder ratification of executives’ severance agreements. However, Invesco generally opposes proposals requiring such agreements to be ratified by shareholders in advance of their adoption. Given the vast differences that may occur in these agreements, some severance agreements are evaluated on an individual basis.

 

III. Capitalization

Examples of management proposals related to a company’s capital structure include authorizing or issuing additional equity capital, repurchasing outstanding stock, or enacting a stock split or reverse stock split. On requests for additional capital stock, Invesco analyzes the company’s stated reasons for the request. Except where the request could adversely affect the Client’s ownership stake or voting rights, Invesco generally supports a board’s decisions on its needs for additional capital stock. Some capitalization proposals require a case-by-case analysis. Examples of such proposals include authorizing common or preferred stock with special voting rights, or issuing additional stock in connection with an acquisition.

 

IV. Mergers, Acquisitions and Other Corporate Actions

Issuers occasionally require shareholder approval to engage in certain corporate actions such as mergers, acquisitions, name changes, dissolutions, reorganizations, divestitures and reincorporations and the votes for these types of corporate actions are generally determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

V. Anti-Takeover Measures

Practices designed to protect a company from unsolicited bids can adversely affect shareholder value and voting rights, and they potentially create conflicts of interests among directors, management and shareholders. Except under special issuer-specific circumstances, Invesco generally votes to reduce or eliminate such measures. These measures include adopting or renewing “poison pills”, requiring supermajority voting on certain corporate actions, classifying the election of directors instead of electing each director to an annual term, or creating separate classes of common or preferred stock with special voting rights. Invesco generally votes against management proposals to impose these types of measures, and generally votes for shareholder proposals designed to reduce such measures. Invesco generally supports shareholder proposals directing companies to subject their anti-takeover provisions to a shareholder vote.

 

5


VI. Environmental, Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues

Invesco believes that a company’s response to environmental, social and corporate responsibility issues and the risks attendant to them can have a significant effect on its long-term shareholder value. Invesco recognizes that to manage a corporation effectively, directors and management must consider not only the interest of shareholders, but also the interests of employees, customers, suppliers and creditors, among others. While Invesco generally affords management discretion with respect to the operation of a company’s business, Invesco will evaluate such proposals on a case-by-case basis and will vote proposals relating to these issues in a manner intended to maximize long-term shareholder value.

 

VII. Routine Business Matters

Routine business matters rarely have the potential to have a material effect on the economic prospects of Clients’ holdings, so Invesco generally supports a board’s discretion on these items. However, Invesco generally votes against proposals where there is insufficient information to make a decision about the nature of the proposal. Similarly, Invesco generally votes against proposals to conduct other unidentified business at shareholder meetings.

 

D. EXCEPTIONS

 

 

Client Maintains Right to Vote Proxies

In the case of institutional or sub-advised Clients, Invesco will vote the proxies in accordance with these guidelines and the Invesco Global Proxy Policy, unless the Client retains in writing the right to vote or the named fiduciary of a Client (e.g., the plan sponsor of an ERISA Client) retains in writing the right to direct the plan trustee or a third party to vote proxies.

Voting for Certain Investment Strategies

For cash sweep investment vehicles selected by a Client but for which Invesco has proxy voting authority over the account and where no other Client holds the same securities, Invesco will vote proxies based on ISS recommendations.

Funds of Funds

Some Invesco Funds offering diversified asset allocation within one investment vehicle own shares in other Invesco Funds. A potential conflict of interest could arise if an underlying Invesco Fund has a shareholder meeting with any proxy issues to be voted on, because Invesco’s asset-allocation funds or target-maturity funds may be large shareholders of the underlying fund. In order to avoid any potential for a conflict, the asset-allocation funds and target maturity funds vote their shares in the same proportion as the votes of the external shareholders of the underlying fund.

 

6


F. POLICIES AND VOTE DISCLOSURE

 

 

A copy of these guidelines, the Invesco Global Proxy Policy and the voting record of each Invesco Retail Fund are available on Invesco’s web site, www.invesco.com. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, all Invesco Funds file a record of all proxy-voting activity for the prior 12 months ending June 30th. That filing is made on or before August 31st of each year. In the case of institutional and sub-advised Clients, Clients may contact their client service representative to request information about how Invesco voted proxies on their behalf. Absent specific contractual guidelines, such requests may be made on a semi-annual basis.

 

7


 

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

for

Invesco Asset Management Limited (UK)


LOGO   

Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

LOGO


Contents

 

Page

        

03

     Introduction

03

     What is the UK Stewardship Code?

03

     Our compliance with the Stewardship Code

04

     Introduction to the principles of the Stewardship Code

05

    

Principle 1:

Institutional investors should publicly disclose their policy on how they will discharge their stewardship responsibilities.

    
    

06

    

Principle 2:

Institutional investors should have a robust policy on managing conflicts of interest in relation to stewardship and this policy should be publicly disclosed.

    
    

07

    

Principle 3:

Institutional investors should monitor their investee companies.

    

08

    

Principle 4:

Institutional investors should establish clear guidelines on when and how they will escalate their activities as a method of protecting and enhancing shareholder value.

    
    
    

09

    

Principle 5:

Institutional investors should be willing to act collectively with other investors where appropriate

    
    

09

    

Principle 6:

Institutional investors should have a clear policy on voting and disclosure of voting activity

    
    

11

    

Principle 7:

Institutional investors should report periodically on their stewardship and voting activities

    
    

11

     Further information/useful links

11

     Key contact details for matters concerning stewardship


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   03

 

Introduction

This paper describes Invesco Perpetual’s (IP) approach to stewardship and in particular how our policy and procedures meet the requirements of the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) UK Stewardship Code (the Code). Its purpose is to increase understanding of the philosophy, beliefs and practices that drive IP’s behaviours as a significant institutional investor in markets around the world.

IP has supported the development of good governance in the UK and beyond for many years. We are signatories and supporters of the FRC’s Stewardship Code. The Code sets out a number of areas of good practice to which the FRC believes institutional investors should aspire. It also describes steps asset owners can take to protect and enhance the value that accrues to the ultimate beneficiary.

This document is designed to describe how IP approaches our stewardship responsibilities and how this is consistent with and complies with the Code. It also provides useful links to relevant documents, codes and regulation for those who would like to look further at the broader context of our policy and the Code, as well as our commitment to other initiatives in this area, such as the UN supported Principles for Responsible Investment, of which Invesco is a signatory.

Key contact details are available at the end of this document should you have any questions on any aspect of our stewardship activities.

What is the UK Stewardship Code?

The UK Stewardship Code is a set of principles and guidance for institutional investors which represents current best practice on how they should perform their stewardship duties. The purpose of the Code is to improve the quality of engagement between institutional investors and companies to help improve long-term returns to shareholders and the efficient exercise of governance responsibilities. The Code was published by the FRC in July 2010, was updated in September 2012, and will continue to be overseen by the FRC. Commitment to the Code is on a “comply or explain” basis.

Our compliance with the Stewardship Code

Invesco Perpetual is part of the Invesco Group. Invesco is committed to being a responsible investor. We serve our clients in this space as a trusted partner both on specific responsible investment product strategies as well as part of our commitment to deliver a superior investment experience. Invesco signed the UN sponsored Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in 2013 thereby formalising our commitment to responsible investment globally. We achieved an A+ rating in our 2017 PRI assessment for our strategy and governance in responsible investment. This rating demonstrates our extensive efforts in terms of environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration, active ownership, investor collaboration and transparency. The diversity of Invesco means that investment centres and strategies will vary in their approaches to implementation of responsible investment. Global resources both in terms of external research input and a global team of experts underpin and drive this effort alongside our investment centres. IP is a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code. The Code sets out seven principles, which support good practice on engagement with investee companies, and to which the FRC believes institutional investors should aspire.

IP takes its responsibilities for investing its clients’ money very seriously. As a core part of the investment process, IP’s fund managers will endeavour to establish a dialogue with company management to promote company decision making that is in the best interests of shareholders, and takes into account ESG issues.

Being a major shareholder in a company is more than simply expecting to benefit from its future earnings streams. In IP’s view, it is about helping to provide the capital a company needs to grow, about being actively involved in its strategy, when necessary, and helping to ensure that shareholder interests are always at the forefront of management’s thoughts.

We recognize that different asset classes will vary in their approach to implementation of stewardship activities. Where relevant, the fixed interest and multi-asset teams consider ESG elements as part of their investment research.

IP primarily defines stewardship as representing the best interests of clients in its fiduciary role as a discretionary asset manager (not asset owner) and as an institutional shareholder. This is considered more appropriate than undertaking the direct management of investee companies, which we believe should always remain the responsibility of the directors and executives of those companies.

IP may at times seek to influence strategies of investee companies, where appropriate, on behalf of its clients, but IP will never seek to be involved in the day to day running of any investee companies. IP considers that being an active shareholder is fundamental to good Corporate Governance. Although this does not entail intervening in daily management decisions, it does involve supporting general standards for corporate activity and, where necessary, taking the initiative to ensure those standards are met, with a view to protecting and enhancing value for investors in our portfolios.

Engagement will also be proportionate and will reflect the size of holdings, length of holding period and liquidity of the underlying company shares. Given that the majority of IP’s investments are part of a very active asset management culture, engagement with those companies in which it chooses to invest its clients’ money is very important. Encouraging high standards of corporate governance within those companies that it invests is key to achieving successful outcomes for its clients.

IP sets out below how it complies with each principle of the FRC’s Stewardship code, or details why we have chosen to take a different approach, where relevant.


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   04

 

Scope

The scope of this policy covers all portfolios that are managed by the Invesco Perpetual (IP) investment teams located in Henley on Thames, United Kingdom and specifically excludes portfolios that are managed by other investment teams within the wider Invesco group that have their own voting, corporate governance and stewardship policies, all falling under the broader global policy. As an example, within IP’s ICVC range the following funds are excluded: IP US Enhanced Index, IP Balanced Risk 8 and 10 funds, IP European ex UK Enhanced Index, IP Global Balanced Index, IP Global ex-UK Core Equity Index, IP Global ex-UK Enhanced Index, IP Hong Kong & China, IP Japanese Smaller Companies, IP UK Enhanced Index.

Introduction to the principles of the Stewardship Code

There are 7 principles under the Stewardship Code. Each principle is accompanied by guidance to help investors focus on how to meet it.

The principles are as follows:

 

-   Principle 1:

   Institutional investors should publicly disclose their policy on how they will discharge their stewardship responsibilities.

-   Principle 2:

   Institutional investors should have a robust policy on managing conflicts of interest in relation to stewardship and this policy should be publicly disclosed.

-   Principle 3:

   Institutional investors should monitor their investee companies.

-   Principle 4:

   Institutional investors should establish clear guidelines on when and how they will escalate their activities as a method of protecting and enhancing shareholder value.

-   Principle 5:

   Institutional investors should be willing to act collectively with other investors where appropriate.

-   Principle 6:

   Institutional investors should have a clear policy on voting and disclosure of voting activity.

-   Principle 7:

   Institutional investors should report periodically on their stewardship and voting activities.


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   05

 

Principle 1

Institutional investors should publicly disclose their policy on how they will discharge their stewardship responsibilities.

Guidance

Stewardship activities include monitoring and engaging with companies on matters such as strategy, performance, risk, capital structure and corporate governance, including culture and remuneration.

Engagement is purposeful dialogue with companies on those matters as well as on issues that are the immediate subject of votes at general meetings.

The policy should disclose how the institutional investor applies stewardship with the aim of enhancing and protecting the value for the ultimate beneficiary or client.

The statement should reflect the institutional investor’s activities within the investment chain, as well as the responsibilities that arise from those activities. In particular, the stewardship responsibilities of those whose primary activities are related to asset ownership may be different from those whose primary activities are related to asset management or other investment related services.

Where activities are outsourced, the statement should explain how this is compatible with the proper exercise of the institutional investor’s stewardship responsibilities and what steps the investor has taken to ensure that they are carried out in a manner consistent with the approach to stewardship set out in the statement.

The disclosure should describe arrangements for integrating stewardship within the wider investment process.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

IP complies with Principle 1 by publishing Invesco’s Global Policy Statement on Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting and this document around the specific application to Invesco on its website.

In this document we explain our philosophy on stewardship, our proxy voting policy and how we deal with conflicts of interest. In addition, this statement of compliance with the UK Stewardship Code indicates how IP addresses engagement, monitoring, and incorporates environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities within our investment process. All of our activities are aimed at enhancing and protecting the value of our investments for our clients.

These documents are reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

Integration of stewardship activities as part of the wider investment process

The investment process and philosophy at IP is rooted in a culture of long term, valuation led, active management. IP fundamental research of companies includes a holistic set of factors.

When analysing companies’ prospects for future profitability and hence returns to shareholders, IP will take many variables into account, including but not limited to, the following:

 

  - Nomination and audit committees

 

  - Remuneration policies, reporting and directors’ remuneration

 

  - Board balance and structure

 

  - Financial reporting principles

 

  - Internal control system and annual review of its effectiveness

 

  - Dividend and Capital Management policies

 

  - ESG activities

Frequent dialogue with companies on these topics is an essential part of our fundamental research process and we will regularly support companies to improve and develop overtime. As such, stewardship is core to our wider investment process.

Dialogue with companies

IP will endeavour, where practicable and in accordance with its investment approach, to enter into a dialogue with companies’ management based on the mutual understanding of objectives. This dialogue is likely to include regular meetings with company representatives to explore any concerns about ESG issues where these may impact on the best interests of clients. In discussion with company boards and senior non-Executive Directors, IP will endeavour to cover any matters of particular relevance to investee company shareholder value.

Those people on the inside of a company, most obviously its executives, know their businesses much more intimately. Therefore, it is usually appropriate to leave strategic matters in their hands. However, if that strategy is not working, or alternatives need exploring, IP will seek to influence the direction of that company where practicable. In IP’s view, this is part of its responsibility to clients.

Ultimately the business’ performance will have an impact on the returns generated by IP’s portfolios, whether it is in terms of share price performance or dividends, and IP wants to seek to ensure that the capital invested on behalf of its clients is being used as effectively as possible. In the majority of cases IP is broadly in agreement with the direction of a company that it has invested in, as its initial decision to invest will have taken these factors into account. Corporate engagement provides an opportunity for regular reviews of these issues.


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   06

 

The building of this relationship facilitates frank and open discussion, and on-going interaction is an integral part of the fund manager’s role. The fact that IP has been a major shareholder in a number of companies for a long time, reflects both the fact that IP’s original investments were based on a joint understanding of where the businesses were going and the ability of the companies’ management to execute that plan. It adds depth to the sophistication of our understanding of the firm, its clients and markets. Inevitably there are times when IP’s views diverge from those of the companies’ executives but, where possible, we attempt to work with companies towards a practical solution. However, IP believes that its status as part-owner of companies means that it has both the right and the responsibility to make its views known. The option of selling out of those businesses is always open, but normally IP prefers to push for change, (i.e. we believe that we are more influential as an owner of equity) even if this can be a slow process.

Specifically when considering resolutions put to shareholders, IP will pay attention to the companies’ compliance with the relevant local requirements.

Non-routine resolutions and other topics

These will be considered on a case-by-case basis and where proposals are put to a vote will require proper explanation and justification by (in most instances) the Board. Examples of such proposals would be all political donations and any proposal made by a shareholder or body of shareholders (typically a pressure group).

Other considerations that IP might apply to non-routine proposals will include:

 

  - The degree to which the company’s stated position on the issue could affect its reputation and/or sales, or leave it vulnerable to boycott or selective purchasing

 

  - Peer group response to the issue in question

 

  - Whether implementation would achieve the objectives sought in the proposal

 

  - Whether the matter is best left to the Board’s discretion

Principle 2

Institutional investors should have a robust policy on managing conflicts of interest in relation to stewardship and this policy should be publicly disclosed.

Guidance

An institutional investor’s duty is to act in the interests of its clients and/or beneficiaries.

Conflicts of interest will inevitably arise from time to time, which may include when voting on matters affecting a parent company or client.

Institutional investors should put in place, maintain and publicly disclose a policy for identifying and managing conflicts of interest with the aim of taking all reasonable steps to put the interests of their client or beneficiary first. The policy should also address how matters are handled when the interests of clients or beneficiaries diverge from each other.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

Invesco is required to take all appropriate steps to identify, manage, record and, where relevant, disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest between ourselves (including our managers and employees and any person directly or indirectly linked) and our clients and between one client and another. Invesco has a UK Conflicts of Interest Policy which lists the types of potential conflicts of interest which may arise through the normal course of business whose existence may damage the interests of clients and details the administrative arrangements taken to prevent and manage these. A copy of the UK Conflicts of Interest Policy is provided to investors on request.

Invesco has a UK Code of Ethics for its employees which covers expectations around our principles and obligations as a fiduciary, material non-public information, personal account dealing, outside business activity, and other potential conflicts of interest. All employees are required to provide an annual attestation that they have read the Code of Ethics and will comply with its provisions.

Invesco maintains policies and procedures that deal with conflicts of interest in all of its business dealings. In particular in relation to conflicts of interest that exist in its stewardship and proxy voting activities, these policies can be found in the Global Policy Statement on Corporate Governance and Proxy Voting found on our website.

There may be occasions where voting proxies may present a real or perceived conflict of interest between Invesco, as investment manager, and one or more of Invesco’s clients or vendors. Under Invesco’s Code of Conduct, Invesco entities and individuals are strictly prohibited from putting personal benefit, whether tangible or intangible, before the interests of clients. “Personal benefit” includes any intended benefit for Invesco, oneself or any other individual, company, group or organization of any kind whatsoever, except a benefit for the relevant Invesco client.

Firm-level Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest may exist if Invesco has a material business relationship with, or is actively soliciting business from, either the company soliciting a proxy vote or a third party that has a material interest in the outcome of a proxy vote or that is actively lobbying for a particular outcome of a proxy vote (e.g., issuers that are distributors of Invesco’s products, or issuers that employ Invesco to manage portions of their retirement plans or treasury accounts). Invesco’s proxy administration team maintains a list of all such issuers for which a conflict of interest actually exists.

If the proposal that gives rise to the potential conflict is specifically addressed by this Policy or the operating guidelines and procedures of the relevant regional investment centre, Invesco generally will vote the proxy in accordance therewith. Where this is not the case, Invesco operates a global Invesco proxy advisory committee (IPAC) who will vote the proxy based on the majority vote of its members (see full description of IPAC in the section on Principle 6).


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   07

 

Because this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment centre are pre-determined and crafted to be in the best economic interest of clients, applying them to vote client proxies should, in most instances, adequately resolve any potential conflict of interest. As an additional safeguard, persons from Invesco’s marketing, distribution and other customer-facing functions may not serve on the IPAC.

Personal Conflicts of Interest

A conflict also may exist where an Invesco employee has a known personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or candidates for directorships.

All Invesco personnel with proxy voting responsibilities are required to report any known personal conflicts of interest regarding proxy issues with which they are involved. In such instances, the individual(s) with the conflict will be excluded from the decision making process relating to such issues.

Other Conflicts of Interest

In order to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, Invesco will not vote proxies issued by, or related to matters involving, Invesco Ltd. that may be held in client accounts from time to time.

Principle 3

Institutional investors should monitor their investee companies.

Guidance

Effective monitoring is an essential component of stewardship. It should take place regularly and be checked periodically for effectiveness.

When monitoring companies, institutional investors should seek to:

 

  - Keep abreast of the company’s performance;

 

  - Keep abreast of developments, both internal and external to the company, that drive the company’s value and risks;

 

  - Satisfy themselves that the company’s leadership is effective;

 

  - Satisfy themselves that the company’s board and committees adhere to the spirit of the UK Corporate Governance Code, including through meetings with the chairman and other board members;

 

  - Consider the quality of the company’s reporting; and

 

  - Attend the General Meetings of companies in which they have a major holding, where appropriate and practicable

Institutional investors should consider carefully explanations given for departure from the UK Corporate Governance Code and make reasoned judgements in each case. They should give a timely explanation to the company, in writing where appropriate, and be prepared to enter a dialogue if they do not accept the company’s position.

Institutional investors should endeavour to identify at an early stage issues that may result in a significant loss in investment value. If they have concerns, they should seek to ensure that the appropriate members of the investee company’s board or management are made aware.

Institutional investors may or may not wish to be made insiders. An institutional investor who may be willing to become an insider should indicate in its stewardship statement the willingness to do so, and the mechanism by which this could be done.

Institutional investors will expect investee companies and their advisers to ensure that information that could affect their ability to deal in the shares of the company concerned is not conveyed to them without their prior agreement.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

Through IP’s active investment process, fund managers endeavour to establish on a proportionate basis, on-going dialogue with company management and this includes regular meetings. IP will also engage with companies on particular ESG related matters.

Meeting investee companies is a core part of IP’s investment process and IP is committed to keeping records of all key engagement activities.

However, meeting company management is not the only method of corporate engagement.

 

  - Our investment teams regularly review company filings and publicly available information to gain a fuller understanding of the relevant company.

 

  - We also attend public meetings that companies call in order to hear from company boards and to discuss topics with other company shareholders on an informal basis.

 

  - Our investment teams also utilise research provided by market participants on the companies that we invest in. This allows us to understand what other participants in the capital markets think about those companies, and helps us develop a more rounded view. IP expenses research costs.

 

  - Our investment teams have access to external corporate governance research that flags corporate non-compliance with best practice corporate governance standards. While we believe this is a helpful guide, we consider each company on a case by case basis and may well support management where we believe this is in our clients’ best interest.

This approach, and these methods of gaining information allows us to review the performance of our investee companies on a regular basis, and ask questions and raise concerns promptly.

Invesco Perpetual’s approach to the receipt of “inside information”

Invesco has a global and interconnected asset management business without internal information barriers, which means that the receipt of inside information by one area of Invesco’s global business results in all of Invesco’s global business being deemed to be in receipt of inside information.

IP acknowledges that the receipt of inside information has the potential to negatively impact other investment teams, our clients and more generally the efficient and fair operation of capital markets.


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   08

 

For these reasons and as a matter of general policy IP does not want to receive inside information.

However, it is acknowledged that as part of the IP investment approach and duty to act in the best interests of our clients, there are circumstances in which IP may receive inside information which are detailed further in relevant procedures and policies.

The IP investment approach is about forming strong, long term relationships with the companies IP invests in. We do this by maintaining regular and direct contact with corporate brokers and the management of companies that they invest in so that we can build real insight into and a deep understanding of such companies, as well as the markets and industry in which they operate.

This, along with the corporate governance responsibilities of being long term asset managers, means participating in meaningful conversations about our investee companies with the company itself and its advisors. This approach provides us with the opportunity to engage in discussions regarding the direction of the strategy of those companies before decisions by the companies have been made. Such engagement is an important aspect of the exercise of our responsibilities as asset manager owners.

Fund managers individually have a key fiduciary responsibility in assessing information received and managing it effectively. In accepting that fund managers may be exposed to receiving inside information, IP have in place policies and procedures to effectively manage this risk. Anyone in receipt of inside information should only disclose to colleagues where necessary or required through the normal course of business and on a “need to know” basis. As soon as an individual has received inside information and been made an insider, compliance will be notified together with the names of those known to also be in receipt of the information. Compliance will update the Invesco “insider list” and ensure trading systems are updated to prevent any further trading until the information becomes public. Further details are available upon request.

Principle 4

Institutional investors should establish clear guidelines on when and how they will escalate their activities as a method of protecting and enhancing shareholder value.

Guidance

Institutional investors should set out the circumstances in which they will actively intervene and regularly assess the outcomes of doing so. Intervention should be considered regardless of whether an active or passive investment policy is followed. In addition, being underweight is not, of itself, a reason for not intervening. Instances when institutional investors may want to intervene include, but are not limited to, when they have concerns about the company’s strategy, performance, governance, remuneration or approach to risks, including those that may arise from social and environmental matters.

Initial discussions should take place on a confidential basis. However, if companies do not respond constructively when institutional investors intervene, then institutional investors should consider whether to escalate their action, for example, by:

 

  - Holding additional meetings with management specifically to discuss concerns;

 

  - Expressing concerns through the company’s advisers;

 

  - Meeting with the chairman or other board members;

 

  - Intervening jointly with other institutions on particular issues;

 

  - Making a public statement in advance of General Meetings;

 

  - Submitting resolutions and speaking at General Meetings; and

 

  - Requisitioning a General Meeting, in some cases proposing to change board membership

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

IP’s fund managers escalate stewardship activities in several stages. Initially any issues/ concerns would be raised by its fund managers through IP’s process of on-going dialogue and company meetings. We may then take a number of actions to escalate our concerns along the lines of a broad escalation hierarchy, via a number of different approaches including (but not limited to) as follows:

 

  - Meeting with non-executive members of company boards to discuss our concerns

 

  - Attendance and active participation at company annual general meetings (AGMs)

 

  - Writing of letters to company boards expressing our concerns and requiring action to be taken

 

  - Votes against management through the use of proxy voting on company resolutions

On occasions where a fund manager believes an issue is significant enough to be escalated, we will ensure the relevant internal resources are made available to support the fund manager in securing the most appropriate outcome for IP’s clients.


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   09

 

Examples of issues that would prompt us to escalate our concerns may include:

 

  - Poor examples of corporate governance practice within companies – for example where management structures are created that increase conflicts of interest, or leave management control in the hands of dominant shareholders.

 

  - Concerns over remuneration policies at companies where those policies do not align with the ongoing positive growth of the company. This may include us exercising our proxy votes against the reappointment of chairs of the remuneration committees in order to express our concerns.

 

  - Where the strategic direction of companies that we invest in changes significantly, and does not match with the original investment rationale that attracted us to the company in the first place, and where we believe that the new strategy will no longer return the best value to shareholders, and ultimately to our clients.

 

  - Where Board structure or individual composition at an investee company does not meet our standards in terms of the qualifications and expertise required.

We believe that our approach to escalation is consistent with the intent of the Code. However, because we approach each engagement individually we do not see this as a mechanistic process, and therefore our approach will vary based on the individual situations. Through regular and frank meetings with management, we try as much as possible to raise queries and issues before they become areas of concern that require more direct intervention – such as votes against management or disinvestment of positions.

Our preference is to engage privately as we believe it better serves the long-term interests of our clients to establish relationships, and a reputation with companies that enhances rather than hinders dialogue.

Principle 5

Institutional investors should be willing to act collectively with other investors where appropriate

Guidance

At times collaboration with other investors may be the most effective manner in which to engage.

Collective engagement may be most appropriate at times of significant corporate or wider economic stress, or when the risks posed threaten to destroy significant value.

Institutional investors should disclose their policy on collective engagement, which should indicate their readiness to work with other investors through formal and informal groups when this is necessary to achieve their objectives and ensure companies are aware of concerns. The disclosure should also indicate the kinds of circumstances in which the institutional investor would consider participating in collective engagement.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

IP is supportive of collective engagement in cases where objectives between parties are mutually agreeable and there are no conflicts of interest.

In taking collaborative action we are cognisant of legal and regulatory requirements, including on market abuse, insider dealing and concert party regulations.

The Investment Association (IA), the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) and the UN backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) coordinate and support collective shareholder meetings which can be very effective as they are carried out in a neutral environment. Where we have an interest, we are regular participants in such meetings.

IP are also members of the UK Investor Forum, an organisation set up to create an effective model for collective engagement with UK companies.

All of our engagement activities are undertaken in the best interests of our clients.

Principle 6

Institutional investors should have a clear policy on voting and disclosure of voting activity

Guidance

Institutional investors should seek to vote on all shares held. They should not automatically support the board.

If they have been unable to reach a satisfactory outcome through active dialogue then they should register an abstention or vote against the resolution. In both instances, it is good practice to inform the company in advance of their intention and the reasons why.

Institutional investors should disclose publicly voting records.

Institutional investors should disclose the use made, if any, of proxy voting or other voting advisory services. They should describe the scope of such services, identify the providers and disclose the extent to which they follow, rely upon or use recommendations made by such services.

Institutional investors should disclose their approach to stock lending and recalling lent stock.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

Invesco views proxy voting as an integral part of its investment management responsibilities and believes that the right to vote proxies should be managed with the same high standards of care and fiduciary duty to its clients as all other elements of the investment process. Invesco’s proxy voting philosophy, governance structure and process are designed to ensure that proxy votes are cast in accordance with clients’ best interests, which Invesco interprets to mean clients’ best economic interests.

Invesco investment teams vote proxies on behalf of Invesco-sponsored funds and non-fund advisory clients that have explicitly granted Invesco authority in writing to vote proxies on their behalf.


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   10

 

The proxy voting process at Invesco, which is driven by investment professionals, focuses on maximizing long-term value for our clients, protecting clients’ rights and promoting governance structures and practices that reinforce the accountability of corporate management and boards of directors to shareholders. Invesco takes a nuanced approach to voting and, therefore, many matters to be voted upon are reviewed on a case by case basis. IP buys research from several providers to make an informed voting decision. Globally we use ISS and Glass Lewis and we use the Investment Association IVIS service for research for UK securities.

IP reports our investment teams’ proxy voting records through an easily accessible portal on our website. This allows our clients to see votes that have been cast by our investment professionals on each of our ICVC funds managed by IAML, by company that we are shareholders of, and by resolution, and to easily search for the records that they are interested in. This can be viewed on our website at: www. invescoperpetual.co.uk/proxy-voting-records This data will be updated on an annual basis.

Global Proxy Voting Platform and Administration

Guided by its philosophy that investment teams should manage proxy voting, Invesco has created the Global Invesco Proxy Advisory Committee (“Global IPAC”). The Global IPAC is a global investments-driven committee which compromises representatives from various investment management teams and Invesco’s Head of Global Governance, Policy and Responsible Investment (“Head of Global Governance”). The Global IPAC provides a forum for investment teams to monitor, understand and discuss key proxy issues and voting trends within the Invesco group. In addition to the Global IPAC, for some clients, third parties (e.g., U.S. mutual fund boards) provide oversight of the proxy process.

The Global IPAC and Invesco’s proxy administration and governance team, compliance and legal teams regularly communicate and review this Policy and the operating guidelines and procedures of each regional investment centre to ensure that they remain consistent with clients’ best interests, regulatory requirements, governance trends and industry best practices.

Invesco maintains a proprietary global proxy administration platform, supported by the Global Head of Responsible Investment and a dedicated team of internal proxy specialists. This proprietary portal is supported by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) to process the underlying voting ballots. The platform streamlines the proxy voting and ballot reconciliation processes, as well as related functions, such as share blocking and managing conflicts of interest issuers. Managing these processes internally, as opposed to relying on third parties, gives Invesco greater quality control, oversight and independence in the proxy administration process.

The platform also includes advanced global reporting and record-keeping capabilities regarding proxy matters that enable Invesco to satisfy client, regulatory and management requirements. Certain investment teams also use the platform to access third-party proxy research.

Non-Votes

In the vast majority of instances, Invesco is able to vote proxies successfully. However, in certain circumstances Invesco may refrain from voting where the economic or other opportunity costs of voting exceeds any anticipated benefits of that proxy proposal. In addition, there may be instances in which Invesco is unable to vote all of its clients’ proxies despite using commercially reasonable efforts to do so. For example:

 

  - Invesco may not receive proxy materials from the relevant fund or client custodian with sufficient time and information to make an informed independent voting decision. In such cases, Invesco may choose not to vote, to abstain from voting or to vote in accordance with proxy advisor recommendations

 

  - If the security in question is on loan as part of a securities lending program, Invesco may determine that the benefit to the client of voting a particular proxy is outweighed by the revenue that would be lost by terminating the loan and recalling the securities

 

  - In some countries the exercise of voting rights imposes temporary transfer restrictions on the related securities (“share blocking”). Invesco generally refrains from voting proxies in share-blocking countries unless Invesco determines that the benefit to the clients of voting a specific proxy outweighs the clients’ temporary inability to sell the security

 

  - Some companies require a representative to attend meetings in person in order to vote a proxy. In such cases, Invesco may determine that the costs of sending a representative or signing a power-of-attorney outweigh the benefit of voting a particular proxy

Approach to Stock Lending

IP does not enter into stock lending arrangements.


Invesco Perpetual

Stewardship Policy

   11

 

Principle 7

Institutional investors should report periodically on their stewardship and voting activities

Guidance

Institutional investors should maintain a clear record of their stewardship activities.

Asset managers should regularly account to their clients or beneficiaries as to how they have discharged their responsibilities. Such reports will be likely to comprise qualitative as well as quantitative information. The particular information reported and the format used, should be a matter for agreement between agents and their principals.

Asset owners should report at least annually to those to whom they are accountable on their stewardship policy and its execution.

Transparency is an important feature of effective stewardship. Institutional investors should not, however, be expected to make disclosures that might be counterproductive. Confidentiality in specific situations may well be crucial to achieving a positive outcome.

Asset managers that sign up to this Code should obtain an independent opinion on their engagement and voting processes having regard to an international standard or a UK framework such as AAF 01/062. The existence of such assurance reporting should be publicly disclosed. If requested, clients should be provided access to such assurance reports.

Invesco Perpetual’s Investors’ approach:

Invesco produces an annual stewardship report which highlights our activities at a global level in terms of ESG activity and in various investment centres.

IP reports our investment teams’ proxy voting records through an easily accessible portal on our website. This allows our clients to see votes that have been cast by our investment professionals on each of our ICVC funds managed by IAML, by company that we are shareholders of, and by resolution, and to easily search for the records that they are interested in. This can be viewed on our website at: www. invescoperpetual.co.uk/proxy-voting-results

This data will be updated on an annual basis.

The processes relating to our corporate governance activities are subject to audit by our internal audit function. This function is independent from the front office, and the rest of the business, and provides an independent assessment of business practises directly to Board level.

We believe that this level of scrutiny and oversight provides our clients with the assurance that our policies and practises meet and exceed current industry standards.

We will continue to assess this approach.

Further information/useful links (also available via our website):

www.invescoperpetual.co.uk/corporategovernance-and-stewardship-code

Key contact details for matters concerning stewardship:

Bonnie Saynay

Global Head of Proxy Governance and Responsible Investment

Tel: +1 (713) 214-4774

Email: Bonnie.Saynay@invesco.com

Stuart Howard

Head of Investment Management Operations

Tel: +44 1491 417175

Email: Stuart_Howard@invescoperpetual.co.uk

Dan Baker

Operations Manager

Tel: +44 1491 416514

Email: Dan_Baker@invescoperpetual.co.uk

Charles Henderson

UK Equities Business Manager

Tel: +44 1491 417672

Email: Charles_Henderson@invescoperpetual.co.uk

Cathrine de Coninck-Lopez

Invesco Perpetual Head of ESG

Tel +44 1491416139

Email: Cathrine.deconinck-lopez@invesco.com

Telephone calls may be recorded.


   12

 

Important information

Where Invesco Perpetual has expressed views and opinions, these may change.

All information as at 12 December 2017 sourced from Invesco Perpetual unless otherwise stated.

Invesco Perpetual is a business name of Invesco Asset Management Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Invesco Asset Management Limited

Registered in England 949417

Registered office Perpetual Park, Perpetual Park Drive, Henley-on-Thames,

Oxfordshire RG9 1HH, UK

UK413/63360/PDF/180118


 

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

for

Invesco Canada, Ltd.


LOGO

 

INVESCO CANADA

PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to describe Invesco Canada Ltd.’s (“Invesco Canada”) general guidelines for voting proxies received from companies held in the accounts (“Accounts”) for which it acts as investment fund manager and/or adviser including:

 

   

Investment fund manager, including investment funds offered in Canada (the “Canadian Funds”),

 

   

Adviser, including separately managed portfolios (“SMPs”),

 

   

Sub-adviser, including investment funds registered under and governed by the US Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “US Funds”).

The Accounts referred to above, exclude Accounts that are sub-advised (“Sub-Advised Accounts”) by affiliated or third party advisers (“Sub-Advisers”). Proxies for Sub-Advised Accounts will be voted in accordance with the Sub-Adviser’s proxy voting policy (which may contain different voting recommendations), provided the policy as a whole is designed with the intention of voting securities in the best interest of the Account; unless the sub-advisory agreement provides otherwise.

Voting rights will not be exercised in accordance with this policy or the Sub-Adviser’s proxy policy if the investment management agreement between the client and Invesco Canada governing the SMP provides otherwise.

Compliance will review the proxy voting policies and procedures of any new sub-advisors as part of its due diligence.

Introduction

lnvesco Canada has a fiduciary obligation to act in the best long-term economic interest of the Accounts when voting proxies of portfolio companies.

The default is to vote with the recommendation of the company’s management.

As a general rule, portfolio managers shall vote against any actions that would:

 

   

Reduce the rights or options of shareholders,

 

   

Reduce shareholder influence over the board of directors and management,

 

As of January, 2017    Page 1 of 11


LOGO

 

 

   

Reduce the alignment of interests between company management and the shareholders; or

 

   

Reduce the value of shareholders investments.

Since Invesco Canada’s portfolio managers follow an investment discipline that includes investing in companies that are believed to have strong management teams, the portfolio managers will generally support the management of companies in which they invest, and will accord proper weight to the recommendations of company management. Therefore, in most circumstances, votes will be cast in accordance with the recommendations of company management.

While Invesco Canada’s proxy voting guidelines are stated below, the portfolio managers will take into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances (including country specific considerations), and retain the right to vote proxies as deemed appropriate.

These guidelines may be amended from time to time.

Voting rights may not be exercised in situations where:

 

   

The securities have been sold subsequent to record date;

 

   

Administrative issues prevent voting, or;

 

   

Invesco Canada is sub-advising for an unaffiliated third-party and either: (a) the sub-advisory agreement with the unaffiliated third-party does not permit Invesco Canada to vote the securities; or (b) the securities to be voted have been lent out by the unaffiliated third-party.

Conflicts of Interest

When voting proxies, Invesco Canada’s portfolio managers assess whether there are material conflicts of interest between lnvesco Canada’s interests and those of the Account. A potential conflict of interest situation may include where Invesco Canada or an affiliate manages assets for, provides other financial services to, or otherwise has a material business relationship with, a company whose management is soliciting proxies, and failure to vote in favour of management of the company may harm Invesco Canada’s relationship with the company. In all situations, the portfolio managers will not take Invesco Canada’s relationship with the company into account, and will vote the proxies in the best interest of the Account. To the extent that a portfolio manager has any personal conflict of interest with respect to a company or an issue presented, that portfolio manager should abstain from voting on that company or issue. Portfolio managers are required to report in writing to the relevant Investment Head or ClO any such conflicts of interest and/or attempts by outside parties to improperly influence the voting process. If the portfolio manager in question is the ClO, such conflicts of interest

 

As of January, 2017    Page 2 of 11


LOGO

 

and/or attempts by outside parties to improperly influence the voting process shall be presented in writing to the Chief Compliance Officer. The Global Investments Director (or designate) will report any conflicts of interest to the Independent Review Committee on an annual basis.

 

I. BOARDS OF DIRECTORS

 

We believe that a board that has at least a majority of independent directors is integral to good corporate governance. Unless there are restrictions specific to a company’s home jurisdiction, key board committees, including audit and compensation committees, should be completely independent.

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Votes in an uncontested election of directors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors that may include:

 

   

Long-term financial company performance relative to a market index,

 

   

Composition of the board and key board committees,

 

   

Nominee’s attendance at board meetings,

 

   

Nominee’s time commitments as a result of serving on other company boards,

 

   

Nominee’s stock ownership position in the company,

 

   

Whether the chairman is also serving as CEO, and

 

   

Whether a retired CEO sits on the board.

Voting on Director Nominees in Contested Elections

Votes in a contested election of directors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors that may include:

 

   

Long-term financial performance of the company relative to its industry,

 

   

Management’s track record,

 

   

Background to the proxy contest,

 

   

Qualifications of director nominees (both slates),

 

As of January, 2017    Page 3 of 11


LOGO

 

 

   

Evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can he met, and

 

   

Stock ownership positions in the company.

Majority Threshold Voting for Director Elections

We will generally vote for proposals that require directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast unless the relevant portfolio manager believes that the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles that present a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard.

Separating Chairman and CEO

Shareholder proposals to separate the chairman and CEO positions should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

While we generally support these proposals, some companies have governance structures in place that can satisfactorily counterbalance a combined position. Voting decisions will take into account factors such as:

 

   

Designated lead director, appointed from the ranks of the independent board members with clearly delineated duties;

 

   

Majority of independent directors;

 

   

All-independent key committees;

 

   

Committee chairpersons nominated by the independent directors;

 

   

CEO performance is reviewed annually by a committee of independent directors; and

 

   

Established governance guidelines.

Majority of Independent Directors

While we generally support proposals asking that a majority of directors be independent, each proposal should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We generally vote for proposals that the board’s audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors.

Stock Ownership Requirements

 

As of January, 2017    Page 4 of 11


LOGO

 

We believe that individual directors should be appropriately compensated and motivated to act in the best interests of shareholders. Share ownership by directors better aligns their interests with those of other shareholders. Therefore, we believe that meaningful share ownership by directors is in the best interest of the company.

We generally vote for proposals that require a certain percentage of a director’s compensation to be in the form of common stock.

Size of Boards of Directors

We believe that the number of directors is important to ensuring the board’s effectiveness in maximizing long-term shareholder value. The board must be large enough to allow it to adequately discharge its responsibilities, without being so large that it becomes cumbersome.

While we will prefer a board of no fewer than 5 and no more than 16 members, each situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the specific company circumstances.

Classified or Staggered Boards

In a classified or staggered board, directors are typically elected in two or more “classes”, serving terms greater than one year.

We prefer the annual election of all directors and will generally not support proposals that provide for staggered terms for board members. We recognize that there may be jurisdictions where staggered terms for board members is common practice and, in such situations, we will review the proposals on a case-by-case basis.

Director Indemnification and Liability Protection

We recognize that many individuals may be reluctant to serve as corporate directors if they are personally liable for all lawsuits and legal costs. As a result, limitations on directors’ liability can benefit the corporation and its shareholders by helping to attract and retain qualified directors while providing recourse to shareholders on areas of misconduct by directors.

We generally vote for proposals that limit directors’ liability and provide indemnification as long as the arrangements are limited to the director acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the company and, in criminal matters, are limited to the director having reasonable grounds for believing the conduct was lawful.

 

As of January, 2017    Page 5 of 11


LOGO

 

 

II. AUDITORS

 

A strong audit process is a requirement for good corporate governance. A significant aspect of the audit process is a strong relationship with a knowledgeable and independent set of auditors.

Ratification of Auditors

We believe a company should limit its relationship with its auditors to the audit engagement, and certain closely related activities that do not, in the aggregate, raise an appearance of impaired independence.

We generally vote for the reappointment of the company’s auditors unless:

 

   

It is not clear that the auditors will be able to fulfill their function;

 

   

There is reason to believe the auditors have rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position; or

 

   

The auditors have a significant professional or personal relationship with the issuer that compromises their independence.

Disclosure of Audit vs. Non-Audit Fees

Understanding the fees earned by the auditors is important for assessing auditor independence. Our support for the re-appointment of the auditors will take into consideration whether the management information circular contains adequate disclosure about the amount and nature of audit vs. non-audit fees.

There may be certain jurisdictions that do not currently require disclosure of audit vs. non-audit fees. In these circumstances, we will generally support proposals that call for this disclosure.

 

III. COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

 

Appropriately designed equity-based compensation plans, approved by shareholders, can be an effective way to align the interests of long-term shareholders and the interests of management, employees and directors. Plans should not substantially dilute shareholders’ ownership interests in the company, provide participants with excessive awards or have objectionable structural features. We will consider each compensation plan in its entirety (including all incentives, awards and other compensation) to determine if the plan provides the right incentives to managers, employees and directors and is reasonable on the whole.

While we generally encourage companies to provide more transparent disclosure related to their compensation programs, the following are specific guidelines dealing with some

 

As of January, 2017    Page 6 of 11


LOGO

 

of the more common features of these programs (features not specifically itemized below will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the general principles described above):

Cash Compensation and Severance Packages

We will generally support the board’s discretion to determine and grant appropriate cash compensation and severance packages.

Executive Compensation (“say on pay”)

Proposals requesting that companies subject each year’s compensation record to a non binding advisory shareholder vote, or so-called “say on pay” proposals will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Equity Based Plans – Dilution

Equity compensation plans can increase the number of shares of a company and therefore dilute the value of existing shares. While such plans can be an effective compensation tool in moderation, they can be a concern to shareholders and their cost needs to be closely watched. We assess proposed equity compensation plans on a case-by-case basis.

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

We will generally vote for the use of employee stock purchase plans to increase company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value. It is recognized that country specific circumstances may exist (e.g. tax issues) that require proposals to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Loans to Employees

We will vote against the corporation making loans to employees to allow employees to pay for stock or stock options. It is recognized that country specific circumstances may exist that require proposals to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Stock Option Plans – Board Discretion

We will vote against stock option plans that give the board broad discretion in setting the terms and conditions of the programs. Such programs should be submitted with detail and be reasonable in the circumstances regarding their cost, scope, frequency and schedule for exercising the options.

 

As of January, 2017    Page 7 of 11


LOGO

 

Stock Option Plans – Inappropriate Features

We will generally vote against plans that have any of the following structural features:

 

   

ability to re-price “underwater” options without shareholder approval,

 

   

ability to issue options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price,

 

   

ability to issue “reload” options, or

 

   

automatic share replenishment (“evergreen”) features.

Stock Option Plans – Director Eligibility

While we prefer stock ownership by directors, we will support stock option plans for directors as long as the terms and conditions of director options are clearly defined

Stock Option Plans – Repricing

We will vote for proposals to re-price options if there is a value-for-value (rather than a share-for-share) exchange.

Stock Option Plans – Vesting

We will vote against stock option plans that are 100% vested when granted.

Stock Option Plans – Authorized Allocations

We will generally vote against stock option plans that authorize allocation of 25% or more of the available options to any one individual.

Stock Option Plans – Change in Control Provisions

We will vote against stock option plans with change in control provisions that allow option holders to receive more for their options than shareholders would receive for their shares.

 

IV. CORPORATE MATTERS

 

We will review proposals relating to changes to capital structure and restructuring on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the impact of the changes on corporate governance and shareholder rights, anticipated financial and operating benefits, portfolio manager views, level of dilution, and a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

 

As of January, 2017    Page 8 of 11


LOGO

 

Common Stock Authorization

We will review proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue on a case-by-case basis.

Dual Class Share Structures

Dual class share structures involve a second class of common stock with either superior or inferior voting rights to those of another class of stock.

We will generally vote against proposals to create or extend dual class share structures where classes have different voting rights.

Stock Splits

We will vote for proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in excessive dilution given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

Reverse Stock Splits

We will vote for proposals to implement a reverse stock split.

Share Repurchase Programs

We will vote against proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans if all shareholders do not participate on an equal basis.

Reincorporation

Reincorporation involves re-establishing the company in a different legal jurisdiction.

We will generally vote for proposals to reincorporate the company provided that the board and management have demonstrated sound financial or business reasons for the move. Proposals to reincorporate will generally not be supported if solely as part of an anti-takeover defense or as a way to limit directors’ liability.

Mergers & Acquisitions

We will vote for merger & acquisition proposals that the relevant portfolio managers believe, based on their review of the materials:

 

   

will result in financial and operating benefits,

 

   

have a fair offer price,

 

As of January, 2017    Page 9 of 11


LOGO

 

 

   

have favourable prospects for the combined companies, and

 

   

will not have a negative impact on corporate governance or shareholder rights.

 

V. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

 

We recognize that to effectively manage a corporation, directors and management must consider not only the interests of shareholders, but the interests of employees, customers, suppliers, and creditors, among others.

We believe that companies and their boards must give careful consideration to social responsibility issues in order to enhance long-term shareholder value.

We support efforts by companies to develop policies and practices that consider social responsibility issues related to their businesses.

 

VI. SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Shareholder proposals can be extremely complex, and the impact on the interests of all stakeholders can rarely be anticipated with a high degree of confidence. As a result, shareholder proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with consideration of factors such as:

 

   

the proposal’s impact on the company’s short-term and long-term share value,

 

   

its effect on the company’s reputation,

 

   

the economic effect of the proposal,

 

   

industry and regional norms in which the company operates,

 

   

the company’s overall corporate governance provisions, and

 

   

the reasonableness of the request.

We will generally support shareholder proposals that require additional disclosure regarding corporate responsibility issues where the relevant portfolio manager believes:

 

   

the company has failed to adequately address these issues with shareholders,

 

   

there is information to suggest that a company follows procedures that are not in compliance with applicable regulations, or

 

As of January, 2017    Page 10 of 11


LOGO

 

 

   

the company fails to provide a level of disclosure that is comparable to industry peers or generally accepted standards.

We will generally not support shareholder proposals that place arbitrary or artificial constraints on the board, management or the company.

Ordinary Business Practices

We will generally support the board’s discretion regarding shareholder proposals that involve ordinary business practices.

Protection of Shareholder Rights

We will generally vote for shareholder proposals that are designed to protect shareholder rights if the company’s corporate governance standards indicate that such additional protections are warranted.

Barriers to Shareholder Action

We will generally vote for proposals to lower barriers to shareholder action.

Shareholder Rights Plans

We will generally vote for proposals to subject shareholder rights plans to a shareholder vote.

 

VII. OTHER

 

We will vote against or abstain on proposals that may authorize the company to conduct any other business that is not described in the proxy statement or where the proxy materials lack sufficient information upon which to base an informed decision.

Reimbursement of Proxy Solicitation Expenses

Decisions to provide reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest are made on a case-by-case basis.

 

As of January, 2017    Page 11 of 11


 

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

for

Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited


As of April 30, 2017

 

Basic Policy on Proxy Voting

We vote proxies for the purpose of seeking to maximize the interests of our clients (investors) and beneficiaries over time, acknowledging the importance of corporate governance, based on fiduciary duties to our clients (investors) and beneficiaries. We do not vote proxies for the interests of ourselves and any third party other than clients (investors) and beneficiaries. The interests of clients (investors) and beneficiaries is to expand the corporate value or the economic interest of shareholders or the preventing of damage thereto. Proxy voting is an integral part of our stewardship activities and we make voting decisions considering whether or not the proposal would contribute to the corporate value expansion and sustainable growth.

In order to vote proxies adequately we have established the Corporate Governance Committee and developed these Proxy Voting Guidelines to oversee control of the decision making process concerning proxy voting. While we may seek advice from an external service provider based on our own guidelines, our investment professionals make voting decisions in principle, based on our proxy voting guidelines, taking into account whether or not they contribute to shareholder value enhancement of the subject company.

Responsible proxy voting and constructive dialogue with investee companies are important components of stewardship activities. While the proxy voting guidelines are principles for our making voting decisions, depending on the proposals, we may make special decisions to maximize the interests of clients (investors) and beneficiaries, through the establishment of constructive dialogue with the investee companies. In such case, approval of the Corporate Governance Committee shall be obtained.

The Corporate Governance Committee is consisted of members including Director in charge of the Investment Division as the chair, Head of Compliance, Corporate Governance Officer, investment professionals nominated by the chair and persons in charge at the Operations Department.

We have developed the Conflict of Interest Control Policy and, even in the situation where any conflict of interest is likely to arise, we work to control conflict of interest to protect the interests of clients (investors) and beneficiaries. The Compliance Department is responsible for overseeing company-wide control of conflict of interest. The Compliance Department is independent from investment and marketing divisions, and shall not receive any command or order with respect to the matters concerning compliance with the laws and regulations including the matters concerning conflict of interest from investment and marketing divisions.

 

- 1 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

 

1.

Profit Allocation and Dividends

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking approval for profit allocation and dividends, taking into account the financial conditions and business performance of the subject company, and the economic interest of shareholders, etc.

 

 

Taking into account the status of capital adequacy and business strategies, etc. of the subject company, if the total payout ratio including dividends and share buybacks is significantly low, we consider to vote against the proposals, unless reasonable explanation is given by the company.

With respect to the company where profit allocation is determined by the board of directors, taking into account the status of capital adequacy and business strategies, etc. of the subject company, if the total payout ratio including dividends and share buybacks is significantly low, we consider to vote against reelection of directors, unless reasonable explanation is given by the company.

Taking into account the status of capital adequacy and business strategies, etc. of the subject company, if the total payout ratio including dividends and share buybacks is significantly low, we consider to vote for the shareholder proposals that require more payout to shareholders.

 

2.

Election of Directors

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning election of directors, taking into account independence, competence and existence of anti-social acts of director candidates, etc. We decide how to vote on reelection of director candidates, taking into account their approach to corporate governance and accountability during their tenure, business performance of the company and existence of anti-social acts of the company, etc. in addition to the above factors.

Directors should make efforts to continuously gain knowledge and skills from time to time to fulfill the important role and responsibilities in governance of the subject company. Companies are also required to provide sufficient opportunities of such training.

Independent outside directors are expected to play a significant role such as to secure the interest of minority shareholders through activities based on their insights to increase the corporate value of the subject company. It is desirable to enhance the board’s governance function with independent outside directors accounting for the majority of the board. However,

 

- 2 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

given the challenge to secure competent candidates, we also recognize that, under the current conditions, it is difficult for all the companies, irrespective of their size, to deploy a majority of the board with independent outside directors.

(1) Independence

 

 

We generally vote for election of outside directors; provided, however, that we vote against the candidate who is not regarded as independent from the subject company. With respect to independence, it is desirable that the subject company discloses numerical standard which should support our decision.

 

   

We judge independence based on the independence criteria stipulated by the stock exchange, with focus on whether independence is substantially secured.

 

   

We regard the outside director with significantly long tenure as non-independent, and vote against reelection of such outside director.

 

   

In the case where the subject company is the company with a three committee board structure or the company with a board with audit committee structure, we judge independence of outside director candidates who become members of the audit committee or the similar committee based on the same independence criteria for election of statutory auditors in principle.

 

 

In the case where the subject company is the company with a three committee board structure or the company with a board with audit committee structure, we generally consider to vote against the director candidates who are top executives of the subject company, if independent outside directors of the subject company account for less than 1/3 of the board after the shareholders meeting.

 

 

In the case where the subject company is the company with a statutory auditor structure, we generally vote against the director candidates who are top executives, unless there are at least two outside directors who are independent from the subject company after the shareholders meeting.

 

 

In the case where the subject company has a parent company, we generally consider to vote against the director candidates who are top executives of the subject company, if outside directors who are independent from the subject company account for less than half of the board after the shareholders meeting.

(2) Attendance rate

 

 

All members are expected to attend the board meetings and each committees in principle, and companies are generally obligated to facilitate all members to attend meetings. We generally vote against reelection of the director candidate who attended less than 75% of

 

- 3 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

 

the board meetings or the respective committee.

 

   

We take into account not only the number of attendance but reasons for nomination and substantial contribution, if disclosed.

(3) Business performance of the company

 

 

We consider voting against reelection of director candidates, if the subject company made a loss for the three consecutive year during their tenure.

 

 

We consider voting against reelection of director candidates, if it is judged that the business performance of the subject company is significantly behind peers in the same industry during their tenure.

 

 

We consider voting against the directors who are top executives, if business strategies that enable the corporate value enhancement and sustainable growth are not demonstrated and no constructive dialogue is conducted, with respect to capital efficiency including return on capital.

(4) Anti-social acts of the company

 

 

If it is judged that there has been any corporate scandal that has significant social effects and has impaired, or is likely to impair, the shareholder value during the tenure, we shall conduct sufficient dialogue with the subject company on the background and subsequent resolutions of the scandal. Based on the dialogue and taking into account impact on the shareholder value, we decide how to vote on reelection of the director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge of those cases and members of the audit committee or the similar committee.

 

   

With respect to domestic scandals, if the company has received administrative disposition on cartel or bid-rigging, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge and members of the audit committee or the similar committee, at the time when the disposition is determined by the Fair Trade Commission, etc. If the final disposition is subsequently determined on appeal or complaint, we do not vote against reelection again at such time. We decide case-by-case with respect to an order for compensation in a civil case or disposition by the Consumer Affairs Agency and administrative disposition imposed overseas.

 

   

With respect to administrative disposition imposed on a subsidiary or affiliate, if the subsidiary or affiliate is unlisted, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge and members of the audit committee or the similar committee of the holding company or the parent company. If the subsidiary or affiliate is listed, we consider to vote against reelection of the

 

- 4 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

 

director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge and members of the audit committee or the similar committee of the subsidiary or affiliate and the parent company; provided, however, that we decide case-by-case depending on importance of the disposition on the subsidiary or affiliate, its impact on business performance of the holding company or parent company.

 

   

With respect to a scandal of an individual employee, if such scandal has impaired, or is likely to impair the shareholder value, and it is judged that the subject company should assume responsibility as a manager, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives, directors in charge and members of the audit committee or the similar committee.

 

 

We consider to vote against reelection of director candidates, if the subject company has committed window-dressing and inadequate accounting activities during their tenure.

(5) Acts against the interest of shareholders

 

 

If the company has increased capital through a third-party allotment that is excessively dilutive without resolution by the shareholders meeting, we consider to vote against reelection of director candidates, particularly the director candidates who are top executives.

 

 

If the company has increased capital through a large-scale public offering without reasonable explanation, we consider to vote against reelection of director candidates, particularly the director candidates who are top executives.

 

 

If the shareholder proposal that is judged desirable for minority shareholders has received the majority support but the company does not implement such proposal or make the similar proposal as the company proposal at the shareholders meeting in the following year, we consider voting against the director candidates who are top executives.

(6) Other

 

 

If information of a director candidate is not fully disclosed, we generally vote against such director candidate.

 

3. Composition of Board of Directors, etc.

Depending on the size of companies, etc., we believe that a three committee board structure is desirable to achieve better governance as a listed company. Even for a company with a statutory auditor structure or a company with a board with audit committee, it is also desirable to voluntarily deploy the nomination committee, compensation committee and other necessary committees. It is also desirable that the chair of the board of directors is an independent outside director. We believe that composition of the highly transparent board of directors secures

 

- 5 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

transparency of the management and contributes to a persistent increase in the enterprise value. It is also desirable that the third-party assessment of the board of directors is disclosed.

We are concerned about the retired director assuming a consulting, advisory or other similar position which is likely to have negative impact on greater transparency and decision making of the board of directors. If such position or a person assuming such position exists, it is desirable that its existence, expected role and effects or compensation and other treatment for such position are fully disclosed.

(1) Number of members and change in constituents of the board of directors

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning the number of members and change in constituents of the board of directors, by comparing with the current structure and taking into account impact on the subject company and the economic interest of shareholders.

 

   

We favorably consider a decrease in the number of directors other than outside directors, but in the case of an increase in the number of directors other than outside directors, unless reasons are clearly and reasonably stated, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives.

 

   

If there are too many board members and we are concerned that swift decision making may be hindered, we vote against the director candidates who are top executives.

 

   

We favorably consider an increase in the number of outside directors, but in the case of a decrease in the number of outside directors, unless reasons are clearly and reasonably stated, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives.

(2) Procedures for election of directors, scope of responsibilities of directors, etc.

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning a change in procedures for election of directors, by comparing with the current procedures and taking into account reasonableness of such change, etc.

 

 

We generally vote against the proposals that reduce responsibility of directors for monetary damages due to their breach of duty of care of a prudent manager.

 

 

Responsibilities of the board of directors include proper supervision over the succession plan for top executives. The nomination committee at the company with a three-committee board structure, or the nomination committee that should be voluntarily deployed by the company with a different structure, should provide proper supervision over fostering and

 

- 6 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

 

election of successors with secured transparency. It is desirable that an independent outside director serves as the chair of the nomination committee. If the process is judged to significantly lack transparency and reasonableness, we consider to vote against the director candidates who are top executives.

 

4. Election of Statutory Auditors

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning election of statutory auditors, taking into account independence, competence and existence of anti-social acts of auditor candidates, etc. We decide how to vote on reelection of statutory auditor candidates, taking into account their approach to corporate governance and accountability during their tenure, existence of anti-social acts of the company, etc. in addition to the above factors.

Statutory auditors and directors who are members of the audit committee or the similar committee are required to have deep specialized knowledge of accounting and laws and regulations, and should make efforts to continuously gain knowledge and skills from time to time to fulfill the important role and responsibilities in governance of the subject company. Companies are also required to provide sufficient opportunities of such training.

(1) Independence

 

 

We generally vote against non-independent outside statutory auditors.

 

   

The person who has no relationship with the subject company other than being elected as a statutory auditor is regarded as independent.

 

   

We regard the outside statutory auditor with significantly long tenure as non-independent, and vote against reelection of such outside statutory auditor.

(2) Attendance rate

 

 

All statutory auditors are expected to attend meetings of the board of directors or the board of statutory auditors in principle, and companies are generally obligated to facilitate all statutory auditors to attend meetings. We generally vote against reelection of the statutory auditor candidate who attended less than 75% of meetings of the board of directors or the board of statutory auditors.

 

   

We take into account not only the number of attendance but reasons for nomination and substantial contribution, if disclosed.

(3) Accountability

 

 

If there are material concerns about the provided auditor report or auditing procedures, or if

 

- 7 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

 

the matters to be disclosed are not fully disclosed, we vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates.

(4) Anti-social acts of the company

 

 

If it is judged that there has been any corporate scandal that has significant social effects and has impaired, or is likely to impair, the shareholder value during the tenure, we shall conduct sufficient engagement with the subject company on the background and subsequent resolutions of the scandal. Based on the engagement and taking into account impact on the shareholder value, we decide how to vote on reelection of statutory auditor candidates.

 

   

With respect to domestic scandals, if the company has received administrative disposition on cartel or bid-rigging, we consider to vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates, at the time when the disposition is determined by the Fair Trade Commission, etc. If the final disposition is subsequently determined on appeal or complaint, we do not vote against reelection again at such time. We decide case-by-case with respect to an order for compensation in a civil case or disposition by the Consumer Affairs Agency and administrative disposition imposed overseas.

 

   

With respect to administrative disposition imposed on a subsidiary or affiliate, if the subsidiary or affiliate is unlisted, we consider to vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates of the holding company or the parent company. If the subsidiary or affiliate is listed, we consider to vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates of the subsidiary or affiliate and the holding company; provided, however, that we decide case-by-case depending on importance of the disposition on the subsidiary or affiliate, its impact on business performance of the holding company or parent company.

 

   

With respect to a scandal of an individual employee, if such scandal has impaired, or is likely to impair the shareholder value, and it is judged that the subject company should assume responsibility as a manager, we consider to vote against reelection of statutory auditor candidates.

 

 

We consider voting against reelection of statutory auditor candidates, if the subject company has committed window-dressing and inadequate accounting activities during their tenure.

 

5. Composition of Board of Statutory Auditors

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning the number of members and change in constituents of the board of statutory auditors, by comparing with the current structure and taking into account impact on the subject company and the economic interest of shareholders.

 

- 8 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

   

We favorably consider an increase in the number of statutory auditors, but in the case of a decrease in the number of statutory auditors, unless reasons are clearly and reasonably stated, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives.

 

6. Election and Removal of Accounting Auditors

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning election and removal of accounting auditors, taking into account competence of candidates and the level of costs for the accounting audit, etc.

 

 

If it is judged that there are following problems with the accounting audit services in the subject company, and the accounting auditor in question is not removed but reelected, we generally vote against reelection of the statutory auditor candidates and the director candidates who are members of the audit committee or the similar committee:

 

   

It is judged that the accounting auditor has expressed incorrect opinions on financial conditions;

 

   

In the case where there are concerns on the financial statements, the matters to be disclosed are not fully disclosed;

 

   

In the case where the accounting auditor has a contract of non-accounting audit services with the subject company, it is judged that such non-accounting audit services are recognized to have conflict of interest with accounting audit services;

 

   

In the case where excessive accounting audit costs are paid;

 

   

It is judged that gross fraudulence or negligence of the accounting auditor is recognized.

 

 

If it is judged that there are problems with accounting audit services in another company, and the accounting auditor in question becomes a candidate for election or is not removed but reelected, we decide how to vote, giving full consideration to impact on the enterprise value of the subject company.

 

 

We generally vote against the proposals concerning a change in accounting auditors, if difference in views about the accounting principles between the previous accounting auditor and the subject company is judged to be the reason for such change.

 

7. Compensation and Bonuses for Directors, Statutory Auditors and Employees

(1) Compensation and bonuses for Directors

 

 

In determining compensation and bonuses for directors, it is desirable to increase the

 

- 9 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

 

proportion of stocks in compensation and bonuses, taking into account whether the performance-based compensation structure is developed, whether transparency is fully secured such as disclosure of an index or formula as a basis for calculation, and impact on shareholders such as dilution. The compensation committee at the company with a three-committee board structure, or the compensation committee that should be voluntarily deployed by the company with a different structure, should ensure the compensation structure with secured transparency. It is desirable that an independent outside director serves as the chair of the compensation committee.

 

   

We consider to vote against the proposals seeking approval for compensation and bonuses in the following cases:

 

   

where negative correlation is seen between the business performance of the subject company and compensation and bonuses;

 

   

where there exist problematic system and practices;

 

   

where the aggregate amount of compensation and bonuses is not disclosed;

 

   

where mismanagement is clear as shown by share price erosion or and significant deterioration in profit;

 

   

where the person who is judged to be responsible for acts against the interest of shareholders is among recipients of compensation and bonuses.

 

   

We generally vote for the proposals requesting disclosure of compensation and bonuses of individual directors.

 

   

If any measures are implemented to secure transparency of the system other than individual disclosure, such measures are taken into account.

 

   

If there is no proposal seeking approval for compensation and bonuses and the system is not clear, we consider to vote against election of the director candidates who are top executives,

 

   

We generally vote against bonuses for statutory auditors.

 

   

As directors who become members of the audit committee at the company with a three committee structure, directors who become members of the audit committee at the company with a board with audit committee structure and outside directors are required to perform duties as director, we consider their compensation and bonuses differently from statutory auditors at the company with a statutory auditor structure.

(2) Stock compensation

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning stock compensation including stock

 

- 10 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

 

option plans and restricted stock units, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, the level of compensation, the recipients of stock compensation, and reasonableness, etc.

 

   

We generally vote against the proposals seeking to lower the strike price of stock options.

 

   

We generally vote for the proposals seeking to require approval of shareholders for change in the strike price of stock options.

 

   

We generally vote against the stock compensation, if terms of exercise including the percentage of dilution are unclear.

 

   

We generally vote against the stock compensation granted to statutory auditors.

 

   

As directors who become members of the audit committee at the company with a three committee structure, directors who become members of the audit committee at the company with a board with audit committee structure and outside directors are required to perform duties as director, we consider the stock compensation for them differently from statutory auditors at the company with a statutory auditor structure.

 

   

We generally vote against the stock compensation granted to any third parties other than employees.

 

   

We generally vote against the stock compensation if it is judged likely to be used as a tool for takeover defense.

(3) Stock purchase plan

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning stock purchase plan, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, the recipients of stock compensation and reasonableness, etc.

(4) Retirement benefits for directors

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning grant of retirement benefits, taking into account the scope of recipients, existence of anti-social acts of recipients, business performance of the company and anti-social acts of the company, etc.

 

   

We generally vote for the proposals granting retirement benefits, if all of the following criteria are met:

 

   

The granted amount is disclosed;

 

   

Outside directors and statutory auditors are not included in recipients;

 

   

There has been no serious scandal involving recipients during their tenure;

 

   

The subject company has not suffered from loss for the three consecutive year, or its business performance is not judged to significantly lag relative to peers in the

 

- 11 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

 

same industry;

 

   

There has been no corporate scandal that has significant social effects on the subject company and has impaired, or likely to impair, the shareholder value during the tenure of recipients;

 

   

The subject company has not committed window-dressing and inadequate accounting activities during the tenure of recipients.

 

8. Cross-shareholdings

If the company holds shares for relationship purpose, we believe that the company is required to explain about medium- to long-term business and financial strategies and disclose criteria for proxy voting decisions and voting results, etc. If no reasonable views are indicated and no constructive dialogue is conducted, we consider to vote against the director candidates who are top executives.

 

9. Capital Policy

As the capital policy of listed companies is likely to have important impact on the shareholder value and the interest of shareholders of the subject company, the subject company should implement the reasonable capital policy and explain basic policies of the capital policy to shareholders. We consider voting against the proposals concerning the capital policy that is judged to impair the shareholder value. If there exists the capital policy that is not part of proposals at the shareholders meeting but is judged to impair the shareholder value, we consider voting against reelection of director candidates.

(1) Change in authorized capital

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to increase authorized capital, taking into account impact of the change in authorized capital on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, reasonableness of the change in authorized capital and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc.

 

 

We generally vote for the proposals seeking to increase authorized capital, if it is judged that not increasing authorized capital is likely to cause delisting of the subject company or have significant impact on sustainability of the company.

 

 

We generally vote against the proposals seeking to increase authorized capital after emergence of acquirer.

(2) Issuance of new shares

 

 

We decide how to vote on issuance of new shares, taking into account reasons for issuance

 

- 12 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

 

of new shares, issuing terms, impact of dilution on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc.

(3) Share buybacks, reissuance of shares

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning share buybacks or reissuance of shares, taking into account their reasonableness, etc.

(4) Share split

 

 

We generally vote for the proposals seeking to split shares.

(5) Consolidation of shares (reverse share split)

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking consolidation of shares, taking into account its reasonableness, etc.

(6) Preferred shares

 

 

We generally vote against the proposals seeking to create, or increase authorized capital of, carte blanche preferred shares that are issued without specifying the voting right, dividends, conversion and other rights.

 

 

We generally vote for the proposals seeking to create, or increase authorized capital of, preferred shares where the voting right, dividends, conversion and other rights are specified and those rights are judged reasonable.

 

 

We generally vote for the proposals requiring approval of shareholders for issuance of preferred shares.

(7) Issuance of bonds with share options

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to issue bonds with share options, taking into account the number of new shares and the redemption period of bonds, etc.

(8) Issuance of straight bonds, expansion of credit facility

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning issuance of straight bonds or expansion of credit facility, taking into account the financial conditions, etc. of the subject company.

(9) Capitalization of debt

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to change authorized capital or issue shares in connection with restructuring of debt, taking into account the terms of change in authorized capital or issuance of shares, impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, their reasonableness and impact on share listing or sustainability of the

 

- 13 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

 

company, etc.

(10) Capital reduction

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning reduction in capital, taking into account impact of capital reduction on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, reasonableness of capital reduction and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc.

 

 

We generally vote for the proposals seeking to reduce capital as typical accounting procedures.

(11) Financing plan

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning financing plan, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, its reasonableness and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc.

(12) Capitalization of reserves

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking capitalization of reserves, taking into account its reasonableness, etc.

 

10. Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation, etc.

(1) Change in accounting period

 

 

We generally vote for the proposals seeking to change the accounting period, unless it is judged to aim to delay the shareholders meeting.

(2) Amendments of articles of incorporation

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning article amendments, taking into account impact of article amendments on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, necessity and reasonableness of article amendments, etc.

 

   

We generally vote for the proposals seeking article amendments, if such amendments are required by the laws.

 

   

We generally vote against the proposals seeking article amendments, if such amendments are judged to be likely to infringe on rights of shareholders or impair the shareholder value.

 

   

We generally vote for transition to the company with a three committee board structure.

 

- 14 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

   

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to ease or eliminate requirements for special resolutions, taking into account its reasonableness.

 

   

We are concerned about the retired director assuming a consulting, advisory or other similar position which is likely to have negative impact on greater transparency and decision making of the board of directors. We generally vote against the proposals seeking to create such position.

(3) Change in quorum for the shareholders meeting

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning change in quorum for the shareholders meeting, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, etc.

 

11. Change in company organization, etc

(1) Change in trade name and registered address

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to change the trade name, taking into account impact on the shareholder value, etc.

 

 

We generally vote for the proposals seeking to change the registered address.

(2) Company reorganization

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning the following company reorganization, taking into account their respective impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, impact on financial conditions and business performance of the subject company, and impact on share listing or sustainability of the company, etc.

Mergers and acquisitions

Transfer of business

Spin-off

Sale of assets

Sale of company

Liquidation

 

12. Proxy Fight

(1) Proxy fight

 

 

We decide how to vote on the proposals concerning election of directors among rival candidates, taking into account independence, competence, existence of anti-social acts, approach to corporate governance and accountability of director candidates, business performance of the company, existence of anti-social acts of the company, as well as the background of the proxy fight, etc.

 

- 15 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

(2) Proxy fight defense measures

 

 

Classified board structure

 

   

We generally vote against the proposals seeking to introduce the classified board structure.

 

   

We generally vote for the proposals seeking to set a director’s term of one year.

 

 

Right to remove directors

 

   

We generally vote against the proposals seeking to tighten requirements for shareholders to remove directors.

 

 

Cumulative voting system

 

   

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to introduce the cumulative voting system for election of directors, taking into account its background, etc.

 

   

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to eliminate the cumulative voting system for election of directors, taking into account its background, etc.

 

13. Takeover Defense

We believe that the interests of the management and shareholders do not always align with each other, and generally vote against new establishment, amendment and update of takeover defense measures that are judged to decrease the shareholder value or interfere with rights of shareholders. We generally vote against reelection of director candidates, if there exist takeover defense measures that are not part of proposals at the shareholders meeting but are judged to decrease the shareholder value or interfere with rights of shareholders.

 

 

Relaxation of requirements for amendment to the articles of incorporation and company regulations

 

   

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to relax the requirements for amendment to the articles of incorporation or company regulations, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders, etc.

 

 

Relaxation of requirements for approval of mergers

 

   

We decide how to vote on the proposals seeking to relax the requirements for approval of mergers, taking into account impact on the shareholder value and rights of shareholders.

 

14. ESG

 

- 16 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

We support the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and acknowledge that how companies address to ESG is an important factor in making investment decisions. Thus, we consider voting against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives and directors in charge, if it is judged that any event that is likely to significantly impair the enterprise value has occurred. We consider to vote for the related proposal, if it is judged to contribute to protection from impairment of, or enhancement of, the enterprise value, and if not, vote against such proposal.

 

15. Disclosure

Disclosure of information and constructive dialogue based thereon are important in making proxy voting decisions and investment decisions.

 

 

We generally vote against the proposals where sufficient information to make proxy voting decision is not disclosed.

 

 

We generally vote for the proposals seeking to enhance disclosure of information, if such information is beneficial to shareholders.

 

 

If disclosure of information about financial and non-financial information of the subject company is significantly poor, and if the level of investor relations activities by the management or persons in charge is significantly low, we consider to vote against reelection of the director candidates who are top executives and directors in charge.

 

16. Conflict of Interest

We abstain from voting proxies of the following companies that are likely to have conflict of interest.

We also abstain from voting proxies with respect to the following investment trusts, etc. that are managed by us or Invesco Group companies, as conflict of interest is likely to arise.

 

 

Companies and investment trusts, etc. that we abstain from voting proxies:

 

   

Invesco Ltd.

 

   

Investment corporations managed by Invesco Global Real Estate Asia Pacific, Inc.

We have developed the Conflict of Interest Control Policy and, in the situation where any conflict of interest is likely to arise, we work to control conflict of interest to protect the interests of clients (investors) and beneficiaries. The Compliance Department is responsible for overseeing company-wide control of conflict of interest. The Compliance Department is independent from investment and marketing divisions, and shall not receive any command or order with respect to the matters concerning compliance with the laws and regulations including

 

- 17 -


As of April 30, 2017

 

the matters concerning conflict of interest from investment and marketing divisions.

 

17. Shareholder Proposals

We vote case-by-case on the shareholder proposals in accordance with the Guidelines along with the company proposals in principle.

DISCLAIMER: The English version is a translation of the original in Japanese for information purposes only. In case of a discrepancy, the Japanese original will prevail. You can download the Japanese version from our website:

http://www.invesco.co.jp/footer/pdf/2017_giketsuken_guideline.pdf

 

- 18 -


 

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

for

Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH


April 2013

INVESCO CONTINENTAL EUROPE

VOTING RIGHTS POLICY

INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT SA (& BRANCHES IN AMSTERDAM, BRUSSELS, MADRID, MILAN, STOCKHOLM)

INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

INVESCO ASSET MANAGEMENT ÖSTERREICH GMBH

Approach

This document sets out the high level Proxy Voting Policy of the companies outlined above and referred to as Invesco Continental Europe (“Invesco CE”). The principles within this policy are followed by these companies or to any of its delegates as applicable.

Invesco CE is committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all its clients. As such Invesco CE has put in place procedures to ensure that voting rights attached to securities within a UCITS or portfolio for which it is the Management Company are exercised where appropriate and in the best interests of the individual UCITS/ portfolio itself. Where Invesco CE delegates the activity of Investment Management it will ensure that the delegate has in place policies and procedures consistent with the principles of this policy.

Voting Opportunities

Voting opportunities which exist in relation to securities within each individual UCITS/ portfolio are monitored on an ongoing basis in order to ensure that advantage can be taken of any opportunity that arises to benefit the individual UCITS/ portfolio.

When is has been identified that a voting opportunity exists, an investment decisions is taken whether or not the opportunity to vote should be exercised and, if relevant, the voting decision to be taken. Considerations which are taken into account include:

 

   

The cost of participating in the vote relative to the potential benefit to the UCITS/portfolio.

 

   

The impact of participation in a vote on the liquidity of the securities creating the voting opportunity due to the fact that some jurisdictions will require that the securities are not sold for a period if they are the subject of a vote.

 

   

Other factors as deemed appropriate by the Investment Manager in relation to the investment objectives and policy of the individual UCITS/ portfolio.

It may be the case that an investment decision is taken not to participate in a vote. Such decisions can be equally appropriate due to the considerations applied by the investment team to determine the relative benefit to the individual UCITS/ portfolio, based on criteria such as fund size, investment objective, policy and investment strategy applicable.


Conflicts of Interest:

Invesco CE has a Conflicts of Interest Policy which outlines the principles for avoiding, and where not possible, managing conflicts of interest. At no time will Invesco CE use shareholding powers in respect of individual UCITS/portfolio to advance its own commercial interests, to pursue a social or political cause that is unrelated to a UCITS’/portfolio’s economic interests, or to favour another UCITS/ portfolio or client or other relationship to the detriment of others. This policy is available, free of cost, from any of the Invesco CE companies.

Information on Voting Activity:

Further information on votes which were available to individual UCITS and actions taken are available to unitholders free of charge and by request to the UCITS Management Company.


 

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines

for

Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC


LOGO

Proxy Voting Guidelines

 

Applicable to    PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust, (collectively, the “Trusts”)
Risk Addressed by Policy    Breach of fiduciary duty to client under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by placing Invesco personal interests ahead of clients best interest in voting proxies
Relevant Law and Other Sources    Investment Advisers Act of 1940
Approved/Adopted Date    June 24, 2014
Last Amended    March 7, 2017

I. General Policy

Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC (“Invesco PowerShares” or the “Adviser”) has adopted proxy voting policies with respect to securities owned by series of the PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, the PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust II, the PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Trust, the PowerShares India Exchange-Traded Fund Trust and the PowerShares Actively Managed Exchange-Traded Commodity Fund Trust (collectively, the “Funds”) for which it serves as investment adviser and has been delegated the authority to vote proxies. Invesco PowerShares’ proxy voting policies are designed to provide that proxies are voted in the best interests of shareholders.

Invesco Ltd, the parent to the Adviser, has adopted a global policy statement on corporate governance and proxy voting (the “Global Invesco Policy”) (see exhibit A), which details Invesco’s views on governance matters and describes the proxy administration and governance approach. The Adviser votes proxies by utilizing the procedures and mechanisms outlined in the Global Invesco Policy, while maintaining the Fund-specific guidelines described below:

Overlapping Securities

In instances where both a Fund and a fund advised by an Invesco Ltd entity both hold an equity security (“Overlapping Securities”), the Adviser will vote proxies in accordance with the recommendation of an Invesco Ltd adviser based on the comprehensive proxy review and under the Global Invesco Policy. The Global Invesco Policy is overseen by the Invesco Proxy Advisory Committee (“IPAC”), which also orchestrates the review and analysis of the top twenty-five proxy voting matters, measured by overall size of holdings by funds within the Invesco family. The Adviser consults with the IPAC on specific proxy votes and general proxy voting matters as it deems necessary. In addition, as part of the Global Invesco Proxy Voting Process, the IPAC oversees instances when possible conflicts of interest arise among funds. (Please see the global policy for the detailed conflict of interest approach)

In instances where the Global proxy administration team does not receive a recommendation in a timely manner, the proxy administration team will automatically vote such ballots in accordance with the Invesco’s custom guidelines established on Invesco’s global proxy voting policy and US guidelines.

 

PowerShares Proxy Voting Guidelines

1


Non-Overlapping Securities

In instances where securities are held only by a Fund, and not also by an Invesco Ltd active equity entity fund, the Adviser will instruct the proxy administration team to vote proxies in accordance with said Invesco custom guidelines implemented by ISS, Invesco’s vote execution agent.

Under this Policy, the Adviser retains the power to vote contrary to the recommendation of the Invesco Voting Process (for Overlapping Securities) or Invesco’s custom guidelines for Non-Overlapping Securities) at its discretion, so long as the reasons for doing so are well documented.

II. Proxy Constraints

The adviser will approach proxy constraints according to the Invesco Global statement on corporate governance and proxy voting.

III. Special Policy

Certain Funds pursue their investment objectives by investing in other registered investment companies pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The relief granted by that order is conditioned upon complying with a number of undertakings, some of which require a Fund to vote its shares in an acquired investment company in the same proportion as other holders of the acquired fund’s shares. In instances in which a Fund is required to vote in this manner to rely on the exemptive order, the Adviser will vote shares of these acquired investment companies in compliance with the voting mechanism required by the order.

IV. Resolving Potential Conflicts of Interest

Voting of Proxies Related to Invesco Ltd.

The adviser will approach conflicts of interest in accordance with Invesco’s Global policy statement on corporate governance and proxy voting.)

 

PowerShares Proxy Voting Guidelines

2


Proxy Voting Guidelines

for

Invesco Asset Management (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Voting Policy


LOGO

Invesco Asset Management (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Voting Policy

 

Draft    :    Final
Version    :    5
Effective Date    :    May 5, 2017


LOGO

 

Invesco Asset Management (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Voting Policy

 

A. Preamble

SEBI vide its circular reference no. SEBI/IMD/Cir No. 18/198647/2010 dated March 15, 2010 has stated that mutual fund should play an active role in ensuring better corporate governance of listed companies. The said circular stated that the AMCs should disclose their general policies and procedures for exercising the voting rights in respect of shares held by them.

Subsequently, SEBI vide its circular ref. no. CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014 dated March 24, 2014 and SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/68 dated August 10, 2016 have amended certain provisions of above mentioned circular specifying additional compliance / disclosure requirements with respect to exercise of voting rights by mutual funds.

This policy is drafted in pursuance of SEBI circular dated March 15, 2010 read with March 24, 2014 and August 10, 2016 and provides general philosophy, broad guidelines and procedures for exercising voting rights.

Invesco Asset Management (India) Limited (“IAMI”) is an Investment Manager to the scheme(s) of Invesco Mutual Fund (“the Fund”). As an investment manager, IAMI has fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of unit-holders of the Fund. This responsibility includes exercising voting rights attached to the securities of the companies in which the schemes of the Fund invest. It will be IAMI’s endeavor to participate in the voting process (i.e. exercise voting rights) based on the philosophy enunciated in this policy.

 

B. Philosophy of Voting Policy

Good corporate governance ensures that a corporation is managed keeping in mind the long-term interest of shareholders. Promoting good corporate governance standards forms an integral part of corporate ownership responsibilities.

With this in the forefront, IAMI expects all corporations, in which it invests in, to comply with high corporate governance standards. Accordingly, as the decision to invest is generally an endorsement of sound management practices, IAMI may generally vote with the management of these corporations. However, when IAMI is of the view that the unit holders will be prejudiced by any such proposal, then it may vote against such proposal to protect the interest of unit holders. Also in case of resolutions moved by the shareholders of the company, IAMI will exercise its voting rights in the best interest of its unit holders. In certain circumstances, IAMI may also decide to refrain from voting where it has insufficient information or there is conflict of interest or it does not have a clear stance on the proposal under consideration.

IAMI, as an investment manager, will generally vote in accordance with the Voting Policy. However, it may deviate from the policy if there are particular facts and/or circumstances that warrant for such deviation to protect the interests of unit-holders of the Fund.


LOGO

 

 

C.

Conflict of Interest in Exercising Voting Rights

IAMI, under schemes, may invest in the securities of associate/group companies (to the extent permitted under SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996). Further, IAMI is an affiliate of a diverse financial services organization consisting of many affiliates. Moreover IAMI under schemes may invest in securities of companies which have invested in schemes of Invesco Mutual Fund. Such scenarios may lead to a situation creating conflict of interest.

In a situation where an investee company, an affiliate or associate/group company were to approach IAMI with regard to a particular voting decision then such matter will be referred to the Voting Committee.

IAMI will attempt to avoid conflict of interest and will exercise its voting rights in the best interest of the unit-holders. Voting decisions in such cases will be based on merits without any bias and the same parameters will be applied for taking voting decisions as are applied for other companies.

 

D.

Voting Policy Guidelines

The matters regarding, but not limited to, which the IAMI may exercise the voting rights in the Annual General Meeting (AGMs) /Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGMs)/ Through Postal Ballots/Electronic voting of the investee companies are as follows:

 

 

Corporate governance matters, including changes in the state of incorporation, merger and other corporate restructuring and anti- takeover provisions.

 

 

Changes to capital structure, including increase and decrease of capital and preferred stock issuances.

 

 

Stock option plans and other management compensation issues.

 

 

Social and corporate responsibility issues.

 

 

Appointment and Removal of Directors.

 

 

Any other issue that may affect the interest of the shareholders in general and interest of the unit-holders in particular.

IAMI will exercise voting rights keeping in mind the need to improve economic value of the companies and importance of protecting the interests of unit holders of its schemes but subject to importance of the matter and cost/time implications. The analysts in equity team will make recommendations on key voting issues and same will be approved by the Head of Equity or in his absence by the Fund Manager. In case of conflicts or need for a clearer direction, the matter may be referred to the Voting Committee for its guidance.

 

E.

Voting Committee

As a guiding principle, IAMI shall exercise voting rights solely in the interest of unit holders of the Fund. IAMI has constituted a Voting Committee (VC). The Committee is empowered to provide guidance on the voting matters referred to it, establish voting guidelines and procedures as it may consider necessary and is responsible to ensure that these guidelines and procedures are adhered to and also make changes in the Policy as may be required from time to time. The members of this Committee are as follows:


LOGO

 

 

 

CEO / COO/Head - Operations (any one)

 

 

Head of Compliance or Member of compliance team

 

 

Head of Equity or Fund Manager (equity)

 

 

Head of Fixed Income and/ or Fund Managers (fixed income)

 

 

Any other representative as the Committee may co-opt from time to time

Broad Guidelines for functioning of Voting Committee are:

 

1.

Voting Committee may record its decisions by circulation including decisions/guidance on voting matters that have been referred to it.

 

2.

Voting Committee may consult with outside experts and other investors on issues as it may deem fit

 

3.

Decisions of Voting Committee should be maintained by compliance

 

4.

Details of voting decisions taken by the Fund Management team will be presented to the Voting Committee/Investment Committee.

 

5.

Voting Committee may review this policy from time to time.

 

F.

Steps (Procedure) in Exercising Voting Rights

The following points outline the key steps in exercising Voting rights:

 

1)

Notification of company AGMs / EGMs and relevant voting items to Fund Management Team.

 

2)

The IAMI shall endeavor to vote for all holdings of the Fund, aggregated for all its schemes, but subject to the importance of the matter and the cost/time implications. The voting will cover all equity holding across all schemes of Invesco Mutual Fund.

 

3)

Custodian will send ballots and or other relevant papers (notice of meeting, proxy form, attendance slips etc.) to IAMI relating to AGM/EGM as soon as it receives.

 

4)

The fund management team is authorized to decide on voting decisions but may refer decisions to the Voting Committee for its guidance/direction.

 

5)

Based on internal discussion within the fund management team, a decision would be arrived at as to whether IAMI should vote on the proposed resolution. Routine matters and ordinary resolutions like adoption of financials (unless there are significant auditor qualifications), dividend declaration, general updating/corrective amendments to the Articles of Association would also be considered for voting purpose. However IAMI may on a case to case basis, not vote on such resolutions, if it deems fit to do so.

 

6)

Proposed resolutions would be discussed within the fund management team and decision would be taken on whether to vote (“for”/”against”) or “abstain” from voting. IAMI may abstain from voting on proposals that do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value and/or matters for which disclosure is inadequate. For the remaining proposals, IAMI would vote either “for” or “against” based on overall merits and demerits of the proposed resolution. IAMI will generally support and vote “for” proposals which are likely to result in maximizing long-term investment returns for unit holders. IAMI would not support and will vote “against” proposals that appear to be detrimental to the company financials / interest of the minority shareholders or which would adversely impact shareholders’ value.

 

7)

IAMI may exercise its voting rights by authorizing its own executives/authorized representative to attend the AGM/EGM or may instruct the Custodian to exercise voting rights in accordance with the instructions of IAMI.


8)

IAMI may exercise its voting rights through Postal Ballot or may use Electronic voting mechanism, wherever available, either through its own executives or by authorizing the Custodian. The records of voting exercised through Postal Ballot will be maintained by IAMI.

 

9)

IAMI may utilize the services of third party professional agencies for getting in-depth analyses of proposals and vote recommendations. However, the recommendations of the third party agencies will be non-binding in nature. IAMI will perform due diligence on proxy voting advisory firms at the time of initial selection as well as at the time of renewal of services of the proxy voting. The due diligence will be carried out on parameters viz. resource strength, Companies under coverage, extent of institutional ownership, depth of analysis, quality of advice / recommendations, analyst access & support, timely availability of reports, composition of board of directors, advisory board and top management, web-based interface platform and clientele.

 

10)

The rationale supporting each voting decision (For, Against and Abstain) will be recorded and such records will be retained for number of years (currently 8 years) as may be required under the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 from time to time.

 

G.

Disclosures

The disclosures of voting rights exercised are as follows:

 

 

Details of votes cast by the schemes of the Fund will be uploaded on the website of IAMI (www.invescomutualfund.com) on a quarterly basis in the prescribed format within the stipulated timelines as prescribed by SEBI from time to time.

 

 

Details of votes cast by the schemes of the Fund will be uploaded on the website of IAMI (www.invescomutualfund.com) on an annual basis in the prescribed format and the same will also be disclosed in Annual Report of the schemes of the Fund.

 

 

Summary on actual exercise of votes cast and its break-up in terms of total number of votes cast in favor, against or abstained will also be uploaded on the website of IAMI (www.invescomutualfund.com) on an annual basis.

 

H.

Certification/Confirmation

 

 

On an annual basis, IAMI will obtain a certification from scrutinizer (in terms of Rule 20 (3) (ix) of Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014) on voting reports and the same will be placed before the Boards of AMC and Trustee. The scrutinizer’s certificate will form part of Annual Report and will also be uploaded on the website of IAMI (www.invescomutualfund.com).

 

 

A confirmation shall also be submitted by Trustees in its half yearly report to SEBI that IAMI have voted on important decisions affecting interests of unitholders.

 

I.

Review

The Board of Directors of IAMI and Trustees shall review and ensure that IAMI have voted on important decisions affecting interests of unitholders and the rationale recorded for vote decision is prudent and adequate.


LOGO

 

References of SEBI Circular:

 

Sr. #

  

Circular Number

  

Date

     

1.

  

SEBI/IMD/CIR No 18 / 198647 /2010

  

March 15, 2010

  

2.

  

E-mail from SEBI

  

June 23, 2011

  

3.

  

CIR/IMD/DF/05/2014

  

March 24, 2014

  

4.

  

SEBI/HO/IMD/DF2/CIR/P/2016/68

  

August 10, 2016

  

The Voting Policy of Invesco Mutual Fund was initially approved by the Board of Directors Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited and Invesco Trustee Private Limited in their respective meetings held on September 16, 2010. The Voting Policy (Version 3) amended pursuant to SEBI Circular dated March 24, 2014 was approved in Board meetings of Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited and Invesco Trustee Private Limited held on May 22, 2014 and May 23, 2014, respectively.

The Voting Policy will be available on the website of the fund (www.invescomutualfund.com) and link will be provided on the home page.

Date of Review: May 5, 2017 (No updates)

Next Date of Review: On or before May 31, 2018


LOGO

 

Noted for Implementation:

 

Vetri Subramaniam

Head - Equity

  

Sujoy Das

Head - Fixed Income

  

Suresh Jakhotiya

Head - Compliance & Risk

Neelesh Dhamnaskar

Fund Manager

  

Kavita Bhanej

Vice President - Operations

  

Noted:

 

Saurabh Nanavati    Ketan Ugrankar
Chief Executive Officer    COO & CFO

Version History:

 

Version

  

Date

  

Description

  

Initiator

  

Approved by

1.0    September 2, 2010   

Initial Adoption of Voting Policy

  

Suresh Jakhotiya

  

Board of Religare Invesco AMC and Trustees at board meetings held on September 16, 2010.

2.0    June 28, 2011   

Policy amended pursuant to SEBI e-mail dated June 23, 2011

  

Suresh Jakhotiya

  

Board of Religare Invesco AMC and Trustees at board meetings held on July 13, 2011.

3.0    May 23, 2014   

Policy amended pursuant to SEBI circular dated March 24, 2014

  

Suresh Jakhotiya

  

Board of Religare Invesco AMC and Trustees at board meetings held on May 22, 2014 and May 23, 2014 respectively.

3.1    July 5, 2016   

Names of AMC and Trustee

  

Suresh Jakhotiya

   N.A.


LOGO

 

     

Company were changed to reflect new names and logo was changed

     
4    November 18, 2016   

Amended Policy pursuant to SEBI circular dated August 10, 2016 and for the purpose of IAMI’s application to SEC for registration as an advisor.

  

Suresh Jakhotiya

  

Board of IAMI & ITPL at their meetings held on November 18, 2016 and November 25, 2016 respectively.

5    May 5, 2017   

Reviewed and no changes to be made

  

Suresh Jakhotiya

   N.A.


PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 28. Exhibits

 

a    Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated April 11, 2017.(5)
b    Third Amended and Restated Bylaws adopted effective October 26, 2016.(3)
c    Articles II, VI, VII, VIII and IX of the Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Articles IV, V and VI of the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, both as previously filed define rights of holders of shares.
d(1)    Master Investment Advisory Agreement dated September 30, 2015.(1)
d(2)    Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Agreement dated September 30, 2015.(4)
d(3)              (a) Sub-Advisory Contract between Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (b) Amendment No. 1 dated July 30, 2012, to the Sub-Advisory Contract—Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (c) Amendment No. 2 dated September 25, 2012, to the Sub-Advisory Contract—Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (d) Amendment No. 3 dated February 25, 2013, to the Sub-Advisory Contract—Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (e) Amendment No. 4 dated December 16, 2013, to the Sub-Advisory Contract—Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (f) Amendment No. 5 dated April 22, 2014, to the Sub-Advisory Contract—Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (g) Amendment No. 6 dated June 26, 2014, to the Sub-Advisory Contract—Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (h) Amendment No. 7 dated October 14, 2014, to the Sub-Advisory Contract—Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (i) Amendment No. 8 dated September 30, 2015, to the Sub-Advisory Contract—Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (j) Amendment No. 9 dated December 21, 2015, to the Sub-Advisory Contract—Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (k) Amendment No. 10, dated June 30, 2016, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (l) Amendment No. 11, dated July 1, 2016, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (m) Amendment No. 12, dated July 27, 2016, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (n) Amendment No. 13, dated October 28, 2016, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (o) Amendment No. 14, dated February 27, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*


   (p) Amendment No. 15, dated April 11, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (q) Amendment No. 16, dated December 15, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
   (r) Amendment No. 17, dated December 18, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011.*
d(4)    (a) Sub-Advisory Contract between Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited dated April 11, 2017.*
   (b) Amendment No. 1, dated December 15, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited dated April 11, 2017.*
   (c) Amendment No. 2, dated December 18, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited dated April 11, 2017.*
e    Omitted pursuant to General Instruction B.2 of Form N-1A.
f    Not Applicable.
g(1)(a)      Amended and Restated Master Custodian Contract dated June 1, 2010.(4)
g(1)(b)    Notice of Assignment dated September 29, 2015.(2)
g(2)    Transfer Agency and Service Agreement dated September 30, 2015.(1)
g(3)    Master Fund Administrative Services Agreement dated September 30, 2015.(1)
h    Memorandum of Agreement, dated December 1, 2017, regarding advisory fee waivers and affiliated money market fund waivers, between Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc.*
i    Omitted pursuant to General Instruction B.2 of Form N-1A.
j    Omitted pursuant to General Instruction B.2 of Form N-1A.
k    Omitted pursuant to General Instruction B.2 of Form N-1A.
l    Not Applicable.
m    Not Applicable.
n    Not Applicable.
o    Not Applicable.
p(1)    Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2018, relating to Invesco Advisers, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries.*
(2)    Invesco UK Code of Ethics dated 2018, relating to Invesco Asset Management Limited.*
(3)    Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited.*
(4)    Invesco Hong Kong Limited Code of Ethics dated January 1, 2018 relating to Invesco Hong Kong Limited.*
(5)    Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2017, relating to Invesco Canada.*
(6)    Invesco EMEA (ex UK) Employees Code of Ethics dated 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management Deutschland (GmbH).*
(7)    Invesco Senior Secured Management Code of Ethics Policy revised August 2016 and Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics amended January 1, 2018.*
(8)    Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC Code of Ethics amended March 7, 2017.*
(9)    Invesco Asset Management (India) PVT. LTD. Personal Trading Policy amended January 10, 2018 and Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct dated October 2017 relating to Invesco Asset Management (India) PVT. LTD.*

 

* Filed herewith electronically.
(1) Incorporated herein by reference to Amendment No. 51, filed on September 30, 2015.
(2) Incorporated herein by reference to Amendment No. 55, filed on April 29, 2016.
(3) Incorporated herein by reference to Amendment No. 58, filed on March 28, 2017.
(4) Incorporated herein by reference to Amendment No. 59, filed on April 28, 2017.
(5) Incorporated herein by reference to Amendment No. 60, filed on May 25, 2017.


Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Fund

None.

 

Item 30. Indemnification

Indemnification provisions for officers, trustees, and employees of the Registrant are set forth in Article VIII of the Registrant’s Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Article VIII of its Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, and are hereby incorporated by reference. See Item 28(a) and (b) above. Under the Third Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, effective as of April 11, 2017, (i) Trustees or officers, when acting in such capacity, shall not be personally liable for any act, omission or obligation of the Registrant or any Trustee or officer except by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office with the Trust; (ii) every Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Registrant shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act, the Registrant’s Third Amended and Restated Bylaws and other applicable law; (iii) in case any shareholder or former shareholder of the Registrant shall be held to be personally liable solely by reason of his being or having been a shareholder of the Registrant or any portfolio or class and not because of his acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or former shareholder (or his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives, or, in the case of a corporation or other entity, its corporate or general successor) shall be entitled, out of the assets belonging to the applicable portfolio (or allocable to the applicable class), to be held harmless from and indemnified against all loss and expense arising from such liability in accordance with the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws and applicable law. The Registrant, on behalf of the affected portfolio (or class), shall upon request by the shareholder, assume the defense of any such claim made against the shareholder for any act or obligation of that portfolio (or class).

The Registrant and other investment companies and their respective officers and trustees are insured under a joint Mutual Fund Directors and Officers Liability Policy, issued by ICI Mutual Insurance Company and certain other domestic insurers, with limits up to $100,000,000 and an additional $20,000,000 of excess coverage (plus an additional $20,000,000 limit that applies to independent directors/trustees only).

Section 16 of the Master Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc. (Invesco) provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder on the part of Invesco or any of its officers, directors or employees, that Invesco shall not be subject to liability to the Registrant or to any shareholder of the Registrant for any act or omission in the course of, or connected with, rendering services hereunder or for any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security.

Section 10 of the Master Intergroup Sub-Advisory Contract for Mutual Funds (the Sub-Advisory Contract) between Invesco, on behalf of Registrant, and each of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Invesco Canada Ltd., Invesco Hong Kong Limited and Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc., and separate Sub-Advisory Agreements with each of Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC and Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited (each a Sub-Adviser, collectively the Sub-Advisers) provides that the Sub-Adviser shall not be liable for any costs or liabilities arising from any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Registrant in connection with the matters to which the Sub-Advisory Contract relates except a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the Sub-Adviser in the performance by the Sub-Adviser of its duties or from reckless disregard by the Sub-Adviser of its obligations and duties under the Sub-Advisory Contract.

 

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

The only employment of a substantial nature of Invesco Adviser’s directors and officers is with the Advisers and its affiliated companies. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of each of the officers and directors of Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH, Invesco Asset Management Limited, Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited,


Invesco Canada Ltd., Invesco Hong Kong Limited, Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc., Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC and Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited (each a Sub-Adviser, collectively the Sub-Advisers) reference is made to Form ADV filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 by each Sub-Adviser herein incorporated by reference. Reference is also made to the caption “Item 10. Management, Organization and Capital Structure” in the Prospectus which comprises Part A of this Registration Statement, and to the caption “Item 19. Investment Advisory and Other Services” of the Statement of Additional Information which comprises Part B of this Registration Statement.

 

Item 32. Principal Underwriters

Not applicable.

 

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records

Invesco Advisers, Inc., 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30309, will maintain physical possession of each such account, book or other document of the Registrant at the Registrant’s principal executive offices, 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 1000, Houston, Texas 77046-1173, except for those maintained at its Atlanta offices at the address listed above or at its Louisville, Kentucky offices, 400 West Market Street, Suite 3300, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 and except for those relating to certain transactions in portfolio securities that are maintained by the Registrant’s Custodian, State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, and the Registrant’s Transfer Agent and Dividend Paying Agent, Invesco Investment Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219078, Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9078.

Records may also be maintained at the offices of:

Invesco Asset Management Deutschland GmbH

An der Welle 5

1st Floor

Frankfurt, Germany 60322

Invesco Asset Management Ltd.

Perpetual Park

Perpetual Park Drive

Henley-on-Thames

Oxfordshire

RG9 1HH

United Kingdom

Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited

Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 14F

6-10-1 Roppongi,

Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6114

Invesco Hong Kong Limited

41/F, Champion Tower

Three Garden Road, Central

Hong Kong

Invesco Senior Secured Management, Inc.

1166 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10036


Invesco Canada Ltd.

5140 Yonge Street

Suite 800

Toronto, Ontario

Canada M2N 6X7

Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC

3500 Lacey Road, Suite 700

Downers Grove, IL 60515

Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited

3rd Floor, GYS Infinity, Subhash Road

Paranjpe B Scheme, Ville Parle (East)

Mumbai – 400 057, India

 

Item 34. Management Services

Not applicable.

 

Item 35. Undertakings

Not applicable.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, Invesco Exchange Fund, has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, and the State of Texas, on the 30th day of April, 2018.

 

INVESCO EXCHANGE FUND
By:  

/s/ Sheri Morris

  Sheri Morris
  President


INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

d(3)(a)   Sub-Advisory Contract between Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(b)   Amendment No. 1 dated July 30, 2012, to the Sub-Advisory Contract - Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(c)   Amendment No. 2 dated September 25, 2012, to the Sub-Advisory Contract - Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(d)   Amendment No. 3 dated February 25, 2013, to the Sub-Advisory Contract - Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(e)   Amendment No. 4 dated December 16, 2013, to the Sub-Advisory Contract - Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(f)   Amendment No. 5 dated April 22, 2014, to the Sub-Advisory Contract - Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(g)   Amendment No. 6 dated June 26, 2014, to the Sub-Advisory Contract - Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(h)   Amendment No. 7 dated October 14, 2014, to the Sub-Advisory Contract - Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(i)   Amendment No. 8 dated September 30, 2015, to the Sub-Advisory Contract - Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(j)   Amendment No. 9 dated December 21, 2015, to the Sub-Advisory Contract - Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(k)   Amendment No. 10, dated June 30, 2016, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(l)   Amendment No. 11, dated July 1, 2016, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011    


d(3)(m)   Amendment No. 12, dated July 27, 2016, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(n)   Amendment No. 13, dated October 28, 2016, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(o)   Amendment No. 14, dated February 27, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(p)   Amendment No. 15, dated April 11, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(q)   Amendment No. 16, dated December 15, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(3)(r)   Amendment No. 17, dated December 18, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco PowerShares Capital Management, LLC dated December 14, 2011
d(4)(a)   Sub-Advisory Contract between Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited dated April 11, 2017
d(4)(b)   Amendment No. 1, dated December 15, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited dated April 11, 2017
d(4)(c)   Amendment No. 2, dated December 18, 2017, to the Sub-Advisory Contract – Invesco Advisers, Inc. and Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited dated April 11, 2017
h   Memorandum of Agreement, dated December 1, 2017, regarding advisory fee waivers and affiliated money market fund waivers, between Registrant and Invesco Advisers, Inc.
p(1)   Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, amended January 1, 2018, relating to Invesco Advisers, Inc. and any of its subsidiaries
p(2)   Invesco UK Code of Ethics dated 2018, relating to Invesco Asset Management Limited
p(3)   Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited
p(4)   Invesco Hong Kong Limited Code of Ethics dated January 1, 2018 relating to Invesco Hong Kong Limited    


p(5)   Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct, dated October 2017, relating to Invesco Canada
p(6)   Invesco EMEA (ex UK) Employees Code of Ethics dated 2017, relating to Invesco Asset Management Deutschland (GmbH)
p(7)   Invesco Senior Secured Management Code of Ethics Policy revised August 2016 and Invesco Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics amended January 1, 2018
p(8)   Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC Code of Ethics amended March 7, 2017
p(9)   Invesco Asset Management (India) PVT. LTD. Personal Trading Policy amended January 10, 2018 and Invesco Ltd. Code of Conduct dated October 2017 relating to Invesco Asset Management (India) PVT. LTD