As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2011
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 |
FORM N-1A |
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
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Registration No. 033-02659 |
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Pre-Effective Amendment No. |
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Post-Effective Amendment No. |
121 |
and/or |
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |
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1940 Act File No. 811-04556 |
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Amendment No. |
122 |
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TRANSAMERICA FUNDS |
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(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) |
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570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 |
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) |
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Registrants Telephone Number, including Area Code: (727) 299-1800 |
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Dennis P. Gallagher, Esq., 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 |
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(Name and Address of Agent for Service) |
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Approximate date of proposed public offering:
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) (1) of Rule 485. |
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) (2) of Rule 485. |
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On (Date) pursuant to paragraph (a) (1) of Rule 485. |
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On (Date) pursuant to paragraph (a) (2) of Rule 485. |
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Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485. |
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On March 1, 2011 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485. |
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If appropriate, check the following box: |
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This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
This amendment relates solely to Transamerica TS&W International Equity (formerly known as Transamerica International Equity). The prospectuses and statement of additional information for the other series of Transamerica Funds, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated herein by reference.
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Transamerica Funds
Prospectus March 1, 2011
Class A Class B Class C Class I |
Fund______________________________________________ ___ Ticker__ __Ticker___ _Ticker_ __ Ticker____ |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity | TRWAX | None | TRWCX | TSWIX |
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Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. |
Not insured by FDIC or any federal government agency. | May lose value. | Not a deposit of or guaranteed by any bank, bank affiliate, or credit union. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Transamerica TS&W International Equity | |
More on the Funds Strategies and Investments | |
More on Risks of Investing in the Fund | |
Shareholder Information | |
Financial Highlights |
Investment Objective: Seeks maximum long-term total return, consistent with reasonable risk to principal, by investing in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of primarily non-U.S. issuers.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. You may qualify for sales charge discounts if you and your family invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in Transamerica Funds. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in the Waivers and/or Reductions of Charges section on page 128 of the funds prospectus and in the funds statement of additional information (SAI) under the heading Purchase of Shares.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment) | |||
Class of Shares | |||
A | C | I | |
Maximum sales charge (load)
imposed on purchases | 5.50% | None | None |
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of purchase price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) | None | 1.00% | None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)a | |||
Class of Shares | |||
A | C | I | |
Management fees | 0.80% | 0.80% | 0.80% |
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees | 0.35% | 1.00% | None |
Other expenses | 0.30% | 0.27% | 0.30% |
Total annual fund operating expenses | 1.45% | 2.07% | 1.10% |
a Annual fund operating expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
If the shares are redeemed at the end of each period: | ||
Share Class | 1 year | 3 years |
A | $689 | $983 |
C | $310 | $649 |
I | $112 | $350 |
If the shares are not redeemed: | ||
Share Class | ||
A | $689 | $983 |
C | $210 | $649 |
I | $112 | $350 |
The Example does not reflect sales charges (loads) on reinvested dividends (and other distributions). If these sales charges (loads) were included, your costs would be higher.
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: Under normal circumstances, the fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of foreign companies representing at least three countries other than the United States. Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (TS&W), the funds sub-adviser, currently anticipates investing in at least 12 countries other than the United States. TS&W will emphasize established companies in individual foreign markets and will attempt to stress companies and markets that it believes are undervalued. The fund expects capital growth to be the predominant component of its total return.
Generally, the fund will invest primarily in common stocks of established companies listed on foreign securities exchanges, but it may also invest in securities traded over-the-counter. Although the fund will emphasize larger, more seasoned or established companies, it may invest in companies of varying size as measured by assets, sales or market capitalization. The fund will invest primarily in securities of companies domiciled in developed countries, but may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of companies in developing countries. It is expected that investments will be diversified throughout the world and within markets in an effort to minimize specific country and currency risks.
TS&W employs a relative value process utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods based on a four-factor valuation screen designed to outperform the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. TS&Ws analysts also perform rigorous fundamental analysis. A portfolio composed of 80-100 stocks is selected as a result of this process. TS&W generally limits its investment universe to those companies with a minimum of three years of operating history. TS&W employs a consistent sell discipline which includes a significant negative earnings revision, a stock being sold when the catalyst is no longer valid or another stock presents a more attractive opportunity.
The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit.
Principal Risks: Many factors affect the fund's performance. There is no assurance the fund will meet its investment objective. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary of certain risks (in alphabetical order) of investing in the fund. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
· Cash Management and Defensive Investing Money market instruments or short-term debt securities held by the fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate in value. Like other fixed income securities, they are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will not earn income on the cash and the fund's yield will go down. If a significant amount of the fund's assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it will be more difficult for the fund to achieve its objective.
· Currency When the fund invests in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the fund may incur currency conversion costs and may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by, among other factors, the general economics of a country, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or control banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.
· Derivatives Using derivatives can increase fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by the fund. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase fund volatility. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to the fund. The fund's investments in derivative instruments may involve a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed and may result in losses exceeding the amounts invested in those instruments. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation are not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
· Emerging Markets Investing in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to foreign securities risks. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems that are less fully developed and are less stable than those of more advanced countries. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in extreme price volatility.
· Foreign Securities Foreign securities are subject to a number of additional risks, including nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency controls or restrictions, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability and other adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and less market regulation also may affect the value of these securities.
· Geographic To the extent the fund invests a significant portion of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries or that region, and could be more volatile than a more geographically diverse fund. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging markets.
· Increase in Expenses Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in Annual Fund Operating Expenses for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net
assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
· Liquidity Some securities held by the fund may be difficult to sell, or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss.
· Market The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the markets or adverse investor sentiment. Market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors or issuers. When market prices fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security. The recent financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the financial crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the U.S. calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
· Portfolio Selection The sub-advisers judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect.
· Small- or Medium-Sized Companies Small- or medium-sized companies may be more at risk than larger companies because, among other things, they may have limited product lines, operating history, market or financial resources, or because they may depend on a limited management group.
· Stocks Stocks may be volatile their prices may go up and down dramatically over the shorter term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, industries, the securities market as a whole or the over-all economy.
· Value Investing The prices of securities the sub-adviser believes are undervalued may not appreciate as anticipated or may go down. Value stocks as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market for a long period of time, for example, while the market favors growth stocks.
Performance: The bar chart and the table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund by showing you how the funds performance has varied from year to year, and how the funds Class I average annual total returns for different periods compare to the returns of a broad measure of market performance. The table shows average annual total returns for Class I shares of the fund. Absent any limitation of the funds expenses, total returns would be lower. As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamericafunds.com or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
The fund is newly organized. The fund acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of TS&W International Equity Portfolio (the predecessor fund) on February 28, 2011, and the predecessor fund is the accounting and performance survivor of the reorganization. This means that the predecessor funds performance and financial history have been adopted by the fund and will be used going forward from the date of the reorganization. (The predecessor fund acquired the assets and assumed the historical performance of another fund on June 24, 2002. The performance shown prior to that date represents the performance of that fund.) In connection with the predecessor fund reorganization, former shareholders of the predecessor fund received Class I shares of the fund. Accordingly, the performance of Class I shares of the fund reflects the performance of the predecessor fund. Performance has not been restated to reflect the estimated annual operating expenses of Class I shares.
Although Class A and Class C shares would have similar annual returns to Class I shares because the classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, the returns for Class A and Class C shares would be lower than Class I shares because of the lower expenses paid by Class I shares. Performance information for Class A and Class C shares will be included after the share classes have been in operation for one complete calendar year.
Annual Total Returns (calendar years ended December 31) Class I
Class I Shares | Quarter Ended | Return |
Best Quarter: | 6/30/2009 | 24.59% |
Worst Quarter: | 9/30/2002 | -21.31% |
Average Annual Total Returns (periods ended December 31, 2010)1
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years or Inception* | |
Class I (predecessor fund commenced operations on December 18, 1992) | |||
Return before taxes | 12.42% | 4.04% | 2.88% |
Return after taxes on distributions2 | 11.89% | 3.23% | 2.55% |
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares2 | 8.07% | 3.64% | 2.67% |
Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe, Australasia, Far East Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes) | 7.75% | 2.46% | 3.50% |
1 Actual returns may depend on the investors individual tax situation. After-tax returns may not be relevant if the investment is made through a tax-exempt or tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) plan. After-tax returns are presented for only one class and returns for other classes will vary.
2 The after-tax returns are calculated using the historic highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
* Fund returns are for past 10 years or since inception, whichever is less. Index returns are for 10 years or since inception of oldest share class, whichever is less.
Management:
Investment Adviser: Sub-Adviser:
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC
Portfolio Manager:
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA, Portfolio Manager since 2011
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: You may purchase, exchange or redeem shares of the fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business, online or through our website at www.transamericafunds.com, by mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945, by telephone at 1-888-233-4339, or overnight mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105. Shares may also be purchased through a financial intermediary. The minimum initial purchase for Class A and C shares is $1,000; the minimum subsequent investment is $50. The minimum initial purchase for payroll deduction and automatic investment plan is $500; the minimum subsequent investment is $50 per monthly fund account investment. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000,000.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediarys website for more information.
The following provides additional information regarding the funds strategies and investments described at the front of the prospectus. Except as otherwise expressly stated for a particular fund in this prospectus or in the statement of additional information or as required by law, there is no limit on the amount of a funds assets that may be invested in a particular type of security or investment.
Transamerica TS&W International Equity: Under normal circumstances, the fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of foreign companies representing at least three countries other than the United States. Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (TS&W), the funds sub-adviser, currently anticipates investing in at least 12 countries other than the United States. TS&W will emphasize established companies in individual foreign markets and will attempt to stress companies and markets that it believes are undervalued. The fund expects capital growth to be the predominant component of its total return.
Generally, the fund will invest primarily in common stocks of established companies listed on foreign securities exchanges, but it may also invest in securities traded over-the-counter. Although the fund will emphasize larger, more seasoned or established companies, it may invest in companies of varying size as measured by assets, sales or market capitalization. The fund will invest primarily in securities of companies domiciled in developed countries, but may also invest in developing countries. The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of companies in developing countries. It is expected that investments will be diversified throughout the world and within markets in an effort to minimize specific country and currency risks.
TS&W employs a relative value process utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods based on a four-factor valuation screen designed to outperform the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. The initial universe consists of approximately 3,000 actively traded non-U.S. stocks. Parts one and two of the screen attempt to assess a companys attractiveness based on cash flows relative to other international stocks and as compared to their industry or sector peers. The third factor considers the relative earnings prospects of the company. The fourth factor involves looking at the companys recent price action. From the model, approximately 300 stocks are identified for further research. These are the stocks that rank the highest on the basis of these four factors combined. TS&W generally limits its investment universe to those companies with a minimum of three years of operating history.
TS&Ws analysts also perform rigorous fundamental analysis, exploring numerous factors that may affect the outlook for a company. They evaluate publicly available information including sell-side research, company filings, and trade periodicals. The analysts may speak with company management to hear their perspectives and outlook on pertinent business issues. They apply a consistent and disciplined review in a team environment that encourages critical thinking and analysis for each company considered for investment. A portfolio composed of 80-100 stocks is selected as a result of this process.
Established positions in the fund are ranked daily and are reviewed regularly in the same manner to re-examine their fundamental and valuation characteristics. The product team meets periodically to discuss each stocks place in the fund. TS&W employs a consistent sell discipline which includes a significant negative earnings revision, a stock being sold when the catalyst is no longer valid or another stock presents a more attractive opportunity.
TS&W may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including to earn income and enhance returns, to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market, to manage or adjust the risk profile of the fund, or as alternatives to direct investments.
The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may do so without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
Principal Investment Risks: The following provides additional information regarding the risks of investing in the funds as described at the front of the prospectus.
Cash Management and Defensive Investing: Money market instruments or short-term debt securities held by the fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate in value. Like other fixed income securities, they are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will not earn income on the cash and the fund's yield will go down. If a significant amount of the fund's assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it will be more difficult for the fund to achieve its objective.
Currency: When a fund invests in securities denominated in foreign currencies, it is subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for reasons such as changes in interest rates, government intervention or political developments. As a result, a fund's investments in foreign currency denominated securities may reduce the returns of a fund.
Derivatives: Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the fund. Using derivatives can have a leveraging effect which may increase investment losses and may increase fund volatility. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on a fund. Using derivatives can increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or currencies, or the derivative instruments themselves, behave in a way not anticipated by a fund, especially in abnormal market conditions. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed-income securities. Derivatives also tend to involve greater liquidity risk. The fund may be unable to terminate or sell its derivative positions. In fact, many over-the-counter derivative instruments will not have liquidity beyond the counterparty to the instrument. The funds use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation are not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Using derivatives, especially for non-hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to the fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated by the fund. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the funds assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
When the fund enters into derivative transactions, it may be required to segregate assets, or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations. Such segregation will not limit the funds exposure to loss, however, and the fund will have investment risk with respect to both the derivative itself and the assets that have been segregated to cover the funds derivative exposure. If the segregated assets represent a large portion of the funds portfolio, this may impede portfolio management or the funds ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
Some derivatives may be difficult to value, or may be subject to the risk that changes in the value of the instrument may not correlate well with the underlying asset, rate or index. In addition, derivatives may be subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. A fund could lose the entire amount of its investment in a derivative and, in some cases, could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative instruments may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices. A funds sub-adviser may not make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons.
Emerging Markets: Investing in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets bear foreign risks. In addition, the risks associated with investing in emerging markets are often greater than investing in developed foreign markets. Specifically, the economic structures in emerging markets countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries, and their political systems are less stable. Investments in emerging markets countries may be affected by national policies that restrict foreign investments. Emerging markets countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems that are less fully developed and are less stable than those of more advanced countries. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in extreme price volatility. As a result, a fund investing in emerging markets countries may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing.
Foreign Securities: Investments in foreign securities, including foreign securities represented by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), and European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), involve risks relating to political, social and economic developments abroad, as well as risks resulting from the differences between the regulations to which U.S. and foreign issuer markets are subject. These risks include, without limitation:
· different accounting and reporting practices
· less information available to the public
· less (or different) regulation of securities markets
· more complex business negotiations
· less liquidity
· more fluctuations in prices
· delays in settling foreign securities transactions
· higher costs for holding shares (custodial fees)
· higher transaction costs
· vulnerability to seizure and taxes
· political or financial instability and small markets
· different market trading days
Geographic: Because a fund may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region, a fund's performance could be closely tied to the market, currency, economic, political, or regulatory conditions and developments in those countries or that region, and could be more volatile than the performance of more geographically-diversified funds.
Increase in Expenses: Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in Annual Fund Operating Expenses for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Liquidity: Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. Although most of a fund's securities must be liquid at the time of investment, securities may become illiquid after purchase by a fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. When a fund holds illiquid investments, a fund may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if a fund is forced to sell these investments to meet redemptions or for other cash needs, a fund may suffer a loss. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain securities, a fund, due to limitations on investments in illiquid securities, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector.
Market: The market prices of the funds securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. The value of a security may fall due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the markets or adverse investor sentiment. Market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors or issuers. The fund may experience a substantial or
complete loss on any individual security. The equity and debt capital markets in the U.S. and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility. The financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken various steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the U.S. calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
Changes in market conditions will not have the same impact on all types of securities. The value of a security may also fall due to specific conditions that affect a particular sector of the securities market or a particular issuer.
Portfolio Selection: The value of your investment may decrease if the sub-advisers judgment about the attractiveness, quality, relative yield, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector, or about interest rates, is incorrect.
Small- or Medium-Sized Companies: Investing in small- and medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with more established companies. Stocks of such companies, particularly developing companies, generally are subject to more volatility in price than larger company securities. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility are the less certain growth prospects of smaller companies, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities, and the greater sensitivity of smaller companies to changing economic conditions. Smaller companies often have limited product lines, markets, or financial resources and their management may lack depth and experience. Such companies usually do not pay significant dividends that could cushion returns in a falling market.
Stocks: Stocks may be volatile their prices may go up and down dramatically over the shorter term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, industries, the securities market as a whole or the overall economy. Because the stocks a fund holds fluctuate in price, the value of your investment in a fund will go up and down.
securities may receive a greater or lesser number of shares, or greater or lower redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the fund had not fair-valued the security or had used a different valuation methodology.
Value Investing: The value approach carries the risk that the market will not recognize a securitys intrinsic value for a long time, or that a stock considered to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced. A fund may underperform other equity funds that use different investing styles. A fund may also underperform other equity funds using the value style.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment in a fund and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the Statement of Additional Information. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Investment Adviser
Transamerica Funds' Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the management and business affairs of Transamerica Funds. It oversees the operation of Transamerica Funds by its officers. It also reviews the management of the funds' assets by the investment adviser and sub-advisers. Information about the Trustees and executive officers of Transamerica Funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (TAM), located at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, serves as investment adviser for Transamerica Funds. The investment adviser hires investment sub-advisers to furnish investment advice and recommendations and has entered into sub-advisory agreements with each fund's sub-adviser. The investment adviser also monitors the sub-advisers buying and selling of portfolio securities and administration of the funds. For these services, TAM is paid investment advisory fees. These fees are calculated on the average daily net assets of each fund.
TAM is directly owned by Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio (77%) (Western Reserve) and AUSA Holding Company (23%) (AUSA), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of AEGON NV. AUSA is wholly owned by AEGON USA, LLC (AEGON USA), a financial services holding company whose primary emphasis is on life and health insurance, and annuity and investment products. AEGON USA is owned by AEGON US Holding Corporation, which is owned by Transamerica Corporation (DE). Transamerica Corporation (DE) is owned by The AEGON Trust, which is owned by AEGON International B.V., which is owned by AEGON NV, a Netherlands corporation, and a publicly traded international insurance group.
The funds may rely on an Order from the SEC (Release IC- 23379 dated August 5, 1998) that permits Transamerica Funds and its investment adviser, TAM, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders to:
(1) employ a new unaffiliated sub-adviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new investment sub-advisory agreement, either as a replacement for an existing sub-adviser or as an additional sub-adviser;
(2) materially change the terms of any sub-advisory agreement; and
(3) continue the employment of an existing sub-adviser on sub-advisory contract terms where a contract has been assigned because of a change of control of the sub-adviser.
Pursuant to the Order, the funds have agreed to provide certain information about new sub-advisers and new sub-advisory agreements to their shareholders.
Advisory Fees
TAM receives compensation from the fund, calculated daily and paid monthly, based on an annual percentage of the fund's average daily net assets.
Advisory Fees Paid in 2010
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the fund paid the following advisory fee as a percentage of the fund's average daily net assets:
Name of Fund | Advisory Fee |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity1 | N/A |
1 The fund commenced operations on March 1, 2011, and as such, there were no advisory fees paid as of October 31, 2010. The advisory fee is 0.80% for the first $250 million of average daily net assets; 0.75% of average daily net assets over $250 million up to $500 million; 0.725% of average daily net assets over $500 million up to $1 billion; and 0.70% of average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion.
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees' approval of the fund's advisory arrangements will be available in the fund's semi-annual report for the fiscal period ending April 30, 2011.
Sub-Advisers
The name and address of the sub-adviser is listed below. Pursuant to an Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between TAM and the sub-adviser on behalf of the fund, the sub-adviser shall make investment decisions, buy and sell securities for the fund, conduct research that leads to these purchase and sale decisions, and pay broker-dealers a commission for these trades (which can include payments for research and brokerage services).
The sub-adviser listed below receives compensation, calculated daily and paid monthly, from TAM. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the sub-adviser received the following sub-advisory fees as a percentage of a fund's average daily net assets:
Fund | Sub-Advisory Fee | Name and Address of Sub-Adviser |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity1 | N/A | Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC 6806 Paragon Place Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23230 |
1 The fund commenced operations on March 1, 2011, and as such, there were no sub-advisory fees paid as of October 31, 2010. The sub-advisory fee for the fund is 0.40% of the first $250 million of average daily net assets; 0.35% of average daily net assets over $250 million up to $500 million; 0.325% of average daily net assets over $500 million up to $1 billion; and 0.30% of average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion.
Portfolio Manager(s)
The following fund is managed by the portfolio manager(s) listed below. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager(s) compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager(s), and the portfolio manager(s) ownership in the fund they manage.
Transamerica TS&W International Equity
Name/Year Joined Fund | Role | Employer | Positions
Over Past |
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA/2011 | Portfolio Manager | TS&W | Officer and International Portfolio Manager |
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings: A detailed description of the fund's policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the fund's portfolio holdings is available in the SAI. The fund publishes its top ten holdings on the Transamerica Funds website at www.transamericafunds.com within two weeks after the end of each month. In addition, the fund publishes all holdings on the website approximately 25 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Such information will generally remain online for six months or as otherwise consistent with applicable regulations.
TO CONTACT TRANSAMERICA FUNDS
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339
Internet: www.transamericafunds.com
Fax: 1-888-329-4339
Mailing Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
Overnight Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
330 W. 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
The Following Information Applies to Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I and Class T Shares (Class B and Class T Shares are Closed to New Investors).
Opening an Account
Fill out the New Account Application which is available on our website. Transamerica Funds requires all applications to include an investment representative or an approved broker-dealer of record. An approved broker-dealer is one that is providing services under a valid dealer sales agreement with the funds distributor.
IRAs and other retirement plan accounts require different applications, which you can request by calling Customer Service or by visiting our website at www.transamericafunds.com.
Note: To help the U.S. Government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, the USA PATRIOT Act requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or entity that opens an account. On your application, be sure to include your name, date of birth (if an individual), residential address and Social Security Number or taxpayer identification number. If there are authorized traders on your account, please provide this information for each trader. If you do not provide this information, your account will not be established. If Transamerica Funds cannot verify your identity within 30 days from the date your account is established, your account may be closed based on the next calculated net asset value (NAV) per share.
Minimum Investment
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class T Shares:
Type of Account | Minimum Initial Investment (per fund account) | Minimum Subsequent Investment (per fund account) |
Regular Accounts | $1,000 | $50 |
IRA, Roth IRA or Coverdell ESA | $1,000 | $50 |
Employer-sponsored Retirement Plans (includes 403(b), SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans) | $1,000 | $50 |
Uniform Gift to Minors (UGMA) or Transfer to Minors (UTMA) | $1,000 | $50 |
Payroll Deduction and Automatic Investment Plans | $500 | $50* |
Class I Shares**:
Type of Account | Minimum Initial Investment (per fund account) | Minimum Subsequent Investment (per fund account) |
Regular Accounts | $1,000,000 | N/A |
IRA, Roth IRA or Coverdell ESA | $1,000,000 | N/A |
Employer-sponsored Retirement Plans | Waived | N/A |
Uniform Gift to Minors (UGMA) or Transfer to Minors (UTMA) | $1,000,000 | N/A |
Payroll Deduction and Automatic Investment Plans | $1,000,000 | $50* |
* Minimum monthly per fund account investment.
Note: Transamerica Funds reserves the right to change the amount of these minimums from time to time or to waive them in whole or in part. Omnibus accounts maintained on behalf of certain 401(k) and other retirement plans are not subject to these account minimum requirements. The minimums may be waived for certain employer-sponsored retirement plans under which the employee limits his or her salary deferral purchase to one fund account. There are no minimums for wrap accounts for the benefit of clients of certain broker-dealers, financial institutions, or financial planners who have entered into arrangements with Transamerica Funds or Transamerica Capital, Inc. (TCI), and for investments made by a retirement plan described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code.
** Class I shares of the Transamerica Funds listed in this prospectus are currently primarily offered for investment to institutional investors including, but not limited to, fee-based programs, qualified retirement plans, certain endowment plans and foundations and Directors, Trustees and employees of the funds affiliates. The minimum investment for Class I shares is $1,000,000 per fund account, but will be waived for certain investors, including fee-based programs, qualified retirement plans, and financial intermediaries that submit trades on behalf of underlying investors.
By Mail
· Send your completed application and check made payable to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
Through an Authorized Dealer
· The dealer is responsible for opening your account and providing Transamerica Funds with your taxpayer identification number.
Buying Shares
Investors may purchase shares of the funds at the offering price of the shares, which is the net asset value per share plus any applicable initial sales charge. Please note that purchase requests initiated through an automated service that exceeds $50,000 per day may be rejected and must be submitted by check or via bank wire.
Shareholders who have purchased Class B shares of a fund before 4:00 p.m. on July 14, 2010 (such shareholders, Existing Class B Shareholders and such time, the Close Time) may continue to hold those shares until they automatically convert to Class A shares as provided in the existing conversion schedule set forth under Shareholder Information Choosing a Share Class.
Effective as of the Close Time, Class B shares of each fund will no longer be offered for purchase including to Existing Class B Shareholders except in the following circumstances:
· Existing Class B Shareholders that have established 403(b) or SIMPLE IRA accounts directly with Transamerica Funds before the Close Time may make additional purchases of Class B shares of the funds in those accounts after the Close Time.
· Existing Class B Shareholders that have established automatic investment and/or payroll deduction accounts directly with the Trust before the Close Time may continue to make additional purchases of Class B shares of the funds pursuant to those programs after the Close Time.
· Existing Class B Shareholders may also continue to exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares of other funds, subject to the requirements described in the prospectus under Shareholder Information Exchanging Shares.
· Existing Class B Shareholders may continue to add to their accounts through dividend and capital gains reinvestments.
Except in the circumstances set forth above, any purchase order for a funds Class B shares received after the Close Time will not be processed in Class B shares. All other features of Class B shares described in the prospectus including contingent deferred sales charges, Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees, and conversion and redemption features will remain unchanged and will continue in effect after the Close Time.
Class T shares are not available to new investors; only existing Class T shareholders may purchase additional Class T shares.
Each fund reserves the right to make additional exceptions or otherwise to modify the foregoing policies at any time.
By Check
· Make your check payable and send to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
· If you are opening a new account, send your completed application along with your check.
· If you are purchasing shares in an existing account(s), please reference your account number(s) and the Transamerica fund(s) in which you wish to invest. If you do not specify the fund(s) in which you wish to invest, and your referenced account is invested in one fund, your check will be deposited into such fund.
· Redemption proceeds will be withheld for 15 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear. Certain exceptions may apply.
· Transamerica Funds does not accept money orders, travelers checks, starter checks, credit card convenience checks or cash. Cashiers checks and third-party checks may be accepted, subject to approval by Transamerica Funds.
By Automatic Investment Plan
· With an Automatic Investment Plan (AIP), a level dollar amount is invested monthly and payment is deducted electronically from your bank account. Due to your banks requirements, please allow up to 30 days for your AIP to begin. Investments may be made between the 3rd and 28th of each month only, and will occur on the 15th if no selection is made. Call Customer Service for information on how to establish an AIP or visit our website to obtain an AIP request form.
By Telephone
· You may request an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account to your Transamerica Funds account. The electronic bank link option must be established in advance before Automated Clearing House (ACH) purchases will be accepted. Call Customer Service or visit our website at www. transamericafunds.com for information on how to establish an electronic bank link. Due to your banks requirements, please allow up to 30 days to establish this option.
Through an Authorized Dealer
· If your dealer has already established your account for you, no additional documentation is needed. Call your dealer to place your order. Transamerica Funds must receive your payment within three business days after your order is accepted.
By the Internet
· You may request an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account to your Transamerica Funds account. The electronic bank link option must be established in advance before ACH purchases will be accepted. Call Customer Service or visit our website at www.transamericafunds.com for information on how to establish an electronic bank link.
By Payroll Deduction
· You may have money transferred regularly from your payroll to your Transamerica Funds account. Call Customer Service to establish this option.
By Wire Transfer
· You may request that your bank wire funds to your Transamerica Funds account (note that your bank may charge a fee for such service). You must have an existing account to make a payment by wire transfer. Ask your bank to send your payment to:
Bank of America, NA, Charlotte, NC, ABA#026009593
Credit: Transamerica
Funds Acct #3600622064
Ref: Shareholder name, Transamerica fund and account numbers.
· Shares will be purchased at the next determined NAV after receipt of your wire if you have supplied all other required information.
Other Information
If your check, draft or electronic transfer is returned unpaid by your bank, you will be charged a fee of $20 for each item that has been returned.
Transamerica Funds reserves the right to terminate your electronic draft privileges if the drafts are returned unpaid by your bank.
Transamerica Funds or its agents may reject a request for purchase of shares at any time, in whole or in part, including any purchase under the exchange privilege and any purchase request that does not include an investment representative or an
approved broker-dealer. To the extent authorized by law, Transamerica Funds and each of the funds reserve the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or liquidate a class of shares or to cease operations entirely.
Selling Shares
Selling shares is also referred to as redeeming shares. You can redeem your shares at any time.
Proceeds from the redemption of your shares will usually be sent within three business days after receipt in good order of your request for redemption (unless you request to receive payment by wire or another option described below). However, Transamerica Funds has the right to take up to seven days to pay your redemption proceeds, and may postpone payment under certain circumstances, as authorized by law. In cases where shares have recently been purchased and the purchase money is not yet available, redemption proceeds will be withheld for 15 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear. Certain exceptions may apply. Shares purchased by wire are immediately available and are not subject to the 15 day holding period.
Please note that redemption requests greater than $50,000 per day must be submitted in writing. In addition, amounts greater than $50,000 cannot be sent via ACH (check or federal funds wire only). Additionally, requests totaling more than $100,000 must be in writing with an original signature guarantee for all shareholders.
The electronic bank link option must be established in advance for payments made electronically to your bank such as ACH or expedited wire redemptions. Call Customer Service to verify this feature is in place on your account or to obtain information on how to establish the electronic bank link.
To request your redemption and receive payment by:
Direct Deposit ACH
· You may request an ACH redemption in writing, by phone or by internet access to your account. Payment should usually be received by your bank account 2-4 banking days after your request is received in good order. Transamerica Funds does not charge for this payment option. Certain IRAs and qualified retirement plans may not be eligible via the internet.
Direct Deposit Wire
· You may request an expedited wire redemption in writing or by phone. The electronic bank link must be established in advance. Otherwise, an original signature guarantee will be required. Wire redemptions have a minimum of $1,000 per wire. Payment should be received by your bank account the next banking day after your request is received in good order. Transamerica Funds charges $10 for this service. Your bank may charge a fee as well.
Check to Address of Record
· Written Request: Send a letter requesting a withdrawal to Transamerica Funds. Specify the fund, account number, and dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem. Be sure to include all shareholders signatures and any additional documents, as well as an original signature guarantee(s) if required. If you are requesting a distribution from an IRA, federal tax withholding of 10% will apply unless you elect otherwise. If you elect to withhold, the minimum tax withholding rate is 10%.
· Telephone or Internet Request: You may request your redemption by phone or internet. Certain IRAs and qualified retirement plans may not be eligible.
Check to Another Party/Address
· This request must be in writing, regardless of amount, signed by all account owners with an original signature guarantee.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (by Direct Deposit ACH or Check)
· You can establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) either at the time you open your account or at a later date. Call Customer Service for information on how to establish a SWP, or visit our website to obtain the appropriate form to complete.
Through an Authorized Dealer
· You may redeem your shares through an authorized dealer (they may impose a service charge). Contact your Registered Representative or call Customer Service for assistance.
Your Request to Sell Your Shares and Receive Payment May Be Subject to:
· The type of account you have and if there is more than one shareholder.
· The dollar amount you are requesting; redemptions over $50,000 must be in writing and those redemptions totaling more than $100,000 require a written request with an original signature guarantee for all shareholders on the account.
· A written request and original signature guarantee may be required if there have been recent changes made to your account (such as an address change) or other such circumstances. For your protection, if an address change was made in the last 10 days, Transamerica Funds requires a redemption request in writing, signed by all account owners with an original signature guarantee.
· When redeeming all shares from an account with an active AIP, your AIP will automatically be stopped. Please contact Customer Service if you wish to re-activate your AIP.
· Each fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption request if it is believed it is advisable to do so. The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any time without advance notice.
· Redemption proceeds will be withheld for 15 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear. Certain exceptions may apply.
· Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to redeem its shares in kind. Please see the SAI for more details.
· If you request that a withdrawal check be delivered overnight, a $20 overnight fee will be charged; for Saturday delivery, a $30 overnight fee will be charged.
Please see additional information relating to original signature guarantee later in this prospectus.
Involuntary Redemptions
The fund reserves the right, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to close your account if the account value falls below the funds minimum account balance, or you are deemed to engage in activities that are illegal (such as late trading) or otherwise believed to be detrimental to the fund (such as market timing or frequent small redemptions).
Exchanging Shares
· You may request an exchange in writing, by phone, or by accessing your account through the internet.
· You can exchange shares in one fund for shares in the same class of another fund offered in this prospectus.
· Class A, B, C and T shares minimum exchange to a new fund account is $1,000. This minimum is reduced to $500 per fund account if you elect to establish an AIP and invest a minimum of $50 per month, per fund account. If you want to exchange between existing fund accounts, the required minimum will be $50 per fund account.
· Class I shares exchange to a new fund account is $1,000,000 per fund account but will be waived for certain investors as outlined within the Minimum Investment Section.
· An exchange is treated as a redemption of a funds shares, followed by a purchase of the shares of the fund into which you exchanged. Prior to making exchanges into a fund that you do not own, please read the prospectus for that fund carefully.
· If you exchange all your shares to a new fund, any active systematic plan that you maintain with Transamerica Funds will also carry over to this new fund unless otherwise instructed.
· Class T shares of Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth may be exchanged for only Class A shares of any Transamerica fund offered in this prospectus, other than Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth.
· You may not exchange other classes of shares of the Transamerica Funds for Class T shares of Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth.
· In certain circumstances, shares of one class of a fund may also be exchanged directly for shares of another class of the same fund, as described in the Statement of Additional Information.
· Transamerica Funds reserves the right to modify or terminate the exchange privilege at any time upon 60 days written notice.
· Transamerica Funds reserves the right to deny any exchange request involving transactions between classes of shares. Please review your individual circumstances with your financial professional.
· The minimum exchange amount may be waived with respect to transactions in omnibus accounts maintained on behalf of certain 401(k) and other retirement plans.
Converting Shares
If you hold Class A, C, I2, P or T shares and are eligible to purchase Class I shares as described under the Minimum Investment section, you may be eligible to convert your class A, C, I2, P or T shares to Class I shares of the same fund, subject to the
discretion of Transamerica Fund Services, Inc., to permit or reject such a conversion. Please contact your financial adviser or Customer Service for conversion instructions.
A conversion between share classes of the same fund is a nontaxable event.
If you convert from one class of shares to another, the transaction will be based on the respective NAVs per share of the two classes on the trade date for the conversion. Consequently, a conversion may provide you with fewer shares or more shares than you originally owned, depending on that days NAV per share. At the time of conversion, the total dollar value of your old shares will equal the total dollar value of your new shares. However, subsequent share price fluctuations may decrease or increase the total dollar value of your new shares compared with that of your old shares.
Choosing a Share Class
Individual investors can generally invest in Class A and Class C shares. The amount of your investment and the amount of time that you plan to hold your shares will determine which class of shares you should choose. You should make this decision carefully because all of your future investments in your account will be in the same share class that you designate when you open your account. Your financial professional can help you choose the share class that makes the best sense for you.
If you are investing a large amount and/or plan to hold your shares for a long period, Class A shares may make the most sense for you. If you are investing a lesser amount, you may want to consider Class C shares if you plan to invest for a period of less than 5 years.
Transamerica Funds may, at any time and in its sole discretion, add, delete, or change the sales charges for any share class.
Class A Shares Front Load
With Class A shares, you pay an initial sales charge only when you buy shares. (The offering price includes the sales charge.) NOTE: You do not pay an initial sales charge on Class A Transamerica Money Market purchases. There are 12b-1 distribution and service fees of up to 0.35% per year.
If you are investing $1 million or more in a Transamerica Fund (other than Transamerica Short-Term Bond), you can purchase Class A shares without any sales charge. However, if you redeem any of those shares within the first 24 months after buying them, you will pay a 1.00% contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC), unless they were purchased through a retirement plan described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, or through a wrap account for the benefit of clients of certain broker-dealers, financial institutions, or financial planners who have entered into arrangements with Transamerica Funds or TCI. In the event that you exchange Class A shares purchased in an amount of $1 million or more for shares of another fund, you will be charged the CDSC imposed by the fund into which you exchange your shares. The term of this CDSC will commence on the date that you initially purchase Class A shares of a Transamerica fund in an amount of $1 million or more.
If you invest $250,000 or more in Transamerica Short-Term Bond, you can purchase Class A shares without any sales charge. However, if you redeem any of these shares within the first 12 months after buying them, you will pay a 0.75% CDSC, unless they were purchased in a retirement plan or wrap account as described above. In the event that you exchange any of these shares for shares of another fund, you will be charged the CDSC imposed by the fund into which you exchange your shares. The term of this CDSC will commence on the date that you initially purchase Class A shares of Transamerica Short-Term Bond without any sales charge as described in this paragraph.
Class B Shares Back Load
Class B shares are not available for purchase, except as provided below:
1) Through a previously established Simple IRA or 403(b)7 fund account held directly with the fund where State Street Bank is the custodian.
2) Through a previously established automated purchase plan, such as an AIP or payroll deduction, held directly with the fund.
Existing Class B shareholders may continue to hold their shares until they automatically convert to Class A shares after 8 years, as provided in the existing conversion schedule.
Existing Class B shareholders will be charged a CDSC upon redemption according to the table below:
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Class B Shares | |
Year after Purchasing | As a % of Dollar Amount (Subject to Change) |
First | 5% |
Second | 4% |
Third | 3% |
Fourth | 2% |
Fifth | 1% |
Sixth and Later | 0% |
Class B shares purchased prior to March 1, 2004 are subject to a CDSC if redeemed during the first 6 years of purchase (5%-1st year; 4%-2nd year; 3%-3rd year; 2%-4th year; and 1%-5th and 6th years). There are 12b-1 distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% per year.
Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares after eight years, lowering annual expenses after conversion.
Class C Shares Level Load
With Class C shares, you pay no initial sales charge. You will pay a 1.00% CDSC if shares are redeemed during the first 12 months. There are 12b-1 distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% per year. Class C shares (formerly Class L shares) purchased prior to March 1, 2004 are subject to the prior CDSC fee structure which was a 2% CDSC if shares are redeemed during the first 12 months, and a 1% CDSC if redeemed during the second 12 months. Prior to March 1, 2004, Class C shares were named Class L shares. On June 15, 2004, Class C2 shares were merged into Class C shares; on September 24, 2004, Class M shares were merged into Class C shares.
Investors who invested in Class C2 shares prior to the merger of Class C2 shares into Class C shares can make additional investments in Class C shares through their Class C2 shares accounts that converted into Class C share accounts without being subject to a CDSC. If you exchange your shares from such accounts, future purchases of Class C will be subject to the CDSC. For shareholders who also own Class C shares which converted from Class C2 shares, their Class C shares that converted from Class M shares also will not be subject to a CDSC and will be subject to the same 12b-1 commission structure applicable to their former Class C2 shares.
Currently, investors who purchase Class C shares of a Transamerica Fund established prior to March 1, 2006 through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated will not be subject to any CDSC otherwise payable with respect to redemptions of such Class C shares of the funds. Exchanges of Class C shares into a Transamerica fund established on or after March 1, 2006 through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated that previously were not subject to a CDSC will continue to not be subject to such fee. This CDSC waiver may be terminated at any time. New and/or subsequent purchases into Transamerica Funds established on or after March 1, 2006 will be subject to a 1.00% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase.
The maximum purchase order in Class C shares is $999,999.99.
Class T Shares Front Load (Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth Only)
(Closed to new investors)
When you buy Class T shares of Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth, you pay an initial sales charge (the offering price includes the sales charge). You can reduce the sales charge percentage in the same ways that are described under Class A shares. Class T shares are not subject to annual 12b-1 distribution and service fees.
You pay no sales charge when you redeem Class T shares. As with Class A shares, if you pay no up-front sales charge because you are purchasing $1 million or more of Class T shares, you will pay a deferred sales charge of 1.00% if you redeem any of those shares within the first 24 months after buying them, unless they were purchased through a retirement plan described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. The charge is assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the then current market value or the original cost of the shares being redeemed. No sales charge is imposed on net asset value above the initial purchase.
Waivers of the sales charges are granted under certain conditions. Persons eligible to buy Class T shares at NAV may not impose a sales charge when they re-sell those shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
Your shares may be subject to a CDSC. Dividends and capital gains are not subject to the sales charge. There is no charge on any increase in the value of your shares. Transamerica Funds will always use the first in, first out method
to fulfill your redemption requests. If your shares are worth less than when you bought them, the charge will be assessed on their current, lower value. In some cases, the sales charge may be waived.
Waivers and/or Reductions of Charges
Class A and Class T Sales Charge Reductions
You can lower the sales charge percentage in the following ways:
· Substantial investments receive lower sales charge rates (see tables below).
· The rights of accumulation allows you, your spouse and children under age 21 to include the value of your existing holdings in any class of shares of the Transamerica Funds to determine your Class A or Class T sales charge. Breakpoints are derived from the daily NAV at the market close, the current combined NAV value at the time of the purchase and the gross amount of the new purchase.
· A Letter of Intent (LOI) allows you, your spouse and children under age 21 to count all share investments, up to a maximum of $1 million, in a Transamerica fund (except as noted below for Transamerica Short-Term Bond) over the next 13 months, as if you were making them all at once, to qualify for reduced sales charges on your Class A or Class T investments. The 13 month period will begin on the date of your first purchase following the execution of your LOI. The market value of your existing holdings eligible to be aggregated as of the trading day immediately before the start of your LOI period will be credited toward satisfying your LOI. Purchases made at NAV after the establishment of your LOI (as a result of another waiver or sales charge reduction) shall not count toward meeting the amount stated in your LOI. Transamerica Funds will reserve a portion of your shares to cover any additional sales charge that may apply if your LOI amount is not met.
· You may purchase shares of Transamerica Short-Term Bond pursuant to the LOI terms described above. However, an LOI for such purchases of Transamerica Short-Term Bond may be used only to aggregate investments in Transamerica Short-Term Bond up to a maximum of $250,000. Purchases of other Transamerica funds may not be aggregated with purchases of Transamerica Short-Term Bond for purposes of reaching the $250,000 threshold described in this paragraph. Additionally, purchases of Transamerica Short-Term Bond will not count towards satisfying the amount stated in your LOI for any other Transamerica fund.
· By investing as part of a qualified group. An individual who is a member of a qualified group may purchase Class A or Class T shares at the reduced sales charge applicable to that group as a whole. A qualified group is one which has at least ten members; has been in existence for at least six months; has some purpose in addition to the purchase of mutual fund shares at a discount; has agreed to include fund sales publications in mailings to members; has arrangements made for access to the group which are satisfactory to Transamerica Funds transfer agent; has arrangements satisfactory to Transamerica Funds transfer agent established for verification that the group meets these requirements; and the groups sole organizational nexus or connection is not that the members are credit card holders of a company, policy holders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or a broker-dealer, clients of an investment adviser or security holders of a company. Transamerica Funds reserves the right to waive the requirement that the group continue to meet the minimum membership requirement or the requirement that an investor continues to belong to the group in order to qualify for lower sales charges (but not to waive either of these requirements initially). To establish a group purchase program, both the group itself and each participant must complete an application. Please contact Customer Service (1-888-233-4339) for further information and assistance. Qualified group accounts are not eligible to be counted under a rights of accumulation or LOI sales charge reduction or waiver with accounts other than accounts in the qualified group.
· By investing in a SIMPLE IRA plan, you and all plan participants will receive a reduced sales charge on all plan contributions that exceed quantity discount amounts. SIMPLE IRA plan accounts are not eligible to be counted under a rights of accumulation or LOI sales charge reduction or waiver with accounts other than accounts in the SIMPLE IRA plan.
· Your Class I share investments may count toward a reduction of sales charge paid on Class A and T shares. You may be able to lower the sales charge percentage on Class A and T by requesting rights of accumulation or a letter of intent. If you would like to add one of these features to your Class A and/or Class T share account, please contact Customer Service.
Class A Share Quantity Discounts (all funds except Transamerica bond funds2 and Transamerica Money Market1) | ||
Amount of Purchase* | Sales Charge as % of Offering Price | Sales Charge as % of Amount Invested |
Under $50,000 | 5.50% | 5.82% |
$50,000 to under $100,000 | 4.75% | 4.99% |
$100,000 to under $250,000 | 3.50% | 3.63% |
$250,000 to under $500,000 | 2.75% | 2.83% |
$500,000 to under $1,000,000 | 2.00% | 2.04% |
$1,000,000 and over | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Class A Share Quantity Discounts (Transamerica bond funds2 except Transamerica Short-Term Bond) | ||
Amount of Purchase* | Sales Charge as % of Offering Price | Sales Charge as % of Amount Invested |
Under $50,000 | 4.75% | 4.99% |
$50,000 to under $100,000 | 4.00% | 4.17% |
$100,000 to under $250,000 | 3.50% | 3.63% |
$250,000 to under $500,000 | 2.25% | 2.30% |
$500,000 to under $1,000,000 | 1.25% | 1.27% |
$1,000,000 and over | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Class T Share Quantity Discounts (Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth) | ||
Amount of Purchase* | Sales Charge as % of Offering Price | Sales Charge as % of Amount Invested |
Under $10,000 | 8.50% | 9.29% |
$10,000 to under $25,000 | 7.75% | 8.40% |
$25,000 to under $50,000 | 6.25% | 6.67% |
$50,000 to under $75,000 | 5.75% | 6.10% |
$75,000 to under $100,000 | 5.00% | 5.26% |
$100,000 to under $250,000 | 4.25% | 4.44% |
$250,000 to under $500,000 | 3.00% | 3.09% |
$500,000 to under $1,000,000 | 1.25% | 1.27% |
$1,000,000 and over | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Class A Share Quantity Discounts (Transamerica Short-Term Bond) | ||
Amount of Purchase* | Sales Charge as % of Offering Price | Sales Charge as % of Amount Invested |
Under $250,000 | 2.50% | 2.56% |
$250,000 and over | 0.00% | 0.00% |
1 There is no sales charge on Class A Shares of Transamerica Money Market.
2 Transamerica bond funds include Transamerica Flexible Income, Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond and Transamerica Short-Term Bond.
* The transfer agent, TFS, must be notified when a purchase is made that qualifies under any of the above provisions. Consequently, when a purchaser acquires shares directly from Transamerica Funds, he/she must indicate in his/her purchase order that such purchase qualifies under any of the above provisions, and must provide enough information to substantiate that claim. When a purchaser acquires shares through a dealer or other financial intermediary, he/she must inform his/her dealer or other financial intermediary of any facts that may qualify a purchase for any of the above provisions, such as, for example, information about other holdings of Class A or Class T shares of the funds that the purchaser has, directly with Transamerica Funds, or through other accounts with dealers or financial intermediaries. To substantiate a claim, it may be necessary for a purchaser to provide TFS or his/her dealer or other financial intermediary information or records regarding shares of Transamerica Funds held in all accounts (e.g., retirement plan accounts) of the purchaser directly with Transamerica Funds or with one or several dealers or other financial intermediaries, including to substantiate rights of accumulation accounts held by a spouse and children under age 21.
Waiver of Class A and Class T Initial Sales Charges
Class A and Class T shares may be purchased without a sales charge by:
· Current and former trustees, directors, officers, and employees of Transamerica Funds and its affiliates; employees of Transamerica Funds sub-advisers; sales representatives and employees of dealers having a sales agreement with Transamerica Funds distributor, TCI; and any family members thereof;
· Any trust, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan for any of the foregoing persons;
· Wrap accounts for the benefit of clients of certain broker-dealers, financial institutions, or financial planners who have entered into arrangements with Transamerica Funds or TCI;
· Employer-sponsored retirement plans described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code with assets of $1 million or more and whose accounts are held through an Omnibus or Network Level 3 account arrangement;
· Retirement plans described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code whose accounts are held through an Omnibus or Network Level 3 account arrangement that purchased Class A shares without a sales charge prior to August 31, 2007;
· Other retirement plans that purchased Class A shares without a sales charge prior to April 28, 2006;
· Other retirement plans whose accounts are held through an arrangement with Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated;
· Other retirement plans whose accounts are held through an arrangement with Ascensus (formerly BISYS Retirement);
· Other retirement plans, non-qualified brokerage accounts, and other accounts that are opened through an arrangement with Diversified Investment Advisors, Transamerica Retirement Services or Clark Consulting and are held through an arrangement with Transamerica Retirement Management; and
· Other individual retirement accounts held in the Merrill Lynch Investor Choice Annuity (IRA Series) with Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company and Transamerica Advisors Life Insurance Company of New York.
Investments by the retirement plan accounts mentioned above are not eligible to be counted under a rights of accumulation or letter of intent sales charge reduction or waiver with accounts other than accounts in the retirement plan.
Any person listed above (including retirement plan accounts and retirement plans) who requests a waiver of sales charges must provide adequate information to his/her broker-dealer or other financial intermediary or the funds distributor to substantiate such request.
Persons eligible to buy Class A and Class T shares at NAV may not impose a sales charge when they re-sell those shares.
Waiver of Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class T Contingent Deferred Sales Charges
You will not be assessed a sales charge in the following situations:
· Following the death of the shareholder on redemptions from the deceased persons account only. If this deceased persons account is re-registered to another name, sales charges would continue to apply to this new account. The transfer agent will require satisfactory proof of death before it determines to waive the CDSC fee.
· Following the total disability of the shareholder (as determined by the Social Security Administration applies only to shares held at the time the disability is determined). The transfer agent will require satisfactory proof of disability before it determines to waive the CDSC fee.
· On redemptions made under Transamerica Funds systematic withdrawal plan (may not exceed 12% of the account value per fund on the day the systematic withdrawal plan was established).
· If you redeem your shares and reinvest the proceeds in the same class of any fund within 90 days of redeeming, the sales charge on the first redemption is waived.
· For clients of broker-dealers that redeem Class C shares for which the selling broker-dealer was not paid an up-front commission by TCI.
Information on sales charge reductions and/or waivers can also be found (free of charge) on the Transamerica Funds website at www.transamericafunds.com.
The Following Information Applies to Class R Shares
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio and Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio each offer Class R shares.
Class R Availability
Class R shares of the funds are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans described below and under the following conditions:
· 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined-benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans).
· Class R shares are available only to eligible retirement plans where Class R shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
· The plans record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary must have an agreement with Transamerica Funds or its agents to utilize Class R shares in certain investment products or programs.
The financial service firm serving as an intermediary can provide participants with detailed information on how to participate in the plan, elect a fund as an investment option, elect different investment options, alter the amounts contributed to the plan or change allocations among investment options. For questions about participant accounts or to obtain an application to participate in a plan, participants should contact their financial service firm serving as an intermediary, employee benefits office, the plan administrator, or the organization that provides recordkeeping services for the plan.
Financial service firms may provide some of the shareholder servicing and account maintenance services required by retirement plan accounts and their plan participants, including transfers of registration, dividend payee charges and generation of confirmation statements, and may arrange for plan administrators to provide other investment or administrative services. Financial service firms may charge retirement plans and plan participants transaction fees and/or other additional amounts for such services. Similarly, retirement plans may charge plan participants for certain expenses. These fees and additional amounts could reduce the return of investments in Class R shares of the funds.
Opening an Account and Purchasing Shares
Eligible retirement plans generally may open an account and purchase Class R shares by contacting any broker, dealer or other financial service firm authorized to sell Class R shares of the funds. Additional shares may be purchased through a retirement plans administrator, record-keeper or financial service firm serving as an intermediary. There is no minimum initial investment for Class R shares.
Please refer to the retirement plan documents for information on how to purchase Class R shares of the funds and any fees that may apply.
Transamerica Funds must receive your payment within three business days after your order is accepted.
Transamerica Funds or its agents may reject a request for purchase of shares at any time, in whole or in part, including any purchase under the exchange privilege. Each fund reserves the right to discontinue offering Class R shares at any time, to liquidate Class R shares or merge Class R shares into another class of shares, or to cease investment operations entirely.
Selling Shares
If you own Class R shares, please refer to the retirement plan documents for information on how to redeem Class R shares of the funds.
Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to redeem its shares in kind, under unusual circumstances, in order to protect the interests of shareholders by the delivery of securities selected from its assets at its discretion. Please see the SAI for more details.
Exchanging Shares
For Class R shares, if authorized by your plan, you can request an exchange of your shares in one fund for Class R shares of another fund offered in this prospectus. Please refer to your plans documents for additional information. An exchange is treated as a redemption of a funds shares followed by a purchase of the shares of the fund into which you exchanged. Prior to making exchanges into a fund you do not own, please read the prospectus of that fund.
Features and Policies
Checkwriting Service (For Class A shares of Transamerica Money Market only)
If you would like to use the checkwriting service, mark the appropriate box on the application or authorization form. Your Transamerica Money Market fund account must have a minimum balance of $1,000 to establish check writing privileges. The fund will send you checks when it receives these properly completed documents and your check has cleared the 15 day holding period. Checks must be written for at least $250, and investments made by check or ACH must have been in your account for at least 15 calendar days before you can write checks against them. A service fee of $10 applies for those checks written under $250. When the check is presented for payment, the fund will redeem a sufficient number of full and fractional shares in your account at that days net asset value to cover the amount of the check. Checks presented against your account in an amount that exceeds your available balance will be returned for insufficient funds and your account will incur a $20 service fee. Due to dividends accruing on your account, it is not possible to determine your accounts value in advance so you should not write a check for the entire value or try to close your account by writing a check. A stop payment on a check may be requested for a $20 service fee. The payment of funds is authorized by the signature(s) appearing on the Transamerica Funds application or authorization form. Each signatory guarantees the genuineness of the other signatures.
The use of checks is subject to the rules of the Transamerica Funds designated bank for its checkwriting service. Transamerica Funds has chosen UMB Bank, N.A. as its designated bank for this service. UMB Bank, N.A., or its bank affiliate (the Bank), is appointed agent by the person(s) signing the Transamerica Funds application or authorization form (the Investor(s)) and, as agent, is authorized and directed upon presentment of checks to the Bank to transmit such checks to Transamerica Funds as requests to redeem shares registered in the name of the Investor(s) in the amounts of such checks.
This checkwriting service is subject to the applicable terms and restrictions, including charges, set forth in this prospectus. The Investor(s) agrees that he/she is subject to the rules, regulations, and laws governing check collection including the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in the state of Missouri, pertaining to this checkwriting service, as amended from time to time. The Bank and/or Transamerica Funds has the right not to honor checks presented to it and the right to change, modify or terminate this checkwriting service at any time.
The checkwriting service is not available for IRAs, Coverdell ESAs, qualified retirement plans or Class B, Class C, Class I or Class R shares of Transamerica Money Market.
Customer Service
Occasionally, Transamerica Funds experiences high call volume due to unusual market activity or other events that may make it difficult for you to reach a Customer Service Representative by telephone. If you are unable to reach Transamerica Funds by telephone, please consider visiting our website at www.transamericafunds.com. You may also send instructions by mail, by fax, or by using our automated phone system at 1-888-233-4339.
Uncashed Checks Issued on Your Account
If any check Transamerica Funds issues is returned by the Post Office as undeliverable, or remains outstanding (uncashed) for six months, we reserve the right to reinvest check proceeds back into your account at the net asset value next calculated after reinvestment. If applicable, we will also change your account distribution option from cash to reinvest. Interest does not accrue on amounts represented by uncashed checks. In case we are unable to reinvest check proceeds in the original funds that you held, for example, if a fund has been liquidated or is closed to new investments, we reserve the right to reinvest the proceeds in Transamerica Money Market.
Minimum Dividend Check Amounts
To control costs associated with issuing and administering dividend checks, we reserve the right not to issue checks under a specified amount. For accounts with the cash by check dividend distribution option, if the dividend payment total is less than $10, the distribution will be reinvested into the account and no check will be issued.
Minimum Account Balance
Due to the proportionately higher cost of maintaining customer fund accounts with balances below the stated minimums for each class of shares, Transamerica Funds reserves the right to close such accounts or assess an annual fee on such fund accounts to help offset the costs associated with maintaining the account. Transamerica Funds generally provides a 60-day notification to the address of record prior to assessing a minimum fund account fee, or closing any fund account. The following describes the fees assessed against fund accounts with balances below the stated minimum:
Account Balance (per fund account) | Fee Assessment (per fund account) |
If your balance is below $1,000 per fund account, including solely due to declines in NAV | $25 annual fee assessed, until balance reaches $1,000 |
No fees will be charged on:
· accounts opened within the preceding 12 months
· accounts with an active monthly Automatic Investment Plan or payroll deduction ($50 minimum per fund account)
· accounts owned by an individual which, when combined by Social Security Number, have a balance of $5,000 or more
· accounts owned by individuals in the same household (by address) that have a combined balance of $5,000 or more
· accounts for which Transamerica Funds in its discretion has waived the minimum account balance requirements
· UTMA/UGMA accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
· State Street Custodial Accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
· Coverdell ESA accounts (held at Transamerica Funds)
· Omnibus and Network Level 3 accounts
· B share accounts whose shares have started to convert to A share accounts (as long as combined value of both accounts is at least $1,000)
While there is currently no minimum account size for maintaining a Class I share account, the funds reserve the right, without prior notice, to establish a minimum amount required to maintain an account.
Telephone Transactions
Transamerica Funds and its transfer agent, Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. (TFS) are not liable for complying with telephone instructions that are deemed by them to be genuine. Transamerica Funds and TFS will employ reasonable procedures to help ensure telephone instructions are genuine. These procedures may include requiring personal identification, providing written confirmation of transactions, and tape recording conversations. In situations where Transamerica Funds or TFS reasonably believe they were acting on genuine telephone instructions, you bear the risk of loss. Transamerica Funds reserves the right to modify the telephone redemption privilege at any time.
Retirement and ESA State Street Account Maintenance Fees
Retirement plan and Coverdell ESA State Street accounts are subject to an annual custodial fee of $15 per fund account, with a maximum fee of $30 per Social Security Number. For example, an IRA in two fund accounts would normally be subject to a $30 annual custodial fee. An A share account which holds shares converted from a B-share account shall be considered as part of the original B share account for purposes of this fee. The fee is waived if the total of the retirement plan and ESA account(s) value per Social Security Number is more than $50,000.
Professional Fees
Your financial professional may charge a fee for his or her services. This fee will be in addition to any fees charged by Transamerica Funds. Your financial professional will answer any questions that you may have regarding such fees.
Signature Guarantee
An original signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine so that you are protected from unauthorized account transactions. Notarization is not an acceptable substitute. Acceptable guarantors only include participants in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP2000). Participants in STAMP2000 may include financial institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, trust companies, credit unions, broker-dealers, and member firms of a national securities exchange.
An original signature guarantee is required if any of the following is applicable:
· You request a redemption or distribution transaction totaling more than $100,000 or, in the case of an IRA with a market value in excess of $100,000, you request a custodian to custodian transfer.
· You would like a check made payable to anyone other than the shareholder(s) of record.
· You would like a check mailed to an address which has been changed within 10 days of the redemption request.
· You would like a check mailed to an address other than the address of record.
· You would like your redemption proceeds wired to a bank account other than a bank account of record.
· You are adding or removing a shareholder from an account.
· You are changing ownership of an account.
· When establishing an electronic bank link, if the Transamerica Funds account holders name does not appear on the check.
The funds reserve the right to require an original signature guarantee under other circumstances or to reject or delay a redemption on certain legal grounds.
An original signature guarantee may be refused if any of the following is applicable:
· It does not appear valid or in good form.
· The transaction amount exceeds the surety bond limit of the signature guarantee.
· The guarantee stamp has been reported as stolen, missing or counterfeit.
Employer Sponsored Accounts
If you participate in an employer sponsored retirement plan and wish to make an allocation change to your current fund selection, you or your financial professional must notify Transamerica Funds by phone or in writing. Please also remember to inform your employer of the change(s) to your fund allocation. Documentation for allocations submitted online or in writing from your employer will be used to allocate your contributions. This documentation will supersede all other prior instructions received from you or your financial professional. (Note: If you perform a partial or complete exchange to a new fund selection, your current fund allocation will remain unchanged for future contributions unless specified otherwise.)
E-Mail Communication
As e-mail communications may not be secure, and because we are unable to take reasonable precautions to verify your shareholder and transaction information, we cannot respond to account-specific requests received via e-mail. For your protection, we ask that all account specific requests be submitted only via telephone, mail or through the secure link on our website.
Reinvestment Privilege (Does not apply to Class I shares)
Within a 90-day period after you sell your shares, you have the right to reinvest your money in any fund of the same class. You will not incur a new sales charge if you use this privilege within the allotted time frame. Any contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) you paid on your shares will be credited to your account. You may reinvest the proceeds of a Class B share sale (less the CDSC) in Class A shares without paying the up-front sales charge. To take advantage of the 90-day reinvestment privilege, a written request must accompany your investment check.
Statements and Reports
Transamerica Funds will send you a confirmation statement after every transaction that affects your account balance or registration, with the exception of systematic transactions or transactions necessary to assess account fees. Systematic transactions and fees will be shown on your next regularly scheduled quarterly statement. Information regarding these fees is disclosed in this prospectus. Please review the confirmation statement carefully and promptly notify Transamerica Funds of any error. Information about the tax status of the prior years income dividends and capital gains distributions will be mailed to shareholders early each year.
Please retain your statements. If you require historical statements, Transamerica Funds may charge $10 per statement year up to a maximum of $50 per Social Security Number. Financial reports for the funds, which include a list of the holdings, will be mailed twice a year to all shareholders.
e-Delivery
Transamerica Funds offers e-Delivery, a fast and secure way of receiving statements and other shareholder documents electronically. Subscribers to e-Delivery are notified by e-mail when shareholder materials, such as prospectuses, financial transaction confirmations and financial reports, become available on the Transamerica Funds website.
Once your account is established, visit our website at www.transamericafunds.com. Click on the Our Funds tab, select Transamerica Funds, then select Individual, and click on Manage My Account for more information and to subscribe. Then, once you have logged in to your account, select the Electronic Delivery option and follow the simple enrollment steps provided.
Market Timing/Excessive Trading
Some investors try to profit from various short-term or frequent trading strategies known as market timing. Examples of market timing include switching money into funds when their share prices are expected to rise and taking money out when their share prices are expected to fall, and switching from one fund to another and then back again after a short period of time. As money is shifted in and out, a fund may incur expenses for buying and selling securities. Excessive purchases, redemptions or exchanges of fund shares may disrupt portfolio management, hurt fund performance and drive fund expenses higher. For example, a fund
may be forced to liquidate investments as a result of short-term trading and incur increased brokerage costs or realize taxable capital gains without attaining any investment advantage. These costs are generally borne by all shareholders, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs.
Transamerica Funds Board of Trustees has approved policies and procedures that are designed to discourage market timing or excessive trading which include limitations on the number of transactions in fund shares, as described in this prospectus. If you intend to engage in such practices, we request that you do not purchase shares of any of the funds. Each fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase shares, including purchases in connection with an exchange transaction, which the fund reasonably believes to be in connection with market timing or excessive trading. The funds generally will consider four or more exchanges between funds, or frequent purchases and redemptions having a similar effect, during any rolling 90-day period to be evidence of market timing or excessive trading by a shareholder or by accounts under common control (for example, related shareholders, or a financial adviser with discretionary trading authority over multiple accounts). However, the funds reserve the right to determine less active trading to be excessive or related to market timing.
While the funds discourage market timing and excessive short-term trading, the funds cannot always recognize or detect such trading, particularly if it is facilitated by financial intermediaries or done through Omnibus Account arrangements. Transamerica Funds distributor has entered into agreements with intermediaries requiring the intermediaries to provide certain information to help identify harmful trading activity and to prohibit further purchases or exchanges by a shareholder identified as having engaged in excessive trading. There is no guarantee that the procedures used by financial intermediaries will be able to curtail frequent, short-term trading activity. For example, shareholders who seek to engage in frequent, short-term trading activity may use a variety of strategies to avoid detection, and the financial intermediaries ability to deter such activity may be limited by operational and information systems capabilities. Due to the risk that the funds and financial intermediaries may not detect all harmful trading activity, it is possible that shareholders may bear the risks associated with such activity.
Orders to purchase, redeem or exchange shares forwarded by certain omnibus accounts with Transamerica Funds will not be considered to be market timing or excessive trading for purposes of Transamerica Funds policies. However, the market timing and excessive trading policies of these omnibus firms or plans may apply to transactions by the underlying shareholders.
Reallocations in underlying series of Transamerica Funds by a Transamerica asset allocation fund which invests in other series of Transamerica in furtherance of a funds objective are not considered to be market timing or excessive trading.
Pricing of Shares
How Share Price is Determined
The price at which shares are purchased or redeemed is the NAV that is next calculated following receipt and acceptance of a purchase order in good order or receipt of a redemption order in good order by the fund, an authorized intermediary, or the mail processing center located in Kansas City, Missouri.
When Share Price Is Determined
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is determined on each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for business. The NAV is not determined on days when the NYSE is closed (generally New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Foreign securities may trade in their primary markets on weekends or other days when a fund does not price its shares (therefore, the NAV of a fund holding foreign securities may change on days when shareholders will not be able to buy or sell shares of the funds).
Purchase orders received in good order and accepted, and redemption orders received in good order, before the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day (plus or minus applicable sales charges). Purchase and redemption requests received after the NYSE is closed receive the NAV at the close of the NYSE the next day the NYSE is open.
Purchase orders for shares of the Transamerica asset allocation funds that are received in good order and accepted before the close of business on the NYSE receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. For direct purchases, corresponding orders for shares of the underlying constituent funds are priced on the same day that orders for shares of the asset allocation funds are received and accepted. For purchases of shares of the Transamerica asset allocation funds through the National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC), orders for shares of the underlying constituent funds will be placed after the receipt and acceptance of the settled purchase order for shares of the asset allocation funds.
How NAV Is Calculated
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is calculated by taking the value of its net assets and dividing by the number of shares of the fund (or class) that are then outstanding.
The Board of Trustees has approved procedures to be used to value the funds securities for the purposes of determining the funds NAV. The valuation of the securities of the funds is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. The Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the funds to TAM.
In general, securities and other investments (including shares of ETFs) are valued based on market prices at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Fund securities (including shares of ETFs) listed or traded on domestic securities exchanges or the NASDAQ/NMS, including dollar-dominated foreign securities or ADRs, are valued at the closing price on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded. With respect to securities traded on the NASDAQ/NMS, such closing price may be the last reported sale price or the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (NOCP). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security is valued at the closing bid quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the NOCP, if applicable. Foreign securities traded on U.S. exchanges are generally priced using last sale price regardless of trading activity. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the last bid and asked prices. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service, which may use market prices or quotations or a variety of fair value techniques and methodologies. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investments fair value. The prices that the fund uses may differ from the amounts that would be realized if the investments were sold and the differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Foreign securities generally are valued based on quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are converted from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Market quotations for securities prices may be obtained from automated pricing services. Shares of open-end funds (other than ETF shares) are generally valued at the net asset value per share reported by that investment company. ETF shares are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price on the exchange on which they are traded.
When a market quotation for a security is not readily available (which may include closing prices deemed to be unreliable because of the occurrence of a subsequent event), a valuation committee appointed by the Board of Trustees may, in good faith, establish a value for the security in accordance with fair valuation procedures adopted by the Board. The types of securities for which such fair value pricing may be required include, but are not limited to: foreign securities, where a significant event occurs after the close of the foreign market on which such security principally trades that is likely to have changed the value of such security, or the closing value is otherwise deemed unreliable; securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; fixed-income securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation; and securities that are restricted as to transfer or resale. The funds use a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by TAM from time to time.
Valuing securities in accordance with fair value procedures involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on readily available market quotations. The valuation committee makes fair value determinations in good faith in accordance with the funds valuation procedures. Fair value determinations can also involve reliance on quantitative models employed by a fair value pricing service. There can be no assurance that a fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV per share.
Distribution of Shares
Distribution Plans
The Board of Trustees of Transamerica Funds has adopted a 12b-1 Plan for each class of shares of each fund (except Class I and Class T shares). The Plan provides for payments of distribution and service fees, based on annualized percentages of daily net assets, to TCI, broker-dealers, financial intermediaries and others.
Distribution of Class A Shares. Under the Plan, the funds pay distribution and service fees of up to 0.35% for Class A shares. As applicable to Transamerica Short-Term Bond and Transamerica Flexible Income, 0.10% of the 0.35% 12b-1 fee on Class A shares will be waived through March 1, 2012.
Distribution of Class B Shares. Under the Plan, the funds pay distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% for Class B shares.
Distribution of Class C Shares. Under the Plan, the funds pay distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% for Class C shares.
Distribution of Class R Shares. Under the Plan, the funds pay distribution and service fees of up to 0.50% for Class R shares.
The Effect of Rule 12b-1 Plans. Because the funds have 12b-1 Plans, even though Class B and C shares do not carry up-front sales loads, the higher distribution and service fees payable by those shares may, over time, be higher than the total fees paid by owners of Class A shares. In general, because 12b-1 Plan fees are paid on an ongoing basis, these fees will increase the cost of
your investment and may cost more than other types of sales charges. For a complete description of the funds 12b-1 Plans, see the SAI.
Underwriting Agreement
Transamerica Funds has an Underwriting Agreement with Transamerica Capital, Inc. (TCI), located at 4600 South Syracuse Street, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80237. TCI is an affiliate of TAM and Transamerica Funds. Under this agreement, TCI underwrites and distributes all classes of fund shares and bears the expenses of offering these shares to the public. The funds may pay TCI, or its agent, fees for its services. Of the distribution and service fees it usually receives for Class A and B shares, TCI, or its agent, may reallow or pay to brokers or dealers who sold them 0.25% of the average daily net assets of those shares. In the case of Class C and R shares, TCI, or its agent, reallows or pays to brokers, dealers or intermediaries its entire fee to those entities who sold them.
Other Distribution or Service Arrangements
TCI, TAM and their affiliates may enter into arrangements with affiliated entities that provide administrative, recordkeeping and other services with respect to one or more of the funds. Payment for these services is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources and may take the form of internal credit, recognition or cash payments. TCI, TAM and their affiliates may also enter into similar arrangements with unaffiliated entities.
TCI engages in wholesaling activities designed to support, maintain, and increase the number of financial intermediaries who sell shares of Transamerica Funds. Wholesaling activities include, but are not limited to, recommending and promoting, directly or through intermediaries, Transamerica Funds to financial intermediaries and providing sales training, retail broker support and other services. Payment for these activities is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources, including revenue sharing payments from others.
TCI (in connection with, or in addition to, wholesaling services), TAM and fund sub-advisers, directly or through TCI, out of their past profits and other available sources, provide cash payments or non-cash compensation to some, but not all, brokers and other financial intermediaries who have sold shares of the funds, promote the distribution of the funds or render investor services to fund shareholders. Such payments and compensation are in addition to the sales charges, Rule 12b-1 Plan fees, service fees and other fees that may be paid, directly or indirectly, to such brokers and other financial intermediaries. These arrangements are sometimes referred to as revenue sharing arrangements. The amount of revenue sharing payments is substantial and may be substantial to any given recipient. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the funds, at least in part, based on the level of compensation paid. Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated. Revenue sharing is not an expense of the funds, is not reflected in the fees and expenses sections of this prospectus and does not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a funds shares or the amount received by a shareholder as proceeds from the redemption of fund shares.
Such additional cash payments may be made to brokers and other financial intermediaries that provide services to Transamerica Funds and/or shareholders in Transamerica Funds, including (without limitation) shareholder servicing, marketing support and/or access to meetings and/or events, sales representatives and management representatives of the broker or other financial intermediaries. Cash compensation may also be paid to brokers and other financial intermediaries for inclusion of a Transamerica fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, in other sales programs, or as an expense reimbursement or compensation in cases where the broker or other financial intermediary provides services to fund shareholders. To the extent permitted by applicable law, TCI and other parties may pay or allow other incentives and compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries. TCI and the other parties making these payments generally assess the advisability of continuing making these payments periodically.
These cash payments may take a variety of forms, including (without limitation) reimbursement of ticket charges, additional compensation for sales, on-going fees for shareholder servicing and maintenance of investor accounts, and finders fees that vary depending on the fund or share class and the dollar amount of shares sold. Revenue sharing payments can be calculated: (i) as a percentage of gross or net sales; (ii) as a percentage of gross or net assets under management; and/or (iii) as a fixed or negotiated flat fee dollar amount. As of December 31, 2010, TCI may make periodic revenue sharing payments to brokers and other financial intermediaries, such as monthly or quarterly. These periodic payments are equal to a percentage of periodic sales, ranging from 5 basis points (0.05%) to 45 basis points (0.45%) or equal to a percentage of assets under management ranging from 2.5 basis points (0.025%) to 20 basis points (0.20%). In 2010, TCI paid flat annual fees ranging from $0 to $100,000, which included at times a series of meetings and/or events of other broker-dealers and banks.
As of December 31, 2010, TCI had such revenue sharing arrangements with at least 16 brokers and other financial intermediaries, of which some of the more significant include: Compass Brokerage, Inc.; Hantz Financial Services, Inc.; US Bancorp Investments, Inc.; Suntrust Investments Services; CCO Investments Services Corp.; LPL Financial; Raymond James
Financial Services; Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Citigroup-Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; PNC Investments; Raymond James and Associates; Raymond James Financial Services; UBS Financial Services; Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC); and Prudential Financial. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2010, TCI paid or expects to pay approximately $5,303,000 to various brokers and other financial intermediaries in connection with revenue sharing arrangements.
For the same period, TCI received revenue sharing payments totaling $1,502,560 from the following financial services firms to participate in functions, events and meetings, among other things: Alliance Bernstein, BlackRock, Clarion, Federated, Jennison Associates, JP Morgan, Neuberger Berman Management LLC, MFS Investment Management, NATIXIS, Oppenheimer Funds, PIMCO, Schroders, Transamerica Investment Management and Wellington Management Capital. TAM also serves as investment adviser to certain funds of funds that are underlying investment options for Transamerica insurance products. TCI and its affiliates receive revenue sharing payments from affiliates of certain underlying unaffiliated funds for the provision of services to investors and distribution activities.
In addition, while TCI typically pays most of the sales charge applicable to the sale of fund shares to brokers and other financial intermediaries through which purchases are made, TCI may, on occasion, pay the entire sales charge. (Additional information about payments of sales charges to brokers is available in the section titled Dealer Reallowances of the SAI.)
Also, TAM pays, out of its own assets, financial intermediaries a trail fee for servicing and maintenance of accounts of Class T shareholders in Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth in an amount equal, on an annual basis, up to 0.10% of average daily net assets held by such Class T shareholders.
From time to time, TCI, its affiliates and/or TAM and/or fund sub-advisers may also pay non-cash compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries and their sales representatives in the form of, for example: (i) occasional gifts; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; and/or (iii) sponsorship support of broker marketing events or activities. For example, such non-cash compensation may include in part, assistance with the costs and expenses associated with travel, lodging, educational meetings, seminars, meetings and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law. The costs and expenses associated with these efforts may include travel, lodging, sponsorship at educational seminars, meetings and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.
The non-cash compensation to sales representatives and compensation or reimbursement received by brokers and other financial intermediaries through sales charges, other fees payable from the funds, and/or revenue sharing arrangements for selling shares of the funds may be more or less than the overall compensation or reimbursement on similar or other products and may influence your broker or other financial intermediary to present and recommend the funds over other investment options available in the marketplace. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, your broker or other financial intermediary may have a financial incentive for recommending a particular class of fund shares over other share classes.
Shareholders may obtain more information about these arrangements, including the conflicts of interests that such arrangements may create, from their brokers and other financial intermediaries, and should so inquire if they would like additional information. A shareholder may ask his/her broker or financial intermediary how he/she will be compensated for investments made in the funds. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments under the shareholder services and distribution plan (where applicable), also benefit TAM, TCI and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the funds on which fees are being charged.
Although a fund may use financial firms that sell fund shares to effect transactions for the funds portfolio, the fund and its investment adviser or sub-adviser will not consider the sale of fund shares as a factor when choosing financial firms to effect those transactions.
Class I shares of the funds may be offered through certain brokers and financial intermediaries (service agents) that have established a shareholder servicing relationship with Transamerica Funds on behalf of their customers. Service agents may impose additional or different conditions than Transamerica Funds on purchases, redemptions or exchanges of fund shares by their customers. Service agents may also independently establish and charge their customers transaction fees, account fees or other amounts in connection with purchases, sales and redemptions of fund shares in addition to any fees charged by Transamerica Funds. These additional fees may vary over time and would increase the cost of the customers investment and lower investment returns. Each service agent is responsible for transmitting to its customers a schedule of any such fees and information regarding any additional or different conditions regarding purchases, redemptions and exchanges. Shareholders who are customers of service agents should consult their service agents for information regarding these fees and conditions. Among the service agents with whom Transamerica Funds may enter into a shareholder servicing relationship are firms whose business involves or includes investment consulting, or whose parent or affiliated companies are in the investment consulting business, that may recommend that their clients utilize TAMs investment advisory services or invest in the funds or in other products sponsored by TAM and its affiliates.
Distributions and Taxes
Taxes on Distributions in General
Each fund will distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains to its shareholders each year. Although a fund will not have to pay income tax on amounts it distributes to shareholders, shareholders will generally be taxed on amounts they receive, whether the distributions are paid in cash or are reinvested in additional shares. If a fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and pays it in the following January, shareholders will be taxed on the dividend as if they received it in the year in which it was declared.
Each fund generally pays any dividends and other distributions annually, except the following: Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Balanced and Transamerica WMC Quality Value pay quarterly; Transamerica Flexible Income, and Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond pay monthly; Transamerica Short-Term Bond and Transamerica Money Market declare dividends daily and pay monthly. If necessary, each fund may make distributions at other times as well.
The following are guidelines for how certain distributions by a fund are generally taxed to non-corporate shareholders under current federal income tax law:
· Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) will be taxed as long-term capital gains at a maximum rate of 15% (0% for individuals in the 10% and 15% federal tax brackets).
· Distributions reported by a fund as qualified dividend income will also be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% (0% for individuals in the 10% and 15% federal tax brackets). Qualified dividend income generally is income derived from certain dividends from U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations will be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. Note that a shareholder (and the fund in which the shareholder invests) will have to satisfy certain holding period requirements in order to obtain the benefit of the lower tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income.
· Other distributions generally will be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate applicable to the shareholder.
The tax rates in the first two bullets above do not apply to corporate shareholders. For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, distributions of net capital gain will be taxable to non-corporate shareholders at a maximum rate of 20%, and distributions of a funds dividend income will be taxable to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates.
The funds will send you a tax report annually summarizing the amount and tax aspects of your distributions. If you buy shares of a fund shortly before it makes a distribution (other than regular monthly distributions paid by Transamerica Money Market and Transamerica Short-Term Bond), the distribution will be taxable to you even though it may actually be a return of a portion of your investment. This is known as buying a dividend.
Investors who invest through tax-deferred accounts, such as IRAs, 403(b) accounts, and qualified retirement plans, will ordinarily not be subject to tax until a distribution is made from the account, at which time such distribution is generally taxed as ordinary income. These accounts are subject to complex tax rules, and tax-deferred account investors should therefore consult their tax advisers regarding their investments in a tax-deferred account.
Funds that invest in other funds (asset allocation funds) may recognize income on distributions from underlying funds in which they invest and may also recognize gains and losses if they redeem shares in underlying funds. Distributions of net capital gains or, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, qualified dividend income of either the asset allocation funds or underlying funds will generally be taxed at long-term capital gain rates when distributed to shareholders of the asset allocation funds. Other distributions, including short-term capital gains, generally will be taxed as ordinary income. The structure of the asset allocation funds and the reallocation of investments among underlying funds could affect the amount, timing and character of distributions.
Taxes on the Sale or Exchange of Shares
If you sell shares of a fund or exchange them for shares of another fund, you generally will have a capital gain or loss, which will generally be a long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for more than one year; otherwise it will generally be a short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss recognized on shares held for six months or less is treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain that were received with respect to the shares.
Any gain or loss on the sale or exchange of shares is computed by subtracting your tax basis in the shares from the redemption proceeds in the case of a sale or the value of the shares received in the case of an exchange. Because your tax basis depends on the original purchase price and on the price at which any dividends may have been reinvested, you should be sure to keep
account statements so that you or your tax return preparer will be able to determine whether a sale will result in a taxable gain or loss.
Note that money market funds typically maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. Assuming Transamerica Money Market maintains a stable net asset value, you will typically not recognize gain or loss upon the sale, redemption, or exchange of shares of this fund.
Withholding Taxes
A fund in which you invest may be required to apply backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on all distributions payable to you if you fail to provide the funds with your correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is currently 28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% in 2013. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but is a method by which the IRS ensures that it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability.
Non-Resident Alien Withholding
If you are a non-U.S. investor, you must provide a U.S. mailing address to establish an account unless your broker-dealer firm submits your account through the National Securities Clearing Corporation. Your broker-dealer will be required to submit a foreign certification form. Investors changing a mailing address to a non- U.S. address will be required to have a foreign certification form completed by their broker-dealer and returned to us before future purchases can be accepted. Shareholders that are not U.S. persons under the federal tax laws may be subject to U.S. withholding taxes on certain distributions and are generally subject to U.S. tax certification requirements. Additionally, those shareholders will need to provide an appropriate tax form (generally, Form W-8BEN) and documentary evidence and letter of explanation.
Other Tax Information
This tax discussion is for general information only. In addition to federal income taxes, you may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on payments received from, and investments made in shares of, a Transamerica fund. More information is provided in the SAI of the funds. You should also consult your own tax adviser for information regarding all tax consequences applicable to your investments in Transamerica Funds.
Investment Policy Changes
A fund that has a policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets (defined as net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in the particular type of securities implied by its name will provide its shareholders with at least 60 days prior written notice before making changes to such policy. Such notice will comply with the conditions set forth in any applicable SEC rules then in effect.
Unless expressly designated as fundamental, all policies and procedures of the funds, including their investment objectives, may be changed at any time by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. The investment strategies employed by a fund may also be changed without shareholder approval.
To the extent authorized by law, Transamerica Funds and each of the funds reserve the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or liquidate a class of shares or to cease operations entirely.
Asset Allocation Funds
The asset allocation funds, Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio, Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio and Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio, as well as Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative VP, Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth VP, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth VP, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate VP and Transamerica International Moderate Growth VP, each separate series of Transamerica Series Trust, may own a significant portion of the shares of a Transamerica fund. Transactions by the asset allocation funds may be disruptive to the management of an underlying Transamerica fund.
The Financial Highlights table is intended to help you understand a funds performance for the past five years or since its inception if less than five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the fund for the period shown, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.
Financial highlights for Transamerica TS&W International Equity through October 31, 2010 are based on the historical financial highlights of TS&W International Equity Portfolio, a separate series of The Advisors Inner Circle Fund (the predecessor fund"). For the periods shown below, the information is that of the predecessor fund. The information has been derived from financial statements, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting firm, whose report, along with the predecessor funds financial statements, is included in the predecessor funds Annual Report for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, which is available to you upon request.
For a share outstanding throughout each period | TS&W International Equity Portfolio |
October 31, 2010 | October 31, 2009 | October 31, 2008 | October 31, 2007 | October 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
Net Asset Value, | ||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning of Year | $ | 12.55 | $ | 9.94 | $ | 21.16 | $ | 19.08 | $ | 14.83 | ||||||||||
Income from Operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Income(1) | 0.22 | 0.19 | 0.26 | 0.28 | 0.16 | |||||||||||||||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | 1.36 | 2.61 | (8.99 | ) | 4.37 | 4.17 | ||||||||||||||
Total from Operations | 1.58 | 2.80 | (8.73 | ) | 4.65 | 4.33 | ||||||||||||||
Redemption Fees | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||
Dividends and Distributions: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Investment Income | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.20 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.08 | ) | ||||||||||
Net Realized Gain | | | (2.29 | ) | (2.48 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Total Dividends and Distributions | (0.16 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (2.49 | ) | (2.57 | ) | (0.08 | ) | ||||||||||
Net Asset Value, End of Year | $ | 13.97 | $ | 12.55 | $ | 9.94 | $ | 21.16 | $ | 19.08 | ||||||||||
Total Return | 12.73 | % | 28.58 | % | (46.36 | )% | 26.86 | % | 29.33 | % | ||||||||||
Ratios and Supplemental Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets, End of Year (Thousands) | $ | 75,271 | $ | 64,600 | $ | 51,529 | $ | 91,838 | $ | 70,503 | ||||||||||
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets(2) | 1.43 | % | 1.67 | % | 1.53 | % | 1.55 | % | 1.61 | % | ||||||||||
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | 1.76 | % | 1.87 | % | 1.67 | % | 1.47 | % | 0.96 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio Turnover Rate | 43 | % | 42 | % | 40 | % | 41 | % | 74 | % |
Amount was less than $0.01 per share.
Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on portfolio distributions or the redemption of portfolio shares.
(1) Per share calculations were performed using average shares for the year.
(2) The Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets excludes the effect of fees paid indirectly. If these expense offsets were included, the ratio would have been 1.43%, 1.67%, 1.52%, 1.55% and 1.61% for the fiscal years ended 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Amounts designated as are either $0 or round to $0.
Notice of Privacy Policy
Protecting your privacy is very important to us. We want you to understand what information we collect and how we use it. We collect and use nonpublic personal information in connection with providing our customers with a broad range of financial products and services as effectively and conveniently as possible. We treat nonpublic personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
What Information We Collect and From Whom We Collect It
We may collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following sources:
· Information we receive from you on applications or other forms, such as your name, address, and account number;
· Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others, such as your account balance and purchase/redemption history; and
· Information we receive from non-affiliated third parties, including consumer reporting agencies.
What Information We Disclose and To Whom We Disclose It
We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about current or former customers to anyone without their express consent, except as permitted by law. We may disclose the nonpublic personal information we collect, as described above, to persons or companies that perform services on our behalf and to other financial institutions with which we have joint marketing agreements. We will require these companies to protect the confidentiality of your nonpublic personal information and to use it only to perform the services for which we have hired them.
Our Security Procedures
We restrict access to your nonpublic personal information and only allow disclosures to persons and companies as permitted by law to assist in providing products or services to you. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal information and to safeguard the disposal of certain consumer information.
If you have any questions about our Privacy Policy, please call 1-888-233-4339 on any business day between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Note: This Privacy Policy applies only to customers that have a direct relationship with us or our affiliates. If you own shares of our funds in the name of a third party such as a bank or broker-dealer, its privacy policy may apply to you instead of ours.
Both the investment returns and principal value of mutual funds will fluctuate over time so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Transamerica Funds
P.O. Box 9012
Clearwater, FL 33758-9012
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339
Shareholder inquiries and transaction requests should be mailed to:
Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION about these funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information, dated March 1, 2011, and in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Other information about these funds has been filed with and is available from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Information about the funds (including the Statement of Additional Information) can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Copies of this information may be obtained upon payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address, publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-1520. Reports and other information about the funds are also available on the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
To obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information or the annual and semi-annual reports, without charge, or to request other information or make other inquiries about these funds, call or write to Transamerica Funds at the phone number or address above or visit Transamerica Funds website at www.transamericafunds.com. In the Transamerica Funds annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the funds' performance during the last fiscal year.
The Investment Company Act File Number for Transamerica Funds is 811-04556.
www.transamericafunds.com Sales Support: 1-800-851-7555 Distributor: Transamerica Capital, Inc. |
Transamerica Funds
Transamerica TS&W International Equity
Prospectus March 1, 2011
Class I2 Shares
Fund |
Ticker |
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Transamerica TS&W International Equity |
None |
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. |
Not insured by FDIC or any federal government agency. | May lose value. | Not a deposit of or guaranteed by any bank, bank affiliate, or credit union. |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity | |
More on the Fund's Strategies and Investments |
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More on Risks of Investing in the Fund |
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Shareholder Information | |
Financial Highlights |
Investment Objective: Seeks maximum long-term total return, consistent with reasonable risk to principal, by investing in a diversified portfolio of common stocks of primarily non-U.S. issuers.
Fees and Expenses: This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund. There are no sales charges (load) or other transaction fees.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment) | |
Management fees | 0.80% |
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees | None |
Other expenses | 0.16% |
Total annual fund operating expenses | 0.96% |
a Annual fund operating expenses are based on estimates for the current fiscal year.
Example: This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
1 year | 3 years |
$98 | $306 |
Portfolio Turnover: The fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or turns over its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the fund performance. Portfolio turnover rate is not included because the fund did not commence operations until the date of this prospectus.
Principal Investment Strategies: Under normal circumstances, the fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of foreign companies representing at least three countries other than the United States. Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (TS&W), the funds sub-adviser, currently anticipates investing in at least 12 countries other than the United States. TS&W will emphasize established companies in individual foreign markets and will attempt to stress companies and markets that it believes are undervalued. The fund expects capital growth to be the predominant component of its total return.
Generally, the fund will invest primarily in common stocks of established companies listed on foreign securities exchanges, but it may also invest in securities traded over-the-counter. Although the fund will emphasize larger, more seasoned or established companies, it may invest in companies of varying size as measured by assets, sales or market capitalization. The fund will invest primarily in securities of companies domiciled in developed countries, but may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of companies in developing countries. It is expected that investments will be diversified throughout the world and within markets in an effort to minimize specific country and currency risks.
TS&W employs a relative value process utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods based on a four-factor valuation screen designed to outperform the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. TS&Ws analysts also perform rigorous fundamental analysis. A portfolio composed of 80-100 stocks is selected as a result of this process. TS&W generally limits its investment universe to those companies with a minimum of three years of operating history. TS&W employs a consistent sell discipline which includes a significant negative earnings revision, a stock being sold when the catalyst is no longer valid or another stock presents a more attractive opportunity.
The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may take temporary defensive positions in cash and short-term debt securities without limit.
Principal Risks: Many factors affect the fund's performance. There is no assurance the fund will meet its investment objective. The value of your investment in the fund, as well as the amount of return you receive on your investment, may fluctuate significantly from day to day and over time. You may lose part or all of your investment in the fund or your investment may not perform as well as other similar investments. The following is a summary of certain risks (in alphabetical order) of investing in the fund. You may lose money if you invest in this fund.
· Cash Management and Defensive Investing Money market instruments or short-term debt securities held by the fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate in value. Like other fixed income securities, they are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will not earn
income on the cash and the fund's yield will go down. If a significant amount of the fund's assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it will be more difficult for the fund to achieve its objective.
· Currency When the fund invests in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the fund may incur currency conversion costs and may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can be volatile and are affected by, among other factors, the general economics of a country, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or control banks, the imposition of currency controls, and speculation.
· Derivatives Using derivatives can increase fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or the derivative instruments themselves behave in a way not anticipated by the fund. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase fund volatility. Derivatives may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to the fund. The fund's investments in derivative instruments may involve a small investment relative to the amount of investment exposure assumed and may result in losses exceeding the amounts invested in those instruments. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation are not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
· Emerging Markets Investing in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets are subject to foreign securities risks. These risks are greater for investments in emerging markets. Emerging market countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems that are less fully developed and are less stable than those of more advanced countries. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in extreme price volatility.
· Foreign Securities Foreign securities are subject to a number of additional risks, including nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency controls or restrictions, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability and other adverse economic or political developments. Lack of information and less market regulation also may affect the value of these securities.
· Geographic To the extent the fund invests a significant portion of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region, the fund will be more susceptible to negative events affecting those countries or that region, and could be more volatile than a more geographically diverse fund. Geographic risk is especially high in emerging markets.
· Increase in Expenses Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in Annual Fund Operating Expenses for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
· Liquidity Some securities held by the fund may be difficult to sell, or illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil. Illiquid securities may also be difficult to value. If the fund is forced to sell an illiquid asset to meet redemption requests or other cash needs, the fund may be forced to sell at a loss.
· Market The market prices of the fund's securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the markets or adverse investor sentiment. Market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors or issuers. When market prices fall, the value of your investment will go down. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security. The recent financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the financial crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the U.S. calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
· Portfolio Selection The sub-advisers judgment about a particular security or issuer, or about the economy or a particular sector, region or market segment, or about an investment strategy, may prove to be incorrect.
· Small- or Medium-Sized Companies Small- or medium-sized companies may be more at risk than larger companies because, among other things, they may have limited product lines, operating history, market or financial resources, or because they may depend on a limited management group.
· Stocks Stocks may be volatile their prices may go up and down dramatically over the shorter term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, industries, the securities market as a whole or the over-all economy.
· Value Investing The prices of securities the sub-adviser believes are undervalued may not appreciate as anticipated or may go down. Value stocks as a group may be out of favor and underperform the overall equity market for a long period of time, for example, while the market favors growth stocks.
Performance: The bar chart and the table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the fund by showing you how the funds performance has varied from year to year, and how the funds Class I average annual total returns for different periods compare to the returns of a broad measure of market performance. The table shows average annual total returns for Class I shares of the fund. Absent any limitation of the funds expenses, total returns would be lower. As with all mutual funds, past performance (before and after taxes) is not a prediction of future results. Updated performance information is available on our website at www.transamericafunds.com or by calling 1-888-233-4339.
The fund is newly organized. The fund acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of TS&W International Equity Portfolio (the predecessor fund) on February 28, 2011, and the predecessor fund is the accounting and performance survivor of the reorganization. This means that the predecessor funds performance and financial history have been adopted by the fund and will be used going forward from the date of the reorganization. (The predecessor fund acquired the assets and assumed the historical performance of another fund on June 24, 2002. The performance shown prior to that date represents the performance of that fund.) In connection with the predecessor fund reorganization, former shareholders of the predecessor fund received Class I shares of the fund. Accordingly, the performance of Class I shares of the fund reflects the performance of the predecessor fund. Performance has not been restated to reflect the estimated annual operating expenses of Class I shares.
Although Class I2 shares would have similar annual returns to Class I shares because the classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, the returns for Class I2 shares would be lower than Class I shares because of the lower expenses paid by Class I shares.
Annual Total Returns (calendar years ended December 31) Class I
Class I Shares | Quarter Ended | Return |
Best Quarter: | 6/30/2009 | 24.59% |
Worst Quarter: | 9/30/2002 | -21.31% |
Average Annual Total Returns (periods ended December 31, 2010) 1
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years or Inception | |
Class I (predecessor fund commenced operations on December 18, 1992) | |||
Return before taxes | 12.42% | 4.04% | 2.88% |
Return after taxes on distributions2 | 11.89% | 3.23% | 2.55% |
Return after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares2 | 8.07% | 3.64% | 2.67% |
Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes) | 7.75% | 2.46% | 3.50% |
1 Actual returns may depend on the investors individual tax situation. After-tax returns may not be relevant if the investment is made through a tax-exempt or tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) plan.
2 The after-tax returns are calculated using the historic highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Management:
Investment Adviser: Sub-Adviser:
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC
Portfolio Manager:
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA, Portfolio Manager since 2011
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares: Class I2 shares of the fund are currently primarily offered for investment in certain funds of funds (also referred to as strategic asset allocation funds). Class I2 shares of the fund are also made available to other investors, including institutional investors such as foreign insurers, domestic insurance companies and their separate accounts, and unaffiliated funds, high net worth individuals, and eligible retirement plans whose recordkeepers or financial service firm intermediaries have entered into agreements with Transamerica Funds or its agents. Investors who received Class I2 shares in connection with the reorganization of a Transamerica Premier Fund into a Transamerica Fund may continue to invest in Class I2 shares of that Transamerica Fund, but may not open new accounts. You buy and redeem shares at the funds next-determined net asset value (NAV) after receipt of your request in good order.
Tax Information: Fund distributions may be taxable as ordinary income or capital gains, except when your investment is in an IRA, 401(k) or other tax-advantaged investment plan.
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries: If you purchase the fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, the fund and/or its affiliates may pay the intermediary for the sale of fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your financial intermediarys website for more information.
The following provides additional information regarding the funds strategies and investments described at the front of the prospectus. Except as otherwise expressly stated for a particular fund in this prospectus or in the statement of additional information or as required by law, there is no limit on the amount of a funds assets that may be invested in a particular type of security or investment.
Transamerica TS&W International Equity: Under normal circumstances, the fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of foreign companies representing at least three countries other than the United States. Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (TS&W), the funds sub-adviser, currently anticipates investing in at least 12 countries other than the United States. TS&W will emphasize established companies in individual foreign markets and will attempt to stress companies and markets that it believes are undervalued. The fund expects capital growth to be the predominant component of its total return.
Generally, the fund will invest primarily in common stocks of established companies listed on foreign securities exchanges, but it may also invest in securities traded over-the-counter. Although the fund will emphasize larger, more seasoned or established companies, it may invest in companies of varying size as measured by assets, sales or market capitalization. The fund will invest primarily in securities of companies domiciled in developed countries, but may also invest in developing countries. The fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities of companies in developing countries. It is expected that investments will be diversified throughout the world and within markets in an effort to minimize specific country and currency risks.
TS&W employs a relative value process utilizing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods based on a four-factor valuation screen designed to outperform the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index. The initial universe consists of approximately 3,000 actively traded non-U.S. stocks. Parts one and two of the screen attempt to assess a companys attractiveness based on cash flows relative to other international stocks and as compared to their industry or sector peers. The third factor considers the relative earnings prospects of the company. The fourth factor involves looking at the companys recent price action. From the model, approximately 300 stocks are identified for further research. These are the stocks that rank the highest on the basis of these four factors combined. TS&W generally limits its investment universe to those companies with a minimum of three years of operating history.
TS&Ws analysts also perform rigorous fundamental analysis, exploring numerous factors that may affect the outlook for a company. They evaluate publicly available information including sell-side research, company filings, and trade periodicals. The analysts may speak with company management to hear their perspectives and outlook on pertinent business issues. They apply a consistent and disciplined review in a team environment that encourages critical thinking and analysis for each company considered for investment. A portfolio composed of 80-100 stocks is selected as a result of this process.
Established positions in the fund are ranked daily and are reviewed regularly in the same manner to re-examine their fundamental and valuation characteristics. The product team meets periodically to discuss each stocks place in the fund. TS&W employs a consistent sell discipline which includes a significant negative earnings revision, a stock being sold when the catalyst is no longer valid or another stock presents a more attractive opportunity.
TS&W may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, including to earn income and enhance returns, to increase or decrease exposure to a particular market, to manage or adjust the risk profile of the fund, or as alternatives to direct investments.
The fund may invest its assets in cash, cash equivalent securities or short-term debt securities, repurchase agreements and money market instruments. Under adverse or unstable market, economic or political conditions, the fund may do so without limit. Although the fund would do this only in seeking to avoid losses, the fund may be unable to pursue its investment objective during that time, and it could reduce the benefit from any upswing in the market. To the extent that the fund has any uninvested cash, the fund would also be subject to risk with respect to the depository institution holding the cash.
Principal Investment Risks: The following provides additional information regarding the risks of investing in the funds as described at the front of the prospectus.
Cash Management and Defensive Investing: Money market instruments or short-term debt securities held by the fund for cash management or defensive investing purposes can fluctuate in value. Like other fixed income securities, they are subject to risk, including market, interest rate and credit risk. If the fund holds cash uninvested, the fund will not earn income on the cash and the fund's yield will go down. If a significant amount of the fund's assets are used for cash management or defensive investing purposes, it will be more difficult for the fund to achieve its objective.
Currency: When a fund invests in securities denominated in foreign currencies, it is subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for reasons such as changes in interest rates, government intervention or political developments. As a result, a fund's investments in foreign currency denominated securities may reduce the returns of a fund.
Derivatives: Derivatives involve special risks and costs and may result in losses to the fund. Using derivatives can have a leveraging effect which may increase investment losses and may increase fund volatility. Even a small investment in derivatives can have a disproportionate impact on a fund. Using derivatives can increase losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates or currencies, or the derivative instruments themselves, behave in a way not anticipated by a fund, especially in abnormal market conditions. The other parties to certain derivative contracts present the same types of credit risk as issuers of fixed-income securities. Derivatives also tend to involve greater liquidity risk. The fund may be unable to terminate or sell its derivative positions. In fact, many over-the-counter derivative instruments will not have liquidity beyond the counterparty to the instrument. The funds use of derivatives may also increase the amount of taxes payable by shareholders. Recent legislation calls for new regulation of the derivatives markets. The extent and impact of the regulation are not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, may limit their availability, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance.
Using derivatives, especially for non-hedging purposes, may involve greater risks to the fund than investing directly in securities, particularly as these instruments may be very complex and may not behave in the manner anticipated by the fund. Risks associated with the use of derivatives are magnified to the extent that a large portion of the funds assets are committed to derivatives in general or are invested in just one or a few types of derivatives.
When the fund enters into derivative transactions, it may be required to segregate assets, or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations. Such segregation will not limit the funds exposure to loss, however, and the fund will have investment risk with respect to both the derivative itself and the assets that have been segregated to cover the funds derivative exposure. If the segregated assets represent a large portion of the funds portfolio, this may impede portfolio management or the funds ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
Some derivatives may be difficult to value, or may be subject to the risk that changes in the value of the instrument may not correlate well with the underlying asset, rate or index. In addition, derivatives may be subject to market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. A fund could lose the entire amount of its investment in a derivative and, in some cases, could lose more than the principal amount invested. Also, suitable derivative instruments may not be available in all circumstances or at reasonable prices. A funds sub-adviser may not make use of derivatives for a variety of reasons.
Emerging Markets: Investing in the securities of issuers located in or principally doing business in emerging markets bear foreign risks. In addition, the risks associated with investing in emerging markets are often greater than investing in developed foreign markets. Specifically, the economic structures in emerging markets countries are less diverse and mature than those in developed countries, and their political systems are less stable. Investments in emerging markets countries may be affected by national policies that restrict foreign investments. Emerging markets countries tend to have economic, political and legal systems that are less fully developed and are less stable than those of more advanced countries. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in extreme price volatility. As a result, a fund investing in emerging markets countries may be required to establish special custody or other arrangements before investing.
Foreign Securities: Investments in foreign securities, including foreign securities represented by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), and European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), involve risks relating to political, social and economic developments abroad, as well as risks resulting from the differences between the regulations to which U.S. and foreign issuer markets are subject. These risks include, without limitation:
· different accounting and reporting practices
· less information available to the public
· less (or different) regulation of securities markets
· more complex business negotiations
· less liquidity
· more fluctuations in prices
· delays in settling foreign securities transactions
· higher costs for holding shares (custodial fees)
· higher transaction costs
· vulnerability to seizure and taxes
· political or financial instability and small markets
· different market trading days
Geographic: Because a fund may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region, a fund's performance could be closely tied to the market, currency, economic, political, or regulatory conditions and developments in those countries or that region, and could be more volatile than the performance of more geographically-diversified funds.
Growth Stocks: Growth stocks can be volatile for several reasons. Since growth companies usually reinvest a high proportion of their earnings in their own businesses, they may lack the dividends often associated with the value stocks that could cushion their decline in a falling market. Also, since investors buy growth stocks because of their expected superior earnings growth, earnings disappointments often result in sharp price declines. Certain types of growth stocks, particularly technology stocks, can be extremely volatile and subject to greater price swings than the broader market.
Increase in Expenses: Your actual costs of investing in the fund may be higher than the expenses shown in Annual Fund Operating Expenses for a variety of reasons. For example, expense ratios may be higher than those shown if average net assets decrease. Net assets are more likely to decrease and fund expense ratios are more likely to increase when markets are volatile.
Liquidity: Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. Although most of a fund's securities must be liquid at the time of investment, securities may become illiquid after purchase by a fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. When a fund holds illiquid investments, a fund may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if a fund is forced to sell these investments to meet redemptions or for other cash needs, a fund may suffer a loss. In addition, when there is illiquidity in the market for certain securities, a fund, due to limitations on investments in illiquid securities, may be unable to achieve its desired level of exposure to a certain sector.
Market: The market prices of the funds securities may go up or down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. If the market prices of the securities owned by the fund fall, the value of your investment in the fund will decline. The value of a security may fall due to general market conditions, such as real or perceived adverse economic or political conditions, inflation, changes in interest rates or currency rates, lack of liquidity in the markets or adverse investor sentiment. Market prices of securities also may go down due to events or conditions that affect particular sectors or issuers. The fund may experience a substantial or complete loss on any individual security. The equity and debt capital markets in the U.S. and internationally have experienced unprecedented volatility. The financial crisis has caused a significant decline in the value and liquidity of many securities. In response to the crisis, the U.S. and other governments and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have taken various steps to support financial markets. The withdrawal of this support could negatively affect the value and liquidity of certain securities. In addition, legislation recently enacted in the U.S. calls for changes in many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of the legislation on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.
Changes in market conditions will not have the same impact on all types of securities. The value of a security may also fall due to specific conditions that affect a particular sector of the securities market or a particular issuer.
Portfolio Selection: The value of your investment may decrease if the sub-advisers judgment about the attractiveness, quality, relative yield, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry or sector, or about interest rates, is incorrect.
Small- or Medium-Sized Companies: Investing in small- and medium-sized companies involves greater risk than is customarily associated with more established companies. Stocks of such companies, particularly developing companies, generally are subject to more volatility in price than larger company securities. Among the reasons for the greater price volatility are the less certain growth prospects of smaller companies, the lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such securities, and the greater sensitivity of smaller companies to changing economic conditions. Smaller companies often have limited product lines, markets, or financial resources and their management may lack depth and experience. Such companies usually do not pay significant dividends that could cushion returns in a falling market.
Stocks: Stocks may be volatile their prices may go up and down dramatically over the shorter term. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, industries, the securities market as a whole or the overall economy. Because the stocks a fund holds fluctuate in price, the value of your investment in a fund will go up and down.
Value Investing: The value approach carries the risk that the market will not recognize a securitys intrinsic value for a long time, or that a stock considered to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced. A fund may underperform other equity funds that use different investing styles. A fund may also underperform other equity funds using the value style.
Please note that there are other factors that could adversely affect your investment in a fund and that could prevent the fund from achieving its investment objective. More information about risks appears in the Statement of Additional Information. Before investing, you should carefully consider the risks that you will assume.
Investment Adviser
Transamerica Funds' Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the management and business affairs of Transamerica Funds. It oversees the operation of Transamerica Funds by its officers. It also reviews the management of the funds' assets by the investment adviser and sub-advisers. Information about the Trustees and executive officers of Transamerica Funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI).
Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (TAM), located at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, serves as investment adviser for Transamerica Funds. The investment adviser hires investment sub-advisers to furnish investment advice and recommendations and has entered into sub-advisory agreements with each fund's sub-adviser. The investment adviser also monitors the sub-advisers buying and selling of portfolio securities and administration of the funds. For these services, TAM is paid investment advisory fees. These fees are calculated on the average daily net assets of each fund.
TAM is directly owned by Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio (77%) (Western Reserve) and AUSA Holding Company (23%) (AUSA), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of AEGON NV. AUSA is wholly owned by AEGON USA, LLC (AEGON USA), a financial services holding company whose primary emphasis is on life and health insurance, and annuity and investment products. AEGON USA is owned by AEGON US Holding Corporation, which is owned by Transamerica Corporation (DE). Transamerica Corporation (DE) is owned by The AEGON Trust, which is owned by AEGON International B.V., which is owned by AEGON NV, a Netherlands corporation, and a publicly traded international insurance group.
The funds may rely on an Order from the SEC (Release IC- 23379 dated August 5, 1998) that permits Transamerica Funds and its investment adviser, TAM, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders to:
(1) employ a new unaffiliated sub-adviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new investment sub-advisory agreement, either as a replacement for an existing sub-adviser or as an additional sub-adviser;
(2) materially change the terms of any sub-advisory agreement; and
(3) continue the employment of an existing sub-adviser on sub-advisory contract terms where a contract has been assigned because of a change of control of the sub-adviser.
Pursuant to the Order, the funds have agreed to provide certain information about new sub-advisers and new sub-advisory agreements to their shareholders.
Advisory Fees
TAM receives compensation from the fund, calculated daily and paid monthly, based on an annual percentage of the fund's average daily net assets.
Advisory Fees Paid in 2010
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the fund paid the following advisory fee as a percentage of the fund's average daily net assets:
Name of Fund | Advisory Fee |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity1 | N/A |
1 The fund commenced operations on March 1, 2011, and as such, there were no advisory fees paid as of October 31, 2010. The advisory fee is 0.80% for the first $250 million of average daily net assets; 0.75% of average daily net assets over $250 million up to $500 million; 0.725% of average daily net assets over $500 million up to $1 billion; and 0.70% of average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion.
A discussion regarding the Board of Trustees' approval for Transamerica TS&W International Equity will be available in the fund's semi-annual report for the fiscal period ending April 30, 2011.
Sub-Adviser
The name and address of the sub-adviser is listed below. Pursuant to an Investment Sub-advisory Agreement between TAM and the sub-adviser on behalf of the fund, the sub-adviser shall make investment decisions, buy and sell securities for the fund, conduct research that leads to these purchase and sale decisions, and pay broker-dealers a commission for these trades (which can include payments for research and brokerage services).
The sub-adviser listed below receives compensation, calculated daily and paid monthly, from TAM. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010, the sub-adviser received the following sub-advisory fees as a percentage of a fund's average daily net assets:
Fund | Sub-Advisory Fee | Name and Address of Sub-Adviser |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity1 | N/A | Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC 6806 Paragon Place Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23230 |
1 The fund had not commenced operations prior on March 1, 2011, and as such, there were no sub-advisory fees paid as of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010. The sub-advisory fee is 0.40% of the first $250 million of average daily net assets; 0.35% of average daily net assets over $250 million up to $500 million; 0.325% of average daily net assets over $500 million up to $1 billion; and 0.30% of average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion.
Portfolio Manager(s)
The following fund is managed by the portfolio manager(s) listed below. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager(s) compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio manager(s), and the portfolio manager(s) ownership in the fund they manage.
Transamerica TS&W International Equity
Name/Year Joined Fund | Role | Employer | Positions
Over Past |
Brandon H. Harrell, CFA/2011 | Portfolio Manager | TS&W | Officer and International Portfolio Manager |
TO CONTACT TRANSAMERICA FUNDS
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339
Internet: www.transamericafunds.com
Fax: 1-888-329-4339
Mailing Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
Overnight Address: Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
330 W. 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
BUYING SHARES
Class I2 shares of the funds in this prospectus are currently primarily offered for investment in certain funds of funds (also referred to as strategic asset allocation funds). Class I2 shares of the funds are also made available to other investors, including institutional investors such as foreign insurers, domestic insurance companies and their separate accounts, and unaffiliated funds, high net worth individuals, and eligible retirement plans whose recordkeepers or financial service firm intermediaries have entered into agreements with Transamerica Funds or its agents. Investors who received Class I2 shares in connection with the reorganization of a Transamerica Premier Fund into a Transamerica Fund may continue to invest in Class I2 shares of that Transamerica Fund, but may not open new accounts. Purchase requests initiated through an automated service that exceed $50,000 per day are not permitted and must be submitted by check or via bank wire.
By Check
· Make your check payable and mail to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
· If you are purchasing shares in an existing account(s), please reference your account number(s) and the Transamerica Fund(s) in which you wish to invest. If you do not specify the fund(s) in which you wish to invest, and your referenced account is invested in one fund, your check will be deposited into such fund.
· Redemption proceeds will be withheld for 15 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear. Certain exceptions may apply.
· Transamerica Funds does not accept money orders, travelers checks, starter checks, credit card convenience checks or cash. Cashiers checks and third-party checks may be accepted, subject to approval by Transamerica Funds.
By Automatic Investment Plan
· With an Automatic Investment Plan (AIP), a level dollar amount is invested monthly and payment is deducted electronically from your bank account. Due to your banks requirements, please allow up to 30 days for your AIP to begin. Investments may be made between the 3rd and 28th of each month only, and will occur on the 15th if no selection is made. Call Customer Service for information on how to establish an AIP or visit our website to obtain an AIP request form.
By Telephone
· You may request an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account to your Transamerica Funds account. The electronic bank link option must be established in advance before Automated Clearing House (ACH) purchases will be accepted. Call Customer Service or visit our website for information on how to establish an electronic bank link. Due to your banks requirements, please allow up to 30 days to establish this option.
Through an Authorized Dealer
· If your dealer has already established your account for you, no additional documentation is needed. Call your dealer to place your order. Transamerica Funds must receive your payment within three business days after your order is accepted.
By the Internet
· You may request an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account to your Transamerica Funds account. The electronic bank link option must be established in advance before ACH purchases will be accepted. Call Customer Service or visit our website for information on how to establish an electronic bank link.
By Payroll Deduction
· You may have money transferred regularly from your payroll to your Transamerica Funds account. Call Customer Service to establish this option.
By Wire Transfer
· You may request that your bank wire funds to your Transamerica Funds account (note that your bank may charge a fee for such service). You must have an existing account to make a payment by wire transfer. Ask your bank to send your payment to:
Bank of America, NA, Charlotte, NC, ABA# 0260-0959-3, Credit: Transamerica Funds Account# 3600622064.
Provide shareholder name, fund and account numbers.
· Shares will be purchased at the next determined NAV after receipt of your wire if you have supplied all other required information.
Other Information
If your check, draft or electronic transfer is returned unpaid by your bank, you will be charged a fee of $20 for each item that has been returned.
Transamerica Funds reserves the right to terminate your electronic draft privileges if the drafts are returned unpaid by your bank.
Transamerica Funds or its agents may reject a request for purchase of shares at any time, in whole or in part, including any purchase under the exchange privilege. To the extent authorized by law, Transamerica Funds and each of the funds reserve the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or liquidate a class of shares or to cease operations entirely.
SELLING SHARES
Shares may be sold (or redeemed) at any time. Proceeds from the redemption of shares will usually be sent to the redeeming shareholder within three business days after receipt in good order of a request for redemption. However, Transamerica Funds has the right to take up to seven days to pay redemption proceeds, and may postpone payment under certain circumstances, as authorized by law. Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to redeem its shares in kind. Please see the SAI for more details.
In cases where shares have recently been purchased and the purchase money is not yet available, redemption proceeds will be withheld for 15 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear. Certain exceptions may apply. Shares purchased by wire are immediately available and are not subject to the 15 day holding period.
Please note that redemption requests greater than $50,000 per day must be submitted in writing. In addition, amounts greater than $50,000 cannot be sent via ACH (check or federal funds wire only). Additionally, requests totaling more than $100,000 must be in writing with an original signature guarantee for all shareholders.
The electronic bank link option must be established in advance for payments made electronically to your bank such as ACH or expedited wire redemptions. Call Customer Service to verify this feature is in place on your account or to obtain information on how to establish the electronic bank link.
To Request Your Redemption and Receive Payment By:
Direct Deposit ACH
· You may request an ACH redemption in writing or by phone or by internet access to your account. Payment should usually be received by your bank account 2-4 banking days after your request is received in good order. Transamerica Funds does not charge for this payment option. Certain IRAs and qualified retirement plans may not be eligible via the internet.
Direct Deposit Wire
· You may request an expedited wire redemption in writing or by phone. The electronic bank link option must be established in advance. Otherwise, an original signature guarantee will be required. Wire redemptions have a minimum of $1,000 per wire. Payment should be received by your bank account the next banking day after your request is received in good order. Transamerica Funds charges $10 for this service. Your bank may charge a fee as well.
Check to Address of Record
· Written Request: Send a letter requesting a withdrawal to Transamerica Funds. Specify the fund, account number and dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem. Be sure to include all shareholders signatures and any additional
documents, as well as an original signature guarantee(s) if required. If you are requesting a distribution from an IRA, federal tax withholding of 10% will apply unless you elect otherwise. If you elect to withhold, the minimum tax withholding rate is 10%.
· Telephone or Internet Request: You may request your redemption by phone or internet. Certain IRAs and qualified retirement plans may not be eligible.
Check to Another Party/Address
· This request must be in writing, regardless of amount, signed by all account owners, with an original signature guarantee.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (by Direct Deposit ACH or Check)
· You can establish a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) either at the time you open your account or at a later date. Call Customer Service for information on how to establish a SWP or visit our website to obtain the appropriate form to complete.
Through an Authorized Dealer
· You may redeem your shares through an authorized dealer. (They may impose a service charge). Contact your Registered Representative or call Customer Service for assistance.
Your Request to Sell Your Shares and Receive Payment May Be Subject To:
· The type of account you have and if there is more than one shareholder.
· The dollar amount you are requesting; redemptions over $50,000 must be in writing and those redemptions totaling more than $100,000 require a written request with an original signature guarantee for all shareholders on the account.
· A written request and original signature guarantee may be required if there have been recent changes made to your account (such as an address change) or other such circumstances. For your protection, if an address change was made in the last 10 days, Transamerica Funds requires a redemption request in writing, signed by all account owners with an original signature guarantee.
· When redeeming all shares from an account with an active AIP, your AIP will automatically be stopped. Please contact Customer Service if you wish to re-activate your AIP.
· Each fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption request if it is believed it is advisable to do so. The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any time without advance notice.
· Redemption proceeds will be withheld for 15 calendar days from the date of purchase for funds to clear. Certain exceptions may apply.
· If you request that a withdrawal check be delivered overnight, a $20 overnight fee will be charged; for Saturday delivery, a $30 overnight fee will be charged.
· Please see additional information relating to signature guarantees later in this prospectus.
Involuntary Redemptions
Each fund reserves the right, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to close your account if the account value falls below the funds minimum account balance, including solely due to declines in NAV, or you are deemed to engage in activities that are illegal (such as late trading) or otherwise believed to be detrimental to the fund (such as market timing or frequent small redemptions).
EXCHANGING SHARES
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth and Transamerica Diversified Equity Class I2 shareholders who received their shares in connection with the reorganization of a Transamerica Premier Fund into a Transamerica Fund may exchange their shares between Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth and Transamerica Diversified Equity. Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond Class I2 shareholders who received their shares in the manner described above have no exchange privileges.
In certain circumstances, shares of one class of a fund may be exchanged directly for shares of another class of the same fund, as described in the Statement of Additional Information.
PRICING OF SHARES
How Share Price Is Determined
The price at which shares are purchased or redeemed is the net asset value per share (NAV) that is next calculated following receipt and acceptance of a purchase order in good order or receipt of a redemption order in good order by the fund, an authorized intermediary, or the mail processing center located in Kansas City, Missouri.
When Share Price Is Determined
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is determined on each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for business. The NAV is not determined on days when the NYSE is closed (generally New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Foreign securities may trade in their primary markets on weekends or other days when a fund does not price its shares (therefore, the NAV of a fund holding foreign securities may change on days when shareholders will not be able to buy or sell shares of the funds).
Purchase orders received in good order and accepted, and redemption orders received in good order, before the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. Purchase and redemption requests received after the NYSE is closed receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE the next day the NYSE is open.
Purchase orders for shares of the Transamerica asset allocation funds that are received in good order and accepted before the close of business on the NYSE receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. For direct purchases, corresponding orders for shares of the underlying constituent funds are priced on the same day that orders for shares of the asset allocation funds are received and accepted. For purchases of shares of the Transamerica asset allocation funds through the NSCC, orders for shares of the underlying constituent funds will be placed after the receipt and acceptance of the settled purchase order for shares of the asset allocation funds. For investments in separate accounts of insurance companies that invest in Class I2 shares of the funds, orders for Class I2 shares will be placed after the receipt and acceptance of the investment in the insurance company separate account.
How NAV Is Calculated
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is calculated by taking the value of its net assets and dividing by the number of shares of the fund (or class) that are then outstanding.
The Board of Trustees has approved procedures to be used to value the funds securities for the purposes of determining the funds NAV. The valuation of the securities of the funds is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. The Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the funds to TAM.
In general, securities and other investments (including shares of ETFs) are valued based on market prices at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Fund securities (including shares of ETFs) listed or traded on domestic securities exchanges or the NASDAQ/NMS, including dollar-dominated foreign securities or ADRs, are valued at the closing price on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded. With respect to securities traded on the NASDAQ/NMS, such closing price may be the last reported sale price or the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (NOCP). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security is valued at the closing bid quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the NOCP, if applicable. Foreign securities traded on U.S. exchanges are generally priced using last sale price regardless of trading activity. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the last bid and asked prices. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service, which may use market prices or quotations or a variety of fair value techniques and methodologies. Short-term debt obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, unless it is determined that using this method would not reflect an investments fair value. The prices that the fund uses may differ from the amounts that would be realized if the investments were sold and the differences could be significant, particularly for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. Foreign securities generally are valued based on quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are converted from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Market quotations for securities prices may be obtained from automated pricing services. Shares of open-end funds (other than ETF shares) are generally valued at the net asset value per share reported by that investment company. ETF shares are valued at the most recent sale price or official closing price on the exchange on which they are traded.
When a market quotation for a security is not readily available (which may include closing prices deemed to be unreliable because of the occurrence of a subsequent event), a valuation committee appointed by the Board of Trustees may, in good faith, establish a value for the security in accordance with fair valuation procedures adopted by the Board. The types of securities for
which such fair value pricing may be required include, but are not limited to: foreign securities, where a significant event occurs after the close of the foreign market on which such security principally trades that is likely to have changed the value of such security, or the closing value is otherwise deemed unreliable; securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; fixed-income securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation; and securities that are restricted as to transfer or resale. The funds use a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by TAM from time to time.
Valuing securities in accordance with fair value procedures involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on readily available market quotations. The valuation committee makes fair value determinations in good faith in accordance with the funds valuation procedures. Fair value determinations can also involve reliance on quantitative models employed by a fair value pricing service. There can be no assurance that a fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV per share.
FEATURES AND POLICIES
Market Timing/Excessive Trading
Some investors try to profit from various short-term or frequent trading strategies known as market timing. Examples of market timing include switching money into funds when their share prices are expected to rise and taking money out when their share prices are expected to fall, and switching from one fund to another and then back again after a short period of time. As money is shifted in and out, a fund may incur expenses for buying and selling securities. Excessive purchases, redemptions or exchanges of fund shares may disrupt portfolio management, hurt fund performance and drive fund expenses higher. For example, a fund may be forced to liquidate investments as a result of short term trading and incur increased brokerage costs or realize taxable capital gains without attaining any investment advantage. These costs are generally borne by all shareholders, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs.
Transamerica Funds Board of Trustees has approved policies and procedures that are designed to discourage market timing or excessive trading which include limitations on the number of transactions in fund shares. If you intend to engage in such practices, we request that you do not purchase shares of any of the funds. Each fund reserves the right to reject any request to purchase shares, including purchases in connection with an exchange transaction, which the fund reasonably believes to be in connection with market timing or excessive trading.
However, because the shares of the funds may be sold to strategic asset allocation funds, other investors (including institutional investors such as foreign insurers, domestic insurance companies, and their separate accounts), and eligible retirement plans whose recordkeepers or financial service firm intermediaries have entered into agreements with Transamerica Funds or its agents, the funds policies and procedures to discourage market timing or excessive trading are enforced by those entities, as appropriate, rather than the funds. Additional information about the asset allocation funds policies and procedures are available in the prospectus of the asset allocation funds. Furthermore, reallocations in the funds by an asset allocation fund in furtherance of a funds investment objective are not considered to be market timing or excessive trading.
Orders to purchase, redeem or exchange shares forwarded by accounts maintained on behalf of institutional investors or insurers (for example, separate accounts of insurance companies) with respect to their accounts with Transamerica Funds will not be considered to be market timing or excessive trading for purposes of Transamerica Funds policies. However, the market timing and excessive trading policies of these investors/insurers (or their accounts) may apply to transactions by persons who, in turn, invest through these investors/insurers (or through their accounts).
Asset Allocation Funds
The asset allocation funds that invest in certain series of Transamerica Funds may own a significant portion of the shares of a Transamerica Funds fund. Transactions by a fund of funds may be disruptive to an underlying Transamerica Fund.
Customer Service
Occasionally, Transamerica Funds experiences high call volume due to unusual market activity or other events that may make it difficult for you to reach a Customer Service Representative by telephone. If you are unable to reach Transamerica Funds by telephone, please consider visiting our website at www.transamericafunds.com. You may also send instructions by mail or by fax.
Uncashed Checks Issued on Your Account
If any check Transamerica Funds issues is returned by the Post Office as undeliverable, or remains outstanding (uncashed) for six months, we reserve the right to reinvest check proceeds back into your account at the net asset value next calculated after reinvestment. If applicable, we will also change your account distribution option from cash to reinvest. Interest does not accrue
on amounts represented by uncashed checks. In cases where we are unable to reinvest check proceeds in the fund that you held, for example, if the fund has been liquidated or is closed to new investments, we reserve the right to reinvest the proceeds in another Transamerica Fund, such as the Transamerica Money Market.
Minimum Dividend Check Amounts
To control costs associated with issuing and administering dividend checks, we reserve the right not to issue checks under a specified amount. For accounts with the cash by check dividend distribution option, if the dividend payment total is less than $10, the distribution will be reinvested into the account and no check will be issued.
Telephone Transactions
Transamerica Funds and its transfer agent, Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. (TFS) are not liable for complying with telephone instructions that are deemed by them to be genuine. Transamerica Funds and TFS will employ reasonable procedures to help ensure telephone instructions are genuine. These procedures may include requiring personal identification, providing written confirmation of transactions and tape recording conversations. In situations where Transamerica Funds or TFS reasonably believe they were acting on genuine telephone instructions, you bear the risk of loss. Transamerica Funds reserves the right to modify the telephone redemption privilege at any time.
Retirement and ESA State Street Account Maintenance Fees
Retirement plan and Coverdell ESA State Street accounts are subject to an annual custodial fee of $15 per fund account, with a maximum fee of $30 per Social Security Number. For example, an IRA in two fund accounts would normally be subject to a $30 annual custodial fee. The fee is waived if the total of the retirement plan and ESA account(s)s value per Social Security Number is more than $50,000.
Professional Fees
Your financial professional may charge a fee for his or her services. This fee will be in addition to any fees charged by Transamerica Funds. Your financial professional will answer any questions that you may have regarding such fees.
Signature Guarantee
An original signature guarantee assures that a signature is genuine so that you are protected from unauthorized account transactions. Notarization is not an acceptable substitute. Acceptable guarantors only include participants in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP2000). Participants in STAMP2000 may include financial institutions such as banks, savings and loan associations, trust companies, credit unions, broker-dealers and member firms of a national securities exchange.
An original signature guarantee is required if any of the following is applicable:
· You request a redemption or distribution transaction totaling more than $100,000 or, in the case of an IRA with a market value in excess of $100,000, you request a custodian to custodian transfer.
· You would like a check made payable to anyone other than the shareholder(s) of record.
· You would like a check mailed to an address which has been changed within 10 days of the redemption request.
· You would like a check mailed to an address other than the address of record.
· You would like your redemption proceeds wired to a bank account other than a bank account of record.
· You are adding or removing a shareholder from an account.
· You are changing ownership of an account.
· When establishing an electronic bank link, if the Transamerica Funds account holders name does not appear on the check.
The funds reserve the right to require an original signature guarantee under other circumstances or to reject or delay a redemption on certain legal grounds.
An original signature guarantee may be refused if any of the following is applicable:
· It does not appear valid or in good form.
· The transaction amount exceeds the surety bond limit of the signature guarantee.
· The guarantee stamp has been reported as stolen, missing or counterfeit.
E-mail Communications
As e-mail communications may not be secure, and because we are unable to take reasonable precautions to verify your shareholder and transaction information, we cannot respond to account-specific requests received via email. For your protection, we ask that all transaction requests be submitted only via telephone, mail or through the secure link on our website.
Statements and Reports
Transamerica Funds will send you a confirmation statement after every transaction that affects your account balance or registration, with the exception of systematic transactions or transactions necessary to assess account fees. Systematic transactions and fees will be shown on your next regularly scheduled quarterly statement. Information regarding these fees is disclosed in this prospectus. Please review the confirmation statement carefully and promptly notify Transamerica Funds of any error. Information about the tax status of income dividends and capital gains distributions will be mailed to shareholders early each year.
Please retain your statements. If you require historical statements, Transamerica Funds may charge $10 per statement year up to a maximum of $50 per Social Security Number. Financial reports for the funds, which include a list of the holdings, will be mailed twice a year to all shareholders.
Investment Policy Changes
A fund that has a policy of investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its assets (defined as net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in the particular type of securities implied by its name will provide its shareholders with at least 60 days prior written notice before making changes to such policy. Such notice will comply with the conditions set forth in any applicable SEC rules then in effect.
Unless expressly designated as fundamental, all policies and procedures of the funds, including their investment objectives, may be changed at any time by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. The investment strategies employed by a fund may also be changed without shareholder approval.
To the extent authorized by law, Transamerica Funds and each of the funds reserve the right to discontinue offering shares at any time, to merge or liquidate a class of shares or to cease operations entirely.
Asset Allocation Funds
The asset allocation funds, Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio, Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio and Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio, as well as Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative VP, Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth VP, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth VP, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate VP and Transamerica International Moderate Growth VP, each separate series of Transamerica Series Trust, may own a significant portion of the shares of a Transamerica fund. Transactions by the asset allocation funds may be disruptive to the management of an underlying Transamerica fund.
Distribution of Shares
Underwriting Agreement
Transamerica Funds has an Underwriting Agreement with Transamerica Capital, Inc. (TCI), located at 4600 South Syracuse Street, Suite 1100, Denver, CO 80237. TCI is an affiliate of TAM and Transamerica Funds. Under this agreement, TCI underwrites and distributes all classes of fund shares and bears the expenses of offering these shares to the public.
Other Distribution or Service Arrangements
TCI, TAM and their affiliates may enter into arrangements with affiliated entities that provide administrative, recordkeeping and other services with respect to one or more of the funds. Payment for these services is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources and may take the form of internal credit, recognition or cash payments. TCI, TAM and their affiliates may also enter into similar arrangements with unaffiliated entities.
TCI engages in wholesaling activities designed to support, maintain, and increase the number of financial intermediaries who sell shares of Transamerica Funds. Wholesaling activities include, but are not limited to, recommending and promoting, directly or through intermediaries, Transamerica Funds to financial intermediaries and providing sales training, retail broker support and other services. Payment for these activities is made by TCI, TAM and their affiliates out of past profits and other available sources, including revenue sharing payments from others.
TCI (in connection with, or in addition to, wholesaling services), TAM and fund sub-advisers, directly or through TCI, out of their past profits and other available sources, provide cash payments or non-cash compensation to some, but not all, brokers and other financial intermediaries who have sold shares of the funds, promote the distribution of the funds, or render investor
services to fund shareholders. Such payments and compensation are in addition to the sales charges, Rule 12b-1 Plan fees, service fees and other fees that may be paid, directly or indirectly, to such brokers and other financial intermediaries. These arrangements are sometimes referred to as revenue sharing arrangements. The amount of revenue sharing payments is substantial and may be substantial to any given recipient. The presence of these payments and the basis on which an intermediary compensates its registered representatives or salespersons may create an incentive for a particular intermediary, registered representative or salesperson to highlight, feature or recommend the funds, at least in part, based on the level of compensation paid. Revenue sharing arrangements are separately negotiated. Revenue sharing is not an expense of the funds, is not reflected in the fees and expenses sections of this prospectus and does not change the price paid by investors for the purchase of a funds shares or the amount received by a shareholder as proceeds from the redemption of fund shares.
Such additional cash payments may be made to brokers and other financial intermediaries that provide services to Transamerica Funds and/or shareholders in Transamerica Funds, including (without limitation) shareholder servicing, marketing support and/or access to meetings and/or events, sales representatives and management representatives of the broker or other financial intermediaries. Cash compensation may also be paid to brokers and other financial intermediaries for inclusion of a Transamerica fund on a sales list, including a preferred or select sales list, in other sales programs, or as an expense reimbursement or compensation in cases where the broker or other financial intermediary provides services to fund shareholders. To the extent permitted by applicable law, TCI and other parties may pay or allow other incentives and compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries. TCI and the other parties making these payments generally assess the advisability of continuing making these payments periodically.
These cash payments may take a variety of forms, including (without limitation) reimbursement of ticket charges, additional compensation for sales, fees for shareholder servicing and maintenance of investor accounts, and finders fees that vary depending on the fund or share class and the dollar amount of shares sold. Revenue sharing payments can be calculated: (i) as a percentage of gross or net sales; (ii) as a percentage of gross or net assets under management; and/or (iii) as a fixed or negotiated flat fee dollar amount. As of December 31, 2010, TCI may make periodic revenue sharing payments to brokers and other financial intermediaries, such as monthly or quarterly. These periodic payments are equal to a percentage of periodic sales, ranging from 5 basis points (0.05%) to 45 basis points (0.45%) or equal to a percentage of assets under management ranging from 2.5 basis points (0.025%) to 20 basis points (0.20%). In 2010, TCI paid flat fees ranging from $0 to $100,000, which may include at times a series of meetings, activities and/or events of other broker-dealers and banks.
As of December 31, 2010, TCI had such revenue sharing arrangements with at least 16 brokers and other financial intermediaries, of which some of the more significant include: Compass Brokerage, Inc.; Hantz Financial Services, Inc.; US Bancorp Investments, Inc.; Suntrust Investments Services; CCO Investments Services Corp.; LPL Financial; Raymond James Financial Services; Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Citigroup-Morgan Stanley Smith Barney; PNC Investments; Raymond James and Associates; Raymond James Financial Services; UBS Financial Services; Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC); and Prudential Financial. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2010, TCI paid or expects to pay approximately $5,303,000 to various brokers and other financial intermediaries in connection with revenue sharing arrangements.
For the same period, TCI received revenue sharing payments totaling $1,502,560 from the following financial services firms to participate in functions, events and meetings, among other things: Alliance Bernstein, BlackRock, Clarion, Federated, Jennison Associates, JP Morgan, Neuberger Berman Management LLC, MFS Investment Management, NATIXIS, Oppenheimer Funds, PIMCO, Schroders, Transamerica Investment Management and Wellington Management Capital. TAM also serves as investment adviser to certain fund of funds that are underlying investment options for Transamerica insurance products. TCI and its affiliates receive revenue sharing payments from affiliates of certain underlying unaffiliated funds for the provision of services to investors and distribution activities.
In addition, while TCI typically pays most of the sales charge applicable to the sale of fund shares to brokers and other financial intermediaries through which purchases are made, TCI may, on occasion, pay the entire sales charge. (Additional information about payments of sales charges to brokers is available in the section titled Dealer Reallowances of the SAI.)
As of the date of this prospectus, TAM has agreed to pay Universal Life Insurance Company (Universal Life) a fee equal, on an annual basis, to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to investments by Universal Lifes separate accounts in the Class I2 shares of the funds for administrative and other services provided or procured by Universal Life in connection with such investments in the funds. Investors may be able to obtain more information about these arrangements from their financial intermediaries.
From time to time, TCI, its affiliates and/or TAM and/or fund sub-advisers may also pay non-cash compensation to brokers and other financial intermediaries and their sales representatives in the form of, for example: (i) occasional gifts; (ii) occasional meals, tickets or other entertainment; and/or (iii) sponsorship support of broker marketing events or activities. For example such non-cash compensation may include in part, assistance with the costs and expenses associated with travel, lodging, educational meetings, seminars, meetings and conferences, entertainment and meals to the extent permitted by law.
The non-cash compensation to sales representatives and compensation or reimbursement received by brokers and other financial intermediaries through sales charges, other fees payable from the funds, and/or revenue sharing arrangements for selling shares of the funds may be more or less than the overall compensation or reimbursement on similar or other products and may influence your broker or other financial intermediary to present and recommend the funds over other investment options available in the marketplace. In addition, depending on the arrangements in place at any particular time, your broker or other financial intermediary may have a financial incentive for recommending a particular class of fund shares over other share classes.
Shareholders may obtain more information about these arrangements, including the conflicts of interests that such arrangements may create, from their brokers and other financial intermediaries, and should so inquire if they would like additional information. A shareholder may ask his/her broker or financial intermediary how he/she will be compensated for investments made in the funds. Revenue sharing payments, as well as payments under the shareholder services and distribution plan (where applicable), also benefit TAM, TCI and their affiliates to the extent the payments result in more assets being invested in the funds on which fees are being charged.
Although a fund may use financial firms that sell fund shares to effect transactions for the funds portfolio, the fund and its investment adviser or sub-adviser will not consider the sale of fund shares as a factor when choosing financial firms to effect those transactions.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Taxes on Distributions in General
Each fund will distribute all or substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains to its shareholders each year. Although a fund will not have to pay income tax on amounts it distributes to shareholders, shareholders will generally be taxed on amounts they receive, whether the distributions are paid in cash or are reinvested in additional shares. If a fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December, payable to shareholders of record in such a month, and pays it in the following January, shareholders will be taxed on the dividend as if they received it in the year in which it was declared. Each fund generally pays any dividends annually, except the following: Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica Balanced, Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond and Transamerica WMC Quality Value pay quarterly; Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity, Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond, Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond, Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS, Transamerica PIMCO Total Return, Transamerica Flexible Income, Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt pay monthly; Transamerica Money Market and Transamerica Short-Term Bond declare dividends daily and pay monthly. If necessary, each fund may make distributions at other times as well.
The following are guidelines for how certain distributions by a fund are generally taxed to non-corporate shareholders under current federal income tax law:
· Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) will be taxed as long-term capital gains at a maximum rate of 15% (0% for individuals in the 10% and 15% federal tax brackets).
· Distributions reported by a fund as qualified dividend income will also be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% (0% for individuals in the 10% and 15% federal tax brackets). Qualified dividend income generally is income derived from certain dividends from U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that a fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations will be qualified dividend income if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market. Note that a shareholder (and the fund in which the shareholder invests) will have to satisfy certain holding period requirements in order to obtain the benefit of the lower tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income.
· Other distributions generally will be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate applicable to the shareholder.
The tax rates in the first two bullets above do not apply to corporate shareholders. For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, distributions of net capital gains will be taxable to non-corporate shareholders at a maximum rate of 20%, and distributions of a funds dividend income will be taxable to shareholders at ordinary income tax rates.
The funds will send you a tax report annually summarizing the amount and tax aspects of your distributions. If you buy shares of a fund shortly before it makes a distribution (other than regularly monthly distributions paid by Transamerica Money Market or Transamerica Short-Term Bond), the distribution will be taxable to you even though it may actually be a return of a portion of your investment. This is known as buying a dividend.
Investors who invest through tax-deferred accounts, such as IRAs, 403(b) accounts, and qualified retirement plans, will ordinarily not be subject to tax until a distribution is made from the account, at which time such distribution is generally taxed
as ordinary income. These accounts are subject to complex tax rules, and tax-deferred account investors should therefore consult their tax advisers regarding their investments in a tax-deferred account.
Funds that invest in other funds (asset allocation funds) may recognize income on distributions from underlying funds in which they invest and may also recognize gains and losses if they redeem shares in underlying funds. Distributions of net capital gains, for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2013, qualified dividend income of either the asset allocation funds or underlying funds will generally be taxed at long-term capital gain rates when distributed to shareholders of the asset allocation funds. Other distributions, including short-term capital gains, generally will be taxed as ordinary income. The structure of the asset allocation funds and the reallocation of investments among underlying funds could affect the amount, timing and character of distributions.
Taxes on the Sale or Exchange of Shares
If you sell shares of a fund or exchange them for shares of another fund, you generally will have a capital gain or loss, which will generally be a long-term capital gain or loss if you held the shares for more than one year; otherwise it will generally be a short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss recognized on shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain that were received with respect to the shares.
Any gain or loss on the sale or exchange of shares is computed by subtracting your tax basis in the shares from the redemption proceeds in the case of a sale or the value of the shares received in the case of an exchange. Because your tax basis depends on the original purchase price and on the price at which any dividends may have been reinvested, you should be sure to keep account statements so that you or your tax return preparer will be able to determine whether a sale will result in a taxable gain or loss.
Note that money market funds typically maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. Assuming Transamerica Money Market maintains a stable net asset value, you will typically not recognize gain or loss upon the sale, redemption, or exchange of shares of this fund.
Withholding Taxes
A fund in which you invest may be required to apply backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on all distributions payable to you if you fail to provide the funds with your correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding. The backup withholding rate is currently 28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% in 2013. Backup withholding is not an additional tax, but is a method by which the IRS ensures that it will collect taxes otherwise due. Any amounts withheld may be credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability.
Non-Resident Alien Withholding
If you are a non-U.S. investor, you must provide a U.S. mailing address to establish an account unless your broker-dealer firm submits your account through the National Securities Clearing Corporation. Your broker-dealer will be required to submit a foreign certification form. Investors changing a mailing address to a non-U.S. address will be required to have a foreign certification form completed by their broker-dealer and returned to us before future purchases can be accepted. Shareholders that are not U.S. persons under the federal tax laws may be subject to U.S. withholding taxes on certain distributions and are generally subject to U.S. tax certification requirements. Additionally, those shareholders will need to provide an appropriate tax form (generally, Form W-8BEN) and documentary evidence and letter of explanation.
Other Tax Information
This tax discussion is for general information only. In addition to federal income taxes, you may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on payments received from, and investments made in shares of, a Transamerica fund. More information is provided in the SAI of the funds. You should also consult your own tax adviser for information regarding all tax consequences applicable to your investments in Transamerica Funds.
Information is not shown for Transamerica TS&W International Equity as the fund had not commenced operations as of October 31, 2010.
Notice of Privacy Policy
Protecting your privacy is very important to us. We want you to understand what information we collect and how we use it. We collect and use nonpublic personal information in connection with providing our customers with a broad range of financial products and services as effectively and conveniently as possible. We treat nonpublic personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
What Information We Collect and From Whom We Collect It
We may collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following sources:
· Information we receive from you on applications or other forms, such as your name, address, and account number;
· Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others, such as your account balance and purchase/redemption history; and
· Information we receive from non-affiliated third parties, including consumer reporting agencies.
What Information We Disclose and To Whom We Disclose It
We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about current or former customers to anyone without their express consent, except as permitted by law. We may disclose the nonpublic personal information we collect, as described above, to persons or companies that perform services on our behalf and to other financial institutions with which we have joint marketing agreements. We will require these companies to protect the confidentiality of your nonpublic personal information and to use it only to perform the services for which we have hired them.
Our Security Procedures
We restrict access to your nonpublic personal information and only allow disclosures to persons and companies as permitted by law to assist in providing products or services to you. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal information and to safeguard the disposal of certain consumer information.
If you have any questions about our Privacy Policy, please call 1-888-233-4339 on any business day between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Note: This Privacy Policy applies only to customers that have a direct relationship with us or our affiliates. If you own shares of our funds in the name of a third party such as a bank or broker-dealer, its privacy policy may apply to you instead of ours.
Both the investment returns and principal value of mutual funds will fluctuate over time so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Transamerica Funds
P.O. Box 9012
Clearwater, FL 33758-9012
Customer Service: 1-888-233-4339
Shareholder inquiries and transaction requests should be mailed to:
Transamerica Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 219945
Kansas City, MO 64121-9945
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION about these funds is contained in the Statement of Additional Information, dated March 1, 2011, and in the annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. The Statement of Additional Information is incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Other information about these funds has been filed with and is available from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Information about the funds (including the Statement of Additional Information) can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-202-551-8090. Copies of this information may be obtained upon payment of a duplication fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address, publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-1520. Reports and other information about the funds are also available on the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
To obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional Information or the annual and semi-annual reports, without charge, or to request other information or make other inquiries about these funds, call or write to Transamerica Funds at the phone number or address above or visit Transamerica Funds website at www.transamericafunds.com. In the Transamerica Funds annual report, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the funds' performance during the last fiscal year.
The Investment Company Act File Number for Transamerica Funds is 811-04556.
www.transamericafunds.com Sales Support: 1-800-851-7555 Distributor: Transamerica Capital, Inc. |
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TRANSAMERICA FUNDS |
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION |
March 1, 2011 |
570 Carillon Parkway |
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 |
Customer Service (888) 233-4339 (toll free) |
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TICKER SYMBOLS |
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FUNDS |
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A |
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B |
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C |
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I |
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P |
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I2 |
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TRANSAMERICA AEGON HIGH YIELD BOND |
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IHIYX |
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INCBX |
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INCLX |
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THDIX |
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THYPX |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA AQR MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA ASSET ALLOCATION - CONSERVATIVE PORTFOLIO1 |
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ICLAX |
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ICLBX |
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ICLLX |
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TACIX |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA ASSET ALLOCATION - GROWTH PORTFOLIO2 |
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IAAAX |
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IAABX |
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IAALX |
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TAGIX |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA ASSET ALLOCATION MODERATE GROWTH PORTFOLIO3 |
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IMLAX |
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IMLBX |
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IMLLX |
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TMGIX |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA ASSET ALLOCATION - MODERATE PORTFOLIO4 |
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IMOAX |
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IMOBX |
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IMOLX |
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TMMIX |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA BALANCED |
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IBALX |
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IBABX |
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IBLLX |
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TBLIX |
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TABPX |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA BLACKROCK GLOBAL ALLOCATION |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA BLACKROCK LARGE CAP VALUE |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA CLARION GLOBAL REAL ESTATE SECURITIES |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRSIX |
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TRANSAMERICA DIVERSIFIED EQUITY |
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TADAX |
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TADBX |
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TADCX |
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TDEIX |
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TADPX |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA FEDERATED MARKET OPPORTUNITY |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA FIRST QUADRANT GLOBAL MACRO |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA FLEXIBLE INCOME |
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IDITX |
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IFLBX |
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IFLLX |
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TFXIX |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA FOCUS |
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IALAX |
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IACBX |
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ILLLX |
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TFOIX |
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TAFPX |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA GOLDMAN SACHS COMMODITY STRATEGY |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES |
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ITSAX |
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ITCBX |
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ITSLX |
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TGPIX |
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TGOPX |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA HANSBERGER INTERNATIONAL VALUE |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA JENNISON GROWTH |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TJNIX |
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TRANSAMERICA JPMORGAN CORE BOND |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA JPMORGAN INTERNATIONAL BOND |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA JPMORGAN LONG/SHORT STRATEGY |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA JPMORGAN MID CAP VALUE |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA LOOMIS SAYLES BOND |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA MFS INTERNATIONAL EQUITY |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA MONEY MARKET |
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IATXX |
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IBTXX |
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IMLXX |
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TAMXX |
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TAPXX |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA MORGAN STANLEY EMERGING MARKETS DEBT |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA MORGAN STANLEY MID-CAP GROWTH |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA MORGAN STANLEY SMALL COMPANY GROWTH |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA MULTI-MANAGER ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PORTFOLIO |
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IMUAX |
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None |
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IMUCX |
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TASIX |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA MULTI-MANAGER INTERNATIONAL PORTFOLIO |
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IMNAX |
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IMNBX |
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IMNCX |
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TMUIX |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA NEUBERGER BERMAN INTERNATIONAL |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA OPPENHEIMER DEVELOPING MARKETS |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA OPPENHEIMER SMALL- & MID-CAP VALUE |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA PIMCO REAL RETURN TIPS |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA PIMCO TOTAL RETURN |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA SCHRODERS INTERNATIONAL SMALL CAP |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA SHORT-TERM BOND |
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ITAAX |
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None |
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ITACX |
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TSTIX |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA SMALL/MID CAP VALUE |
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IIVAX |
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IIVBX |
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IIVLX |
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TSVIX |
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None |
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TSMVX |
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TRANSAMERICA THIRD AVENUE VALUE |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA THORNBURG INTERNATIONAL VALUE |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA TS&W INTERNATIONAL EQUITY |
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TRWAX |
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None |
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TRWCX |
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TSWIX |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA UBS LARGE CAP VALUE |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA WMC DIVERSIFIED GROWTH5 |
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ITQAX |
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ITQBX |
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ITQLX |
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TETYX |
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TAEPX |
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None |
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TRANSAMERICA WMC EMERGING MARKETS |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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None |
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TWMCX |
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TRANSAMERICA WMC QUALITY VALUE |
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TWQAX |
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None |
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TWQCX |
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TWQIX |
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None |
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TWQZX |
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Each of the funds listed above is a series of Transamerica Funds (Transamerica Funds or the Trust), an open-end management investment company that is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). All funds, other than Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy, Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro, Transamerica Focus, Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy, Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS, and Transamerica Third Avenue Value, are diversified.
1 CLASS R: ICVRX; 2 CLASS R: IGWRX; 3 CLASS R: IMGRX; 4CLASS R: IMDRX; 5CLASS T: IEQTX
1
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3 |
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3 |
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6 |
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6 |
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14 |
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15 |
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17 |
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18 |
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18 |
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18 |
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WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED SETTLEMENT AND FORWARD DELIVERY SECURITIES |
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19 |
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20 |
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20 |
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INVESTMENTS IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY AND REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS) |
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20 |
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21 |
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23 |
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23 |
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25 |
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25 |
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25 |
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26 |
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26 |
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27 |
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29 |
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30 |
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30 |
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31 |
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31 |
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31 |
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32 |
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32 |
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33 |
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33 |
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33 |
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33 |
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34 |
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35 |
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35 |
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36 |
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43 |
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49 |
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51 |
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53 |
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55 |
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56 |
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59 |
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77 |
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77 |
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79 |
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80 |
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83 |
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84 |
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84 |
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84 |
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86 |
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86 |
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87 |
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87 |
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92 |
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110 |
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112 |
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A-1 |
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B-1 |
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C-1 |
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2
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
As indicated in each prospectus, each fund is subject to certain fundamental policies which as such may not be changed without shareholder approval. Shareholder approval would be the approval by the lesser of (i) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of a fund, or (ii) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of a fund are present or represented by proxy. Unless expressly designated as fundamental, all policies of each fund may be changed by Transamerica Funds Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. Each fund has adopted, as applicable, the following fundamental policies:
1. Diversification
Each fund shall be a diversified company as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) (except Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy, Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro, Transamerica Focus, Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy, Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS and Transamerica Third Avenue Value), and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy, Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro, Transamerica Focus, Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy, Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS and Transamerica Third Avenue Value are each currently a non-diversified company as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.
2. Borrowing
Each fund may not borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
3. Senior Securities
Each fund may not issue any senior security, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
4. Underwriting Securities
Each fund may not act as an underwriter of securities within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act), except as permitted under the 1933 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. Among other things, to the extent that the fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act, each fund may act as an underwriter of securities in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities in the ordinary course of pursuing its investment objective, investment policies and investment program.
5. Real Estate
Each fund may not purchase or sell real estate or any interests therein, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time. Notwithstanding this limitation, a fund may, among other things, (i) acquire or lease office space for its own use; (ii) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein; (iii) invest in mortgage-related securities and other securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein; or (iv) hold and sell real estate acquired by the fund as a result of the ownership of securities.
6. Making Loans
Each fund may not make loans, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
3
7. Concentration of Investments
Each fund may not concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries (except those funds listed below), except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time, provided that, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this limitation will not apply to securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and/or interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
In addition, with respect to Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy, this limitation will not apply to (i) securities of other investment companies; or (ii) repurchase agreements collaterialized by securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and/or interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
This restriction shall not apply to Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategys counterparties in foreign currency transactions. Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy concentrates in the natural resources related industries.
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities may concentrate in securities of issuers in the real estate industry.
8. Commodities
Each fund may not purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, and as interpreted, modified or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.
NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
Furthermore, certain funds have adopted the following non-fundamental policies, which may be changed by Transamerica Funds Board of Trustees of the fund without shareholder approval.
(A) Exercising Control or Management
Except for Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value, each fund may not invest in companies for the purposes of exercising control or management.
(B) Purchasing Securities on Margin
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond, Transamerica Balanced, Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica Flexible Income, Transamerica Growth Opportunities, Transamerica Jennison Growth, Transamerica MFS International Equity, Transamerica Money Market, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS, Transamerica PIMCO Total Return, Transamerica Short-Term Bond, Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value, Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value and Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth may not purchase securities on margin, except to obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of transactions in options, futures contracts, swaps and forward contracts and other derivative instruments, and provided that margin payments and other deposits made in connection with transactions in options, futures contracts, swaps and forward contracts and other derivative instruments shall not constitute purchasing securities on margin.
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value may not purchase securities on margin, except (i) for use of short-term credit necessary for the clearance of purchases of portfolio securities; and (ii) it may make margin deposits in connection with the futures contracts or other permissible investments.
(C) Illiquid Securities
No fund may purchase any security if, as a result, more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in illiquid securities (10% with respect to Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond and 5% with respect to Transamerica Money Market).
(D) Short Sales
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond, Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value, Transamerica Growth Opportunities, Transamerica MFS International Equity, Transamerica Money Market, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS, Transamerica PIMCO Total Return, Transamerica Short-Term Bond, Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value, Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value and Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth may not sell securities short, except short sales against the box. A short sale against the box of a stock is where the seller actually owns or has the right to obtain at no additional cost the stock, but does not want to close out the position.
Transamerica Balanced, Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica Flexible Income, Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy and Transamerica Jennison Growth may not sell securities short, unless they own or have the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short and provided that transactions in options, futures contracts, swaps, forward contracts and other derivative instruments are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
4
(E) Oil, Gas or Mineral Deposits
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond, Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio, Transamerica Balanced, Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica Flexible Income, Transamerica Jennison Growth, Transamerica Money Market, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS, Transamerica PIMCO Total Return and Transamerica Short-Term Bond may not invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral development or exploration programs although they may invest in the marketable securities of companies that invest in or sponsor such programs.
(F) Mortgage or Pledge Securities
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio, Transamerica Balanced, Transamerica Flexible Income, and Transamerica Jennison Growth may not mortgage or pledge any securities owned or held by the fund in amounts that exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the funds net assets, provided that this limitation does not apply to reverse repurchase agreements or in the case of assets deposited to provide margin or guarantee positions in options, futures contracts, swaps, forward contracts or other derivative instruments or the segregation of assets in connection with such transactions.
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond and Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value may not mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or, in any manner, transfer any security owned by the fund as security for indebtedness except as may be necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or investments and then such mortgaging, pledging or hypothecating may not exceed 33⅓% of the funds total assets at the time of borrowing or investment.
Transamerica Money Market may not mortgage or pledge any securities owned or held by the fund in amounts that exceed, in the aggregate, 15% of the funds net assets, provided that this limitation does not apply to reverse repurchase agreements or the segregation of assets in connection with such transactions.
(G) Investment in Other Investment Companies
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond, Transamerica Balanced, Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica Flexible Income, Transamerica Growth Opportunities, and Transamerica Jennison Growth may not purchase securities of other investment companies, other than a security acquired in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition, reorganization or offer of exchange and except as permitted under the 1940 Act.
Transamerica Diversified Equity and Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value may not acquire securities of other investment companies, except as permitted by the 1940 Act or any order pursuant thereto.
(H) Futures Contracts
Transamerica Short-Term Bond may enter into futures contracts and write and buy put and call options relating to futures contracts.
Transamerica MFS International Equity and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth may enter into futures contracts and write and buy put and call options relating to futures contracts. The funds may not, however, enter into leveraged futures transactions if it would be possible for the fund to lose more money than it invested.
Transamerica Balanced, Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities, Transamerica Flexible Income, and Transamerica Jennison Growth may not (i) enter into any futures contracts or options on futures contracts for purposes other than bona fide hedging transactions within the meaning of Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulations if the aggregate initial margin deposits and premiums required to establish positions in futures contracts and related options that do not fall within the definition of bona fide hedging transactions would exceed 5% of the fair market value of the funds net assets, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such contracts it has entered into; and (ii) enter into any futures contracts or options on futures contracts if the aggregate amount of the funds commitments under outstanding futures contracts positions and options on futures contracts would exceed the market value of total assets.
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond may not purchase or sell interest rate futures contracts (a) involving aggregate delivery or purchase obligations in excess of 30% of the funds net assets, or aggregate margin deposits made by the fund in excess of 5% of the funds net assets; (b) which are not for hedging purposes only; or (c) which are executed under custodial, reserve and other arrangements inconsistent with regulations and policies adopted or positions taken (i) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for exemption from enforcement proceedings under Section 17(f) or 18(f) of the 1940 Act; (ii) by the CFTC for exemption of investment companies registered under the 1940 Act from registration as commodity pool operators and from certain provisions of Subpart B of Part 4 of the CFTCs regulations; or (iii) by a state securities commissioner or administrator in one or more of the states in which the funds shares have been qualified for public offering.
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(I) Foreign Issuers
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond, Transamerica Jennison Growth, and Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond may not invest more than 25% of their net assets at the time of purchase in the securities of foreign issuers and obligors.
(J) Put, Call, Straddle or Spread Options
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond may not write or purchase put, call, straddle or spread options, or combinations thereof.
(K) Real Estate Limited Partnership
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond may not invest in real estate limited partnerships.
(L) Additional and Temporary Borrowings
Transamerica MFS International Equity may not purchase additional investment securities at any time during which outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the total assets of the fund.
(M) Bank Time Deposits
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond may not invest in bank time deposits with maturities of over 7 calendar days, or invest more than 10% of the funds total assets in bank time deposits with maturities from 2 business days through 7 calendar days.
(N) Officers Ownership
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond may not purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if, to the funds knowledge, those officers and directors of the manager and sub-adviser who individually own beneficially more than 0.5% of the outstanding securities of such issuer together own beneficially more than 5% of such outstanding securities.
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Options on Securities and Indices. In an effort to increase current income and to reduce fluctuations in net asset value, each of the funds, other than Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond, may write covered put and call options and buy put and call options on securities that are traded on United States and foreign securities exchanges, and over-the-counter. A fund also may write call options that are not covered for cross-hedging purposes. A fund may write and buy options on the same types of securities that the fund may purchase directly. There are no specific limitations on a funds writing and buying of options on securities.
A call option gives the purchaser the right to buy, and a writer has the obligation to sell, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option, regardless of the market price or exchange rate of the security, as the case may be. The premium paid to the writer is consideration for undertaking the obligations under the option contract. A put option gives the purchaser the right to sell, and a writer has the obligation to buy, the underlying security at the stated exercise price at any time prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of the market price or exchange rate of the security, as the case may be. A call option is covered if a fund owns the underlying security covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration if the underlying security is held in a segregated account by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A put option is covered if a fund segregates cash or other liquid assets with a value equal to the exercise price with its custodian. Put and call options will be valued at the last sale price or, in the absence of such a price, at the average between closing bid and asked price.
A fund may effectively terminate its right or obligation under an option by entering into a closing transaction. When a portfolio security or currency subject to a call option is sold, a fund will effect a closing purchase transaction -- the purchase of a call option on the same security or currency with the same exercise price and expiration date as the call option which a fund previously has written. If a fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to sell the underlying security or currency until the option expires or the fund delivers the underlying security or currency upon exercise. In addition, upon the exercise of a call option by the holder thereof, a fund will forego the potential benefit represented by market appreciation over the exercise price.
A put option written by a fund is covered, as that term is used in SEC interpretations and guidance regarding cover, if the fund (i) maintains cash not available for investment or other liquid assets with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with its custodian (alternatively, liquid assets may be earmarked on the funds records) or (ii) holds a put on the same security and in the same principal amount as the put written and the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written. The premium paid by the buyer of an option will reflect, among other things, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price and the volatility of the underlying security, the remaining term of the option, supply and demand and interest rates. A call option written by a fund is covered if the fund owns the underlying security covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or has segregated additional cash consideration with its custodian (alternatively, liquid assets may be earmarked on the funds records)) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A call option is also deemed to be covered if a fund holds a call on the same security and in the same principal amount as the call written and the exercise price of the call held (i) is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or (ii) is greater than the exercise price of the call written if the fund has segregated additional cash consideration with its custodian, or earmarked liquid assets on its records equal to the difference between the exercise price of the call written and that of the call held to cover such call.
When a fund writes an option, an amount equal to the net premium (the premium less the commission) received by the fund is included in the liability section of its statement of assets and liabilities as a deferred credit. The amount of the deferred credit will be subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. The current value of the traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the average of the closing bid and asked prices. If an option expires on the stipulated expiration date, or if a fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will realize a gain (or a loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the net premium received when the option is sold) and the deferred credit related to such option will be eliminated. If an option written by a fund is exercised, a fund may deliver the underlying security in the open market. In either event, the proceeds of the sale will be increased by the net premium originally received and a fund will realize a gain or loss.
Purchasers of options pay an amount known as a premium to the option writer in exchange for the right under the option contract. A principal reason for writing put and call options is to attempt to realize, through the receipt of premium income, a greater current return than would be realized on the underlying securities alone. This premium income will serve to enhance a funds total return and will reduce the effect of any price decline of the security involved in the option. In return for the premium received for a call option, a fund foregoes the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the underlying security above the exercise price so long as the option remains open, but retains the risk of loss should the price of the security decline. In return for the premium received for a put option, a fund assumes the risk that the price of the underlying security will decline below the exercise price, in which case the put would be exercised and the fund would suffer a loss.
Once the decision to write a call option has been made, a funds investment adviser or a sub-adviser, in determining whether a particular call option should be written on a particular security, will consider the reasonableness of the anticipated premium and the likelihood that a liquid secondary market will exist for those options. Closing transactions will be effected in order to realize a profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, or to permit a sale of the underlying security. Furthermore, effecting a closing transaction will permit a fund to write another call option on the underlying security with either a different exercise price or expiration date or both. If a fund desires to sell a particular security from its portfolio on which it has written a call option, it will seek to effect a closing transaction prior to, or concurrently with, the sale of the security. There is, of course, no assurance that a fund will be able to effect such closing transactions at a favorable price. If a fund cannot enter into such a transaction, it may be required to hold a security that it might
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otherwise have sold, in which case it would continue to be at market risk on the security. This could result in higher transaction costs. The funds will pay transaction costs in connection with the purchase or writing of options to close out previously purchased or written options. Such transaction costs are normally higher than those applicable to purchases and sales of portfolio securities.
Exercise prices of options may be below, equal to, or above the current market values of the underlying securities at the time the options are written. From time to time, a fund may purchase an underlying security for delivery in accordance with an exercise notice of a call option, rather than delivering such security from its portfolio. In such cases, additional costs will be incurred. A fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the transaction is less or more than the premium received from the writing of the option. Because increases in the market price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from the writing of a call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying security owned by a fund.
A fund may purchase put options in an effort to protect the value of a security it owns against a possible decline in market value. When a fund purchases put options, that fund is purchasing the right to sell a specified security (or securities) within a specified period of time at a specified exercise price. Puts may be acquired to facilitate the liquidity of the portfolio assets. Puts may also be used to facilitate the reinvestment of assets at a rate of return more favorable than that of the underlying security. A fund may sell, transfer, or assign a put it has purchased only in conjunction with the sale, transfer, or assignment of the underlying security or securities. The amount payable to a fund upon its exercise of a put is normally (i) the funds acquisition cost of the securities subject to the put (excluding any accrued interest which the fund paid on the acquisition), less any amortized market premium or plus any accreted market or original issue discount during the period the fund owned the securities; plus (ii) all interest accrued on the securities since the last interest payment date during that period.
Writing a put option involves the risk of a decrease in the market value of the underlying security, in which case the option could be exercised and the underlying security would then be sold by the option holder to a fund at a higher price than its current market value. A fund retains the premium received from writing a put option whether or not the option is exercised.
Index options (or options on securities indices) are similar in many respects to options on securities, except that an index option gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise, cash instead of securities, if the closing level of the securities index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option.
Because index options are settled in cash, a fund that writes a call on an index cannot determine the amount of its settlement obligations in advance and, unlike call writing on specific securities, cannot provide in advance for, or cover, its potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities. A fund will segregate assets or otherwise cover index options that would require it to pay cash upon exercise.
Index options are also subject to the timing risk inherent in writing index options. When an index option is exercised, the amount of cash that the holder is entitled to receive is determined by the difference between the exercise price and the closing index level on the date when the option is exercised. If a fund has purchased an index option and exercises it before the closing index value for that day is available, it runs the risk that the level of the underlying index may subsequently change. If such a change causes the exercised option to fall out-of-the-money, the fund will be required to pay cash in an amount of the difference between the closing index value and the exercise price of the option.
Options on Foreign Currencies. A fund may buy and write options on foreign currencies in a manner similar to that in which futures contracts or forward contracts, both as described below, on foreign currencies will be utilized. For example, a decline in the U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency in which fund securities are denominated will reduce the U.S. dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In order to protect against such diminutions in the value of fund securities, a fund may buy put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency declines, such fund will have the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount in U.S. dollars and, by doing so, will offset, in whole or in part, the adverse effect on its portfolio.
Conversely, when a rise in the U.S. dollar value of a currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated is projected, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, a fund may buy call options thereon. The purchase of such options could offset, at least partially, the effects of the adverse movements in exchange rates. If currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent desired, a fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options that would require such fund to forego a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in those rates. In addition, as in the case of other types of options, the benefit to the fund from purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. Buying put or call options will not protect a fund against price movements in the securities that are attributable to other causes.
A fund may also write options on foreign currencies. For example, in attempting to hedge against a potential decline in the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency denominated securities due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates, a fund could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a call option on the relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely not be exercised and the diminution in value of fund securities will be offset by the amount of the premium received.
Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option to attempt to hedge against a potential increase in the U.S. dollar cost of securities to be acquired, a fund could write a put option on the relevant currency which, if exchange rates move in the manner projected, will expire unexercised and allow that fund to offset the increased cost of the securities up to the amount of premium. As in the case of other types of options, however, the writing of a foreign currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium. If exchange rates do not move in the expected direction, the option may be exercised and a fund would be required to buy or sell the
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underlying currency at a loss which may not be offset by the amount of the premium. Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, a fund also may lose all or a portion of the benefits which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements in exchange rates.
A fund may write covered call options on foreign currencies. A call option written on a foreign currency by a fund is covered if that fund owns the underlying foreign currency covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration that is segregated by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other foreign currency held in its fund. A call option is also covered if: (i) a fund holds a call at the same exercise price for the same exercise period and on the same currency as the call written; or (ii) at the time the call is written, an amount of cash, or other liquid assets equal to the fluctuating market value of the optioned currency is segregated with the funds custodian.
A fund may write call options on foreign currencies for cross-hedging purposes that would not be deemed to be covered. A call option on a foreign currency is for cross-hedging purposes if it is not covered but is designed to provide a hedge against a decline due to an adverse change in the exchange rate in the U.S. dollar value of a security which the fund owns or has the right to acquire and which is denominated in the currency underlying the option. In such circumstances, a fund collateralizes the option by segregating cash or other liquid assets in an amount not less than the value of the underlying foreign currency in U.S. dollars marked-to-market daily.
The interbank market in non-U.S. currencies is a global and round-the-clock market. To the extent the U.S. options market is closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements might take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the U.S. options market until it reopens. Transactions involving non-U.S. currencies might be required to take place within the country issuing the underlying currency. Thus, a fund might be required to accept or make delivery of the underlying non-U.S. currency in accordance with any U.S. or non-U.S. regulations regarding the maintenance of non-U.S. banking arrangements by U.S. residents and might be required to pay any fees, taxes and charges associated with such delivery assessed in the issuing country. Options on non-U.S. currencies also have the risks of options on securities and indices, as discussed above.
Futures Contracts and Options thereon. A fund may enter into futures contracts, purchase or sell options on any such futures contracts, and engage in related closing transactions, to the extent permissible by applicable law. Futures contracts are for the purchase and sale, for future delivery, of equity or fixed-income securities, foreign currencies or contracts based on financial indices, including indices of U.S. government securities, foreign government securities and equity or fixed-income securities. Certain funds may enter into interest rate futures contracts. These contracts are for the purchase or sale of underlying debt instruments when the contract expires. A futures contract on a securities index is an agreement obligating either party to pay, and entitling the other party to receive, while the contract is outstanding, cash payments based on the level of a specified securities index.
U.S. futures contracts are traded on exchanges which have been designated contract markets by the CFTC and must be executed through a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), or brokerage firm, which is a member of the relevant contract market. Through their clearing corporations, the exchanges guarantee performance of the contracts as between the clearing members of the exchange.
The funds may use futures contracts to hedge against anticipated future changes in market conditions which otherwise might adversely affect the value of securities which these funds hold or intend to purchase. For example, when interest rates are expected to rise or market values of portfolio securities are expected to fall, a fund can seek through the sale of futures contracts to offset a decline in the value of its portfolio securities. When interest rates are expected to fall or market values are expected to rise, a fund, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases.
The funds also may purchase and sell put and call options on futures contracts. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, in return for the premium paid, to assume (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of a put) a position in a specified underlying futures contract (which position may be a long or short position) for a specified exercise price at any time during the option exercise period.
At the inception of a futures contract, a fund is required to make an initial margin deposit. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, a fund may be required by an exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action. A fund is also subject to calls for daily variation margin payments as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as marking-to-market. Daily variation margin calls could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If a fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.
If a fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract or an option on a futures position due to the absence of a liquid secondary market, the imposition of price limits or otherwise, it could incur substantial losses. The fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, except in the case of purchased options, the fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the future or option or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account.
Futures transactions involve brokerage costs and require a fund to segregate liquid assets, such as cash or other liquid securities to cover its obligation under such contracts. There is a possibility that a fund may lose the expected benefit of futures transactions if interest rates or securities prices move in an unanticipated manner. Such unanticipated changes may also result in poorer overall performance than if a fund had not entered into any futures transactions. In addition, the value of futures positions may not prove to be perfectly or even highly correlated with the value of its portfolio securities, limiting a funds ability to hedge effectively against interest rates and/or market risk and giving rise to additional risks. There is no assurance of liquidity in the secondary market for purposes of closing out futures positions.
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Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or an option on a futures contract can vary from the previous days settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions.
With respect to futures contracts that are not legally required to cash settle, a fund may cover the open position by setting aside or earmarking liquid assets in an amount equal to the market value of the futures contact. With respect to futures that are required to cash settle, however, a fund is permitted to set aside or earmark liquid assets in an amount equal to the portfolios daily marked-to-market (net) obligation, if any, (in other words, the portfolios daily net liability, if any) rather than the market value of the futures contract. By setting aside assets equal to its net obligation under cash-settled futures, a fund will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if the fund were required to segregate assets equal to the full market value of the futures contract.
Futures transactions will be limited to the extent necessary to maintain the qualification of these funds as regulated investment companies. Pursuant to a claim for exemption filed with the CFTC and/or the National Futures Association on behalf of the funds and their adviser, the funds and the adviser are not deemed to be a commodity pool or commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act and are not subject to registration or regulation as such under the Commodity Exchange Act. By virtue of changes to CFTC regulations, the substantive limitations set forth in the funds exemption filing with respect to its use of futures contracts are no longer applicable.
Forward Contracts. A forward contract is an agreement between two parties in which one party is obligated to deliver a stated amount of a stated asset at a specified time in the future, and the other party is obligated to pay a specified invoice amount for the assets at the time of delivery. A fund may enter into forward contracts to purchase and sell government securities, foreign currencies or other financial instruments. Forward contracts generally are traded in an interbank market conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. Unlike futures contracts, which are standardized contracts, forward contracts can be specifically drawn to meet the needs of the parties that enter into them. The parties to a forward contract may agree to offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract to maturity and complete the contemplated exchange.
The following discussion summarizes a funds principal uses of forward foreign currency exchange contracts (forward currency contracts). Forward currency contracts are not considered to be an investment in a foreign government for industry concentration purposes.
Except for Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro, a fund may enter into forward currency contracts with stated contract values of up to the value of that funds assets. The funds may enter into forward currency contracts in order to hedge against adverse movements in exchange rates between currencies. A forward currency contract is an obligation to buy or sell an amount of a specified currency for an agreed upon price (which may be in U.S. dollars or another currency). A fund will exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars and for other foreign currencies in the normal course of business.
A fund may use currency exchange contracts in the normal course of business to lock in an exchange rate in connection with purchases and sales of securities denominated in foreign currencies (transaction hedge) or to lock in the U.S. dollar value of portfolio positions (position hedge). In addition, a fund may cross hedge currencies by entering into a transaction to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value relative to other currencies to which a fund has or expects to have portfolio exposure. A fund may also engage in proxy hedging which is defined as entering into positions in one currency to hedge investments denominated in another currency, where the two currencies are economically linked. A funds entry into a forward currency contract, as well as any use of cross or proxy hedging techniques will generally require the fund to hold liquid securities or cash equal to a funds obligations in a segregated account throughout the duration of the contract. While a position hedge may offset both positive and negative currency fluctuations, it will not offset changes in security values caused by other factors. Proxy hedges may result in losses if the currency used to hedge does not perform similarly to the currency in which the hedged securities are denominated.
A fund may also combine forward currency contracts with investments in securities denominated in other currencies in order to achieve desired equity, credit and currency exposures. Such combinations are generally referred to as synthetic securities. For example, in lieu of purchasing a foreign equity or bond, a fund may purchase a U.S. dollar-denominated security and at the same time enter into a forward foreign currency exchange contract to exchange U.S. dollars for the contracts underlying currency at a future date. By matching the amount of U.S. dollars to be exchanged with the anticipated value of the U.S. dollar-denominated security, a fund may be able to lock in the foreign currency value of the security and adopt a synthetic investment position reflecting the equity return or credit quality of the U.S. dollar-denominated security.
By entering into a forward currency contract in U.S. dollars for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in an underlying security transaction, the funds are able to protect themselves against a possible loss between trade and settlement dates resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and such foreign currency. However, this tends to limit potential gains which might result from a positive change in such currency relationships. The funds may also hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk by engaging in currency financial futures and options transactions, which are described above. The forecasting of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult and whether such a short-term hedging strategy will be successful is highly uncertain.
It is impossible to forecast with precision the market value of portfolio securities at the expiration of a forward currency contract. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a fund to purchase additional currency on the spot market if the market value of the security is less than the amount of foreign currency such fund is obligated to deliver when a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the
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foreign currency in settlement of a forward contract. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security if its market value exceeds the amount of foreign currency such fund is obligated to deliver.
If a fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, it will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been movement in forward currency contract prices. If a fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward currency contract to sell the foreign currency. Although such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain which might result should the value of such currency increase. The funds will have to convert their holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars from time to time. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be no assurance that a fund will in fact be able to close out a forward currency contract at a favorable price prior to maturity. In addition, in the event of insolvency of the counterparty, a fund might be unable to close out a forward currency contract at any time prior to maturity, if at all. In either event, a fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position, and would continue to be required to maintain the required cover.
While forward currency contracts are not currently regulated by the CFTC, the CFTC may in the future assert authority to regulate forward currency contracts. In such event, a funds ability to utilize forward currency contracts may be restricted. In addition, a fund may not always be able to enter into forward currency contracts at attractive prices and may be limited in its ability to use these contracts to hedge its assets.
Swaps and Swap-Related Products. In order to attempt to protect the value of its investments from interest rate or currency exchange rate fluctuations, a fund may, subject to its investment restrictions, enter into interest rate and currency exchange rate swaps, and may buy or sell interest rate and currency exchange rate caps and floors. A funds sub-adviser may enter into these transactions primarily to attempt to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio. A fund also may enter into these transactions to attempt to protect against any increase in the price of securities the fund may consider buying at a later date.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments. The exchanged commitments can involve payments to be made in the same currency or in different currencies. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a contractually based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a contractually based principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor.
A fund, subject to its investment restrictions, enters into interest rate swaps, caps and floors on either an asset-based or liability-based basis, depending upon whether it is hedging its assets or its liabilities, and will usually enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with a fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). The net amount of the excess, if any, of a funds obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap, will be calculated on a daily basis. An amount of cash or other liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be segregated by its custodian.
If a fund enters into an interest rate swap on other than a net basis, it will maintain a segregated account in the full amount accrued on a daily basis of its obligations with respect to the swap. A fund will not enter into any interest rate swap, cap or floor transaction unless the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated in one of the three highest rating categories of at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization at the time of entering into such transaction. A funds sub-adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of all counterparties on an ongoing basis. If there is a default by the counterparty to such a transaction, the fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, which may be limited by applicable law in the case of the counterpartys insolvency.
The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. The funds sub-advisers have determined that, as a result, the swap market (except for certain credit default swaps discussed below) has become relatively liquid. The swap market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swap market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a funds ability to terminate existing credit default swap agreements (as discussed below) or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Nonetheless, caps and floors are more recent innovations and, may be less liquid than swaps. To the extent a fund sells (i.e., writes) caps and floors, it will segregate cash or other liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the full amount, accrued on a daily basis, of its obligations with respect to any caps or floors.
There is no limit on the amount of interest rate swap transactions that may be entered into by a fund, unless so stated in its investment objectives and policies. These transactions may in some instances involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets by a fund or its counterparty to collateralize obligations under the swap.
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Under the documentation currently used in those markets, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of the interest payments that a fund is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an interest rate swap that is not collateralized defaults, a fund would risk the loss of the net amount of the payments that it contractually is entitled to receive. A fund may buy and sell (i.e., write) caps and floors without limitation, subject to the segregation requirement described above.
In addition to the instruments, strategies and risks described in this SAI and in each prospectus, there may be additional opportunities in connection with options, futures contracts, forward currency contracts and other hedging techniques that become available as a funds sub-adviser develops new techniques, as regulatory authorities broaden the range of permitted transactions, and as new instruments are developed. The funds sub-advisers may use these opportunities to the extent they are consistent with each funds investment objective and as are permitted by a funds investment limitations and applicable regulatory requirements.
Credit Default Swaps. A fund may enter into credit default swap contracts for investment purposes. As the seller in a credit default swap contract, a fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, a fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, a fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment obligations. As the seller, a fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap.
A fund may also purchase credit default swap contracts in order to hedge against the risk of default of debt securities held in its portfolio, in which case the fund would function as the counterparty referenced in the preceding paragraph. This would involve the risk that the investment may expire worthless and would only generate income in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial instability).
Credit default swap contracts involve special risks and may result in losses to a fund. Credit default swaps may in some cases be illiquid, and they increase credit risk since a fund has exposure to both the issuer of the referenced obligation and the counterparty to the credit default swap. As there is no central exchange or market for credit default swap transactions, they may be difficult to trade or value, especially in the event of market disruptions.
Total Rate of Return Swaps. A fund may enter into total rate of return swap contracts for investment purposes. Total rate of return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the underlying asset during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from another underlying asset.
Swaptions. A fund may write swaption contracts to manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and to enhance fund yield. Swaption contracts written by a fund represent an option that gives the purchaser the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a previously agreed upon swap contract on a future date. If a written call swaption is exercised, the writer will enter a swap and is obligated to pay the fixed rate and receive a variable rate in exchange. Swaptions are marked-to-market daily based upon quotations from market makers.
Euro Instruments. The funds may make investments in Euro instruments. Euro instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts, or options thereon, which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate (the LIBOR), although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to time. Euro futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the lending of cash, and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. A fund might use Euro futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against changes in LIBOR, which may be linked to many interest rate swaps and fixed-income instruments.
Special Investment Considerations and Risks. The successful use of the
investment practices described above with respect to Financial Instruments
draws upon skills and experience which are different from those needed to
select the other instruments in which a fund may invest. Should interest or
exchange rates, or the prices of securities or financial indices move in an
unexpected manner, a fund may not achieve the desired benefits of the foregoing
instruments or may realize losses and thus be in a worse position than if such
strategies had not been used. In general, these investment practices may
increase the volatility of a fund and even a small investment in derivatives
may magnify or otherwise increase investment losses to a fund. Unlike many
exchange-traded futures contracts and options on futures contracts, there are
no daily price fluctuation limits with respect to options on currencies,
forward contracts and other negotiated or over-the-counter instruments, and
adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited extent over a
period of time. In addition, the correlation between movements in the price of
the securities and currencies hedged or used for cover will not be perfect and
could produce unanticipated losses.
A funds ability to dispose of its positions in Financial Instruments will depend on the availability of liquid markets in the instruments or, in the absence of a liquid market, the ability and willingness of the other party to the transaction (the counterparty) to enter into a closing transaction. If there is no market or the fund is not successful in its negotiations, the fund may not be able to sell or unwind the derivative position at a particular time or at an anticipated price. This may also be the case if the counterparty to the Financial Instrument becomes insolvent. Markets in a number of the instruments are relatively new and still developing, and it is impossible to predict the amount of trading interest that may exist in those instruments in the future. Therefore, there is no assurance that any position can be disposed of at a time and price that is favorable to a fund. While the position remains open, the fund continues to be subject to investment risk on the Financial Instrument. The fund may or may not be able to take other actions or enter into other transactions, including hedging transactions, to limit or reduce its exposure to the Financial Instrument. The purchase and sale of futures contracts and the exercise of options may cause a fund to sell or purchase related investments, thus increasing its portfolio turnover rate. Brokerage commissions paid by a fund with respect to Financial Instruments may be higher than those that would apply to direct purchases or sales of the underlying instruments.
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Particular risks exist with respect to the use of each of the Financial Instruments and could result in such adverse consequences to a fund as: the possible loss of the entire premium paid for an option bought by a fund; the inability of a fund, as the writer of a covered call option, to benefit from the appreciation of the underlying securities above the exercise price of the option; and the possible need to defer closing out positions in certain instruments to avoid adverse tax consequences. As a result, no assurance can be given that a fund will be able to use Financial Instruments effectively for their intended purposes.
A fund may be required to maintain assets as cover, maintain segregated accounts, post collateral or make margin payments when it takes positions in Financial Instruments. Assets that are segregated or used as cover, margin or collateral may be required to be in the form of cash or liquid securities, and typically may not be sold while the position in the Financial Instrument is open unless they are replaced with other appropriate assets. If markets move against a funds position, such fund may be required to maintain or post additional assets and may have to dispose of existing investments to obtain assets acceptable as collateral or margin. This may prevent it from pursuing its investment objective. Assets that are segregated or used as cover, margin or collateral typically are invested, and these investments are subject to risk and may result in losses to a fund. These losses may be substantial, and may be in addition to losses incurred by using the Financial Instrument in question. If a fund is unable to close out its positions, it may be required to continue to maintain such assets or accounts or make such payments until the positions expire or mature, and the fund will continue to be subject to investment risk on the assets. Segregation, cover, margin and collateral requirements may impair a funds ability to sell a portfolio security or make an investment at a time when it would otherwise be favorable to do so, or require a fund to sell a portfolio security or close out a derivatives position at a disadvantageous time or price.
Certain Financial Instruments transactions may have a leveraging effect on the funds, and adverse changes in the value of the underlying security, index, interest rate, currency or other instrument or measure can result in losses substantially greater than the amount invested in the Financial Instrument itself. When the funds engage in transactions that have a leveraging effect, the value of the fund is likely to be more volatile and all other risks also are likely to be compounded. This is because leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of an asset and creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the fund would otherwise have. Certain Financial Instruments have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment.
Many Financial Instruments may be difficult to value or may be valued subjectively. Inaccurate valuations can result in increased payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of value to the funds.
In a hedging transaction there may be imperfect correlation, or even no correlation, between the identity, price or price movements of a Financial Instrument and the identity, price or price movements of the investments being hedged. This lack of correlation may cause the hedge to be unsuccessful and may result in the fund incurring substantial losses and/or not achieving anticipated gains.
Hedging strategies can reduce opportunity for gain by offsetting the positive effect of favorable price movements. Even if the strategy works as intended, the fund might be in a better position had it not attempted to hedge at all.
Financial Instruments transactions used for non-hedging purposes may result in losses which would not be offset by increases in the value of portfolio securities or declines in the cost of securities to be acquired. In the event that the fund enters into a derivatives transaction as an alternative to purchasing or selling other investments or in order to obtain desired exposure to an index or market, the fund will be exposed to the same risks as are incurred in purchasing or selling the other investments directly, as well as the risks of the derivatives transaction itself.
Certain Financial Instruments transactions involve the risk of loss resulting from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure by the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. In the event of default by a counterparty, the fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction, which may be limited by applicable law in the case of the counterpartys bankruptcy.
Certain Financial Instruments transactions, including certain options, swaps, forward contracts, and certain options on foreign currencies, are not entered into or traded on exchanges or in markets regulated by the CFTC or the SEC. Instead, such over-the-counter (or OTC) derivatives are entered into directly by the counterparties and may be traded only through financial institutions acting as market makers. Many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available to participants in OTC derivatives transactions. For example, OTC derivatives transactions are not subject to the guarantee of an exchange or clearinghouse and as a result the fund bears greater risk of default by the counterparties to such transactions. Information available on counterparty creditworthiness may be incomplete or outdated, thus reducing the ability to anticipate counterparty defaults.
Financial Instruments involve operational risk. There may be incomplete or erroneous documentation or inadequate collateral or margin, or transactions may fail to settle. The risk of operational failures may be higher for OTC derivatives transactions. For derivatives not guaranteed by an exchange, the fund may have only contractual remedies in the event of a counterparty default, and there may be delays, costs, disagreements as to the meaning of contractual terms and litigation, in enforcing those remedies.
Use of Financial Instruments involves transaction costs, which may be significant. Use of Financial Instruments also may increase the amount of taxable income to shareholders, including in the fund that invests largely in municipal securities.
Additional Risks of Options on Foreign Currencies, Forward Contracts and Foreign Instruments. Unlike transactions entered into by a fund in futures contracts, options on foreign currencies and forward contracts are not traded on contract markets regulated by the CFTC or (with the exception of certain foreign currency options) by the SEC. Such instruments are traded through financial institutions acting as market-makers, although foreign currency options are also traded on certain national securities exchanges, such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the Chicago Board Options Exchange, subject to SEC regulation.
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Options on currencies may be traded OTC. In an OTC trading environment, many of the protections afforded to exchange participants will not be available, as discussed above. Although the buyer of an option cannot lose more than the amount of the premium plus related transaction costs, this entire amount could be lost. Moreover, an option writer and a buyer or seller of futures or forward contracts could lose amounts substantially in excess of any premium received or initial margin or collateral posted due to the potential additional margin and collateral requirements associated with such positions.
Options on foreign currencies traded on national securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC, as are other securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges will be available with respect to such transactions. In particular, all foreign currency option positions entered into on a national securities exchange are cleared and guaranteed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the OCC), thereby reducing the risk of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in options traded on a national securities exchange may be more readily available than in the OTC market, potentially permitting a fund to liquidate open positions at a profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the event of adverse market movements.
The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign currency options, however, is subject to the risks of the availability of a liquid secondary market described above, as well as the risks regarding adverse market movements, margining of options written, the nature of the foreign currency market, possible intervention by governmental authorities and the effects of other political and economic events.
In addition, exchange-traded options on foreign currencies involve certain risks not presented by the OTC market. For example, exercise and settlement of such options must be made exclusively through the OCC, which has established banking relationships in applicable foreign countries for this purpose. As a result, the OCC may, if it determines that foreign government restrictions or taxes would prevent the orderly settlement of foreign currency option exercises, or would result in undue burdens on the OCC or its clearing member, impose special procedures on exercise and settlement. These include such things as technical changes in the mechanics of delivery of currency, the fixing of dollar settlement prices or prohibitions on exercise.
In addition, options on U.S. government securities, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts and options on foreign currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges and OTC in foreign countries. Such transactions are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in or the prices of foreign currencies or securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political and economic factors; (ii) less availability than that available in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions; (iii) delays in a funds ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States; (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States; and (v) low trading volume.
Examples of the types of U.S. government securities that a fund may hold include, in addition to those described in the prospectus, direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, the obligations of the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Small Business Administration, General Services Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Farm Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks and Maritime Administration. U.S. government securities may be supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government (such as securities of the Small Business Administration); by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (such as securities of the Federal Home Loan Bank); by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agencys obligations (such as securities of the Federal National Mortgage Association); or only by the credit of the issuing agency.
Obligations guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or government-sponsored entities include issues by non-government-sponsored entities (like financial institutions) that carry direct guarantees from U.S. government agencies or government sponsored entities as part of government initiatives in response to the market crisis or otherwise. In the case of obligations not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, a fund must look principally to the agency or instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitments. Neither the U.S. government nor any of its agencies or instrumentalities guarantees the market value of the securities they issue. Therefore, the market value of such securities will fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates.
Exchange Rate-Related U.S. Government Securities. To the extent permitted by a funds investment policies, a fund may invest in U.S. government securities for which the principal repayment at maturity, while paid in U.S. dollars, is determined by reference to the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the currency of one or more foreign countries (Exchange Rate-Related Securities). The interest payable on these securities is denominated in U.S. dollars, is not subject to foreign currency risk and, in most cases, is paid at rates higher than most other U.S. government securities in recognition of the foreign currency risk component of Exchange Rate-Related Securities. Exchange Rate-Related Securities are issued in a variety of forms, depending on the structure of the principal repayment formula. The principal repayment formula may be structured so that the security holder will benefit if a particular foreign currency to which the security is linked is stable or appreciates against the U.S. dollar. In the alternative, the principal repayment formula may be structured so that the securityholder benefits if the U.S. dollar is stable or appreciates against the linked foreign currency. Finally, the principal repayment formula can be a function of more than one currency and, therefore, be designed as a combination of those forms.
Investments in Exchange Rate-Related Securities entail special risks. There is the possibility of significant changes in rates of exchange between the U.S. dollar and any foreign currency to which an Exchange Rate-Related Security is linked. If currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated by a sub-adviser at the time of purchase of the security, the amount of principal repaid at maturity might be significantly below the par value of the security, which might not be offset by the interest earned by a fund over the term of the security. The rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and other currencies is determined by the
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forces of supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets. These forces are affected by the international balance of payments and other economic and financial conditions, government intervention, speculation and other factors. The imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls by the U.S. or foreign governments or intervention by central banks could also affect exchange rates. Finally, there is no assurance that sufficient trading interest to create a liquid secondary market will exist for a particular Exchange Rate-Related Security because of conditions in the debt and foreign currency markets. Illiquidity in the forward foreign exchange market and the high volatility of the foreign exchange market may from time to time combine to make it difficult to sell an Exchange Rate-Related Security prior to maturity without incurring a significant price loss.
A fund may invest in foreign securities
through the purchase of securities of foreign issuers or of American Depositary
Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary
Receipts (GDRs) and Fiduciary Depositary Receipts (FDRs) or other
securities representing underlying shares of foreign companies. Generally, ADRs,
in registered form, are designed for use in U.S. securities markets and EDRs,
GDRs and FDRs, in bearer form, are designed for use in European and global
securities markets. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust
company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities. EDRs, GDRs and FDRs
are European, global and fiduciary receipts, respectively, evidencing a similar
arrangement.
Because foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a U.S. company. Volume and liquidity in most foreign markets are less than in the U.S., and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. The less liquid a market, the more difficult it may be for a fund to accurately price its portfolio securities or to dispose of such securities at the times determined by a sub-adviser to be appropriate. The risks associated with reduced liquidity may be particularly acute in situations in which a funds operations require cash, such as in order to meet redemptions and to pay its expenses. Fixed commissions on foreign securities exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although a fund will endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the U.S., thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities.
A fund may be subject to taxes, including withholding taxes imposed by certain non-U.S. countries on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) earned with respect to the funds investments in such countries. These taxes will reduce the return achieved by the fund. Treaties between the U.S. and such countries may reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates.
Additionally, the operating expenses of a fund making foreign investments can be expected to be higher than those of an investment company investing exclusively in U.S. securities, since the costs of investing in foreign securities are higher than the costs of investing exclusively in U.S. securities. Custodian services and other costs such as valuation costs and communication costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the U.S.
Each fund also may invest in notes and similar linked securities (e.g., zero strike warrants and debt), which are derivative instruments issued by a financial institution or special purpose entity the performance and price of which depends on the performance and price of a corresponding foreign security, securities, market or index. Upon redemption or maturity, the principal amount or redemption amount is payable based on the price level of the linked security, securities, market or index at the time of redemption or maturity, or is exchanged for corresponding shares of common stock or units of the linked security. These securities are generally subject to the same risks as direct holdings of securities of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities, including currency risk and the risk that the amount payable at maturity or redemption will be less than the principal amount of the derivative instrument because the linked security, securities, market or index has declined. Also, these securities are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the company issuing such a linked security may fail to pay the full amount due at maturity or redemption. A fund could have difficulty disposing of these securities because there may be restrictions on redemptions and there may be no market or a thin trading market in such securities.
Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures; and in certain markets, there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Such delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a fund investing in foreign markets is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of such a fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Losses to a fund due to subsequent declines in the value of portfolio securities, or losses arising out of an inability to fulfill a contract to sell such securities, could result in potential liability to the fund. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which could affect the investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
In many instances, foreign debt securities may provide higher yields than securities of domestic issuers which have similar maturities and quality. Under certain market conditions these investments may be less liquid than the securities of U.S. corporations and are certainly less liquid than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Finally, in the event of a default of any such foreign debt obligations, it may be more difficult to obtain or to enforce a judgment against the issuers of such securities.
If a security is denominated in foreign currency, the value of the security to a fund will be affected by changes in currency exchange rates and in exchange control regulations, and costs will be incurred in connection with conversions between currencies. Currency risks generally increase in lesser developed markets. Exchange rate movements can be large and can endure for extended periods of time,
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affecting either favorably or unfavorably the value of a funds assets. The value of the assets of a fund as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations.
A change in the value of any foreign currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding change in the U.S. dollar value of securities denominated in that currency. Such changes will also affect the income and distributions to shareholders of a fund investing in foreign markets. In addition, although a fund will receive income on foreign securities in such currencies, it will be required to compute and distribute income in U.S. dollars. Therefore, if the exchange rate for any such currency declines materially after income has been accrued and translated into U.S. dollars, a fund could be required to liquidate portfolio securities to make required distributions. Similarly, if an exchange rate declines between the time a fund incurs expenses in U.S. dollars and the time such expenses are paid, the amount of such currency required to be converted into U.S. dollars in order to pay such expenses in U.S. dollars will be greater.
ADRs, which are traded in the United States on exchanges or over-the-counter, are issued by domestic banks. ADRs represent the right to receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a domestic bank or a correspondent bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in foreign issuers stock. However, by investing in ADRs rather than directly in foreign issuers stock, a fund can avoid currency risks during the settlement period for either purchase or sales.
In general, there is a large, liquid market in the United States for many ADRs. The information available for ADRs is subject to the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards of the domestic market or exchange on which they are traded, which standards are more uniform and more exacting than those to which many foreign issuers may be subject. Certain ADRs, typically those denominated as unsponsored, require the holders thereof to bear most of the costs of such facilities, while issuers of sponsored facilities normally pay more of the costs thereof. The depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited securities or to pass through the voting rights to facility holders with respect to the deposited securities, whereas the depositary of a sponsored facility typically distributes shareholder communications and passes through the voting rights.
Sovereign Debt Securities. Certain funds may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by any country and denominated in any currency. Except for funds that are permitted to invest in emerging markets, these funds expect to generally invest in developed countries. Developed countries include, without limitation, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The obligations of governmental entities have various kinds of government support and include obligations issued or guaranteed by governmental entities with taxing power. These obligations may or may not be supported by the full faith and credit of a government. Debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governmental entities have credit characteristics similar to those of domestic debt securities but are subject to the risks attendant to foreign investments, which are discussed above.
The funds may also purchase securities issued by semi-governmental or supranational agencies such as the Asian Developmental Bank, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Export-Import Bank and the European Investment Bank. The governmental members, or stockholders, usually make initial capital contributions to the supranational entity and in many cases are committed to make additional capital contributions if the supranational entity is unable to repay its borrowings. Certain funds will not invest more than 25% of their assets in the securities of supranational entities.
Sovereign debt is subject to risks in addition to those relating to non-U.S. investments generally. As a sovereign entity, the issuing government may be immune from lawsuits in the event of its failure or refusal to pay the obligations when due. The debtors willingness or ability to repay in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtors policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which the sovereign debtor may be subject. Sovereign debtors also may be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments or multinational agencies, the countrys access to trade and other international credits, and the countrys balance of trade. Some emerging market sovereign debtors have in the past rescheduled their debt payments or declared moratoria on payments, and similar occurrences may happen in the future. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
Emerging Markets. Certain funds may invest in securities of emerging market countries. Emerging market countries may include, without limitation, any country which, at the time of investment, is categorized by the World Bank in its annual categorization as middle- or low-income. These securities may be U.S. dollar denominated or non- U.S. dollar denominated and include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities, including Brady Bonds; (b) debt obligations of supranational entities; (c) debt obligations (including dollar and non-dollar denominated) and other debt securities of foreign corporate issuers; and (d) non-dollar denominated debt obligations of U.S. corporate issuers. A fund may also invest in securities denominated in currencies of emerging market countries. There is no minimum rating criteria for a funds investments in such securities.
Emerging market and certain other non-U.S. countries may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability. Such instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision making; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved economic, political and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection and conflict. Such economic, political and social instability could significantly disrupt the financial markets in such countries and the ability of the issuers in such countries to repay their obligations. Investing in emerging countries also involves the risk of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation in any emerging country, a fund could lose its entire investment in that
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country. Certain emerging market countries restrict or control foreign investment in their securities markets to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit a funds investment in those markets and may increase the expenses of the fund. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain markets in the region is subject to restrictions such as the need for certain governmental consents. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of a funds operation. Economies in individual non-U.S. countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation, currency valuation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions. Many non-U.S. countries have experienced substantial, and in some cases extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market countries. Economies in emerging market countries generally depend heavily upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. The economies, securities and currency markets of many emerging market countries have experienced significant disruption and declines. There can be no assurances that these economic and market disruptions will not continue.
Certain funds may invest in Brady Bonds, which are securities created through the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to sovereign entities for new obligations in connection with debt restructurings under a debt restructuring plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the Brady Plan). Brady Plan debt restructurings have been implemented in a number of countries, including: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jordan, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Brady Bonds may be collateralized or
uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies (primarily the U.S. dollar)
and are actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary market. Brady Bonds
are not considered to be U.S. government securities. U.S.
dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed-rate par
bonds or floating-rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full as
to principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as the
Brady Bonds. Interest payments on these Brady Bonds generally are
collateralized on a one-year or longer rolling-forward basis by cash or
securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed-rate bonds, is equal to at
least one year of interest payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds,
initially is equal to at least one years interest payments based on the
applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals
thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to value recovery payments in certain
circumstances, which in effect constitute supplemental interest payments but
generally are not collateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three
or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at
final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the
uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of
principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the residual
risk).
Most Mexican Brady Bonds issued to date have principal repayments at final maturity fully collateralized by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds (or comparable collateral denominated in other currencies) and interest coupon payments collateralized on an 18-month rolling-forward basis by funds held in escrow by an agent for the bondholders. A significant portion of the Venezuelan Brady Bonds and the Argentine Brady Bonds issued to date have principal repayments at final maturity collateralized by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds (or comparable collateral denominated in other currencies) and/or interest coupon payments collateralized on a 14-month (for Venezuela) or 12-month (for Argentina) rolling-forward basis by securities held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as collateral agent.
Brady Bonds involve various risk factors including residual risk and the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds. There can be no assurance that Brady Bonds in which the fund may invest will not be subject to restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit, which may cause the fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.
Certain funds may from time to time sell securities short. In the event that the sub-adviser anticipates that the price of a security will decline, it may sell the security short and borrow the same security from a broker or other institution to complete the sale. A fund will incur a profit or a loss, depending upon whether the market price of the security decreases or increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the fund must replace the borrowed security. All short sales will be fully collateralized. Short sales represent an aggressive trading practice with a high risk/return potential, and short sales involve special considerations. Risks of short sales include that possible losses from short sales may be unlimited (e.g., if the price of a stock sold short rises), whereas losses from direct purchases of securities are limited to the total amount invested, and a fund may be unable to replace a borrowed security sold short.
Certain funds may make short sales of securities, either as a hedge against potential declines in value of a portfolio security or to realize appreciation when a security that the fund does not own declines in value. When a fund makes a short sale, it borrows the security sold short and delivers it to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale. A fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to turn over any payments received on such borrowed securities to the lender of the securities.
A fund secures its obligation to replace the
borrowed security by depositing collateral with the broker-dealer, usually in
cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities similar to those
borrowed. With respect to uncovered short positions, a fund is required to
deposit similar collateral with its custodian, if necessary, to the extent that
the value of both collateral deposits in the aggregate is at all times equal to
at least 100% of the current market value of the security sold short. Depending
on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which a fund borrowed the
security, regarding payment received by the fund on such security, a fund may
not receive any payments (including interest) on its collateral deposited with
such broker-dealer.
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Because making short sales in securities that it does not own exposes a fund to the risks associated with those securities, such short sales involve speculative exposure risk. A fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the borrowed security. As a result, if a fund makes short sales in securities that increase in value, it will likely underperform similar mutual funds that do not make short sales in securities. A fund will realize a gain on a short sale if the security declines in price between those dates. There can be no assurance that a fund will be able to close out a short sale position at any particular time or at an acceptable price. Although a funds gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the security, less the price at which the security was sold and may, theoretically, be unlimited.
A fund may also make short sales against the box. In this type of short sale, at the time of the sale, a fund owns or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire the identical security at no additional cost. In the event that a fund were to sell securities short against the box and the price of such securities were to then increase rather than decrease, the fund would forego the potential realization of the increased value of the shares sold short.
Subject to applicable investment restrictions, a fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies as permitted under the 1940 Act.
Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from
the SEC or under a statutory exemption or an exemptive rule adopted by the SEC,
a fund may invest in other investment companies beyond the statutory limits
prescribed by the 1940 Act.
BlackRock Investment Management, LLC has received an exemptive order from the SEC permitting funds that are sub-advised by it to invest in affiliated registered money market funds and ETFs, and in an affiliated private investment company; provided however, that, among other limitations, in all cases the funds aggregate investment of cash in shares of such investment companies shall not exceed 25% of its total assets at any time.
A fund may indirectly bear a portion of any
investment advisory fees and expenses and distribution (12b-1) fees paid by
funds in which it invests, in addition to the advisory fees and expenses paid
by the fund. Investments in other investment companies are subject to the risks
of the securities in which those investment companies invest.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). Subject to limitations under the 1940 Act, a fund may invest in shares of investment companies known as ETFs. For example, a fund may invest in S&P Depositary Receipts, or SPDRs. SPDRs are securities that represent ownership in a long-term unit investment trust that holds a portfolio of common stocks designed to track the performance of the S&P 500 Index. A fund investing in a SPDR would be entitled to the dividends that accrue to the S&P 500 stocks in the underlying portfolio, less trust expenses. Investing in these securities may result in duplication of certain fees and expenses paid by these securities in addition to the advisory fees and expenses paid by the fund. Other examples of ETFs in which the funds may invest are Dow Industrial Average Model New Deposit Shares (DIAMONDS) (interests in a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average), WEBS or World Equity Benchmark Shares (interests in a portfolio of securities that seeks to track the performance of a benchmark index of a particular foreign countrys stocks), and the Nasdaq-100 Trust or QQQ (interests in a portfolio of securities of the largest and most actively traded non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market).
COMMODITIES AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Commodities may include, among other things, oil, gas, timber, farm products, minerals, precious metals, for example, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, and other natural resources. Certain funds may invest in companies (such as mining, dealing or transportation companies) with substantial exposure to, or instruments that result in exposure to, commodities markets. Commodities generally and particular commodities have, at times been subject to substantial price fluctuations over short periods of time and may be affected by unpredictable monetary and political policies such as currency devaluations or revaluations, economic and social conditions within a country, trade imbalances, or trade or currency restrictions between countries. The prices of commodities may be, however, less subject to local and company-specific factors than securities of individual companies. As a result, commodity prices may be more or less volatile in price than securities of companies engaged in commodity-related businesses. Investments in commodities can present concerns such as delivery, storage and maintenance, possible illiquidity, and the unavailability of accurate market valuations.
A fund may seek to provide exposure to the
investment returns of real assets that trade in the commodity markets through
investments in commodity-linked investments, including commodities futures
contracts, commodity-linked derivatives, and commodity-linked notes.
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy, Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation
and Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy may also gain exposure to the
commodity markets through investments in a wholly-owned subsidiary of that fund
organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (each, a Subsidiary). Real
assets are assets such as oil, gas, industrial and precious metals, livestock,
and agricultural or meat products, or other items that have tangible
properties, as compared to stocks or bonds, which are financial instruments.
The value of commodity-linked investments held by the fund may be affected by a
variety of factors, including, but not limited to, overall market movements and
other factors affecting the value of particular industries or commodities, such
as weather, disease, embargoes, acts of war or terrorism, or political and
regulatory developments.
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The prices of commodity-linked investments may move in different directions than investments in traditional equity and debt securities when the value of those traditional securities is declining due to adverse economic conditions. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decline in value due to the general increase in prevailing interest rates. Conversely, during those same periods of rising inflation, the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. Of course, there cannot be any guarantee that these investments will perform in that manner in the future, and at certain times the price movements of commodity-linked investments have been parallel to those of debt and equity securities. Commodities have historically tended to increase and decrease in value during different parts of the business cycle than financial assets. Nevertheless, at various times, commodities prices may move in tandem with the prices of financial assets and thus may not provide overall portfolio diversification benefits. Under favorable economic conditions, the funds commodity-linked investments may be expected to underperform an investment in traditional securities.
Because commodity-linked derivatives are available from a relatively small number of issuers, the funds investments in commodity-linked derivatives are particularly subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the commodity-linked derivative (which issuer may serve as counterparty to a substantial number of the funds commodity-linked and other derivative investments) will not fulfill its contractual obligations.
INVESTMENTS IN
SUBSIDIARY (Transamerica
AQR Managed Futures Strategy and
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy)
A fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiary. Investments in the Subsidiaries are expected to provide the funds with exposure to the commodity markets. The principal purpose of investment in the Subsidiaries is to allow the funds to gain exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of the federal tax law requirements applicable to regulated investment companies. Each Subsidiary is a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and is overseen by its own board of directors. Although each Subsidiary has its own board of directors, each Subsidiary is wholly-owned and controlled by a fund.
The Subsidiaries (unlike the funds) may invest without limit in commodities, commodity-linked derivatives, ETFs, leveraged or unleveraged commodity-linked notes and other investments that provide exposure to commodities. Although the funds may to some extent invest directly in commodity-linked derivative instruments and other investments that provide exposure to commodities, the funds may also gain exposure to these derivative instruments indirectly by investing in the Subsidiaries. Each Subsidiary also may invest in other instruments, including fixed income securities, either as investments or to serve as margin or collateral for the Subsidiarys derivatives positions. To the extent that a fund invests in a Subsidiary, it may be subject to the risks associated with those derivative instruments and other securities, which are discussed elsewhere in the Prospectus and this SAI.
Each Subsidiary is advised by TAM and sub-advised by the corresponding funds sub-adviser. A Subsidiary (unlike a fund) may invest without limitation in commodities, commodity index-linked securities and other commodity-linked securities and derivative instruments. However, each Subsidiary otherwise is subject to the corresponding funds investment restrictions and other policies. Each fund and its Subsidiary test for compliance with the funds investment restrictions on a consolidated basis.
The Subsidiaries are not investment companies
registered under the 1940 Act and, unless otherwise noted in the Prospectus and
this SAI, are not subject to all of the investor protections of the 1940 Act
and other U.S. regulations. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the
Cayman Islands could affect the ability of a fund and/or a Subsidiary to
operate as described in the Prospectus and this SAI and could negatively affect
a fund and its shareholders.
WHEN-ISSUED, DELAYED SETTLEMENT AND FORWARD DELIVERY SECURITIES
Securities may be purchased and sold on a when-issued, delayed settlement or forward (delayed) delivery basis. When-issued or forward delivery refers to securities whose terms are available, and for which a market exists, but which are not available for immediate delivery. When-issued or forward delivery transactions may be expected to occur a month or more before delivery is due. A fund may engage in when-issued transactions to obtain what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of the transaction. When a fund engages in when-issued or forward delivery transactions, it will do so consistent with its investment objective and policies and not for the purpose of investment leverage (although leverage may result).
Delayed settlement is a term used to describe settlement of a securities transaction in the secondary market which will occur sometime in the future. No payment or delivery is made by a fund until it receives payment or delivery from the other party for any of the above transactions. A fund will segregate with its custodian cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid assets at least equal to the value or purchase commitments until payment is made. The segregated securities will either mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date. This may result in the realization of capital gains or losses, which are generally subject to federal income tax when distributed to a funds shareholders. Typically, no income accrues on securities purchased on a delayed delivery basis prior to the time delivery of the securities is made, although a fund may earn income on securities it has segregated to collateralize its delayed delivery purchases.
New issues of stocks and bonds, private placements and U.S. government securities may be sold in this manner. At the time of settlement, the market value and/or the yield of the security may be more or less than the purchase price. A fund bears the risk of such market value fluctuations. These transactions also involve the risk that the other party to the transaction may default on its obligation to make payment or delivery. As a result, a fund may be delayed or prevented from completing the transaction and may incur additional costs as a consequence of the delay.
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ZERO-COUPON, PAY-IN-KIND AND STEP-COUPON SECURITIES
Subject to its investment restrictions, a fund may invest in zero-coupon, pay-in-kind and step-coupon securities. Zero-coupon bonds are issued and traded at a discount from their face value. They do not entitle the holder to any periodic payment of interest prior to maturity. Step-coupon bonds trade at a discount from their face value and pay coupon interest. The coupon rate is low for an initial period and then increases to a higher coupon rate thereafter. The discount from the face amount or par value depends on the time remaining until cash payments begin, prevailing interest rates, liquidity of the security and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. Pay-in-kind bonds give the issuer an option to pay cash at a coupon payment date or give the holder of the security a similar bond with the same coupon rate and a face value equal to the amount of the coupon payment that would have been made. Certain funds may also invest in strips, which are debt securities that are stripped of their interest after the securities are issued, but otherwise are comparable to zero-coupon bonds.
Federal income tax law requires holders of zero-coupon securities, deferred interest securities, and step-coupon securities to report the portion of the original issue discount on such securities that accrue that year as interest income, even if prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payment. A fund may also elect to include in income currently any market discount accruing on securities purchased with such market discount. In order to qualify for treatment as a regulated investment company under the Code, a fund must distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), including the original issue discount accrued on zero-coupon or step-coupon bonds. Because it may not receive full or even any cash payments on a current basis in respect of accrued original-issue discount on zero-coupon bonds or step-coupon bonds, in some years a fund may have to distribute cash obtained from other sources in order to satisfy the distribution requirements under the Code. A fund might obtain such cash from selling other portfolio holdings. These actions may reduce the assets to which fund expenses could be allocated and may reduce the rate of return for such fund. In some circumstances, such sales might be necessary in order to satisfy cash distribution requirements even though investment considerations might otherwise make it undesirable for a fund to sell the securities at the time.
Generally, the market prices of zero-coupon bonds and strip securities are more volatile than the prices of securities that pay interest periodically in cash and they are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than other types of debt securities having similar maturities and credit quality.
Certain funds may enter into dollar rolls transactions, pursuant to which a fund sells securities and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a specified future date. In the case of dollar rolls involving mortgage-backed securities, the mortgage-backed securities that are purchased typically will be of the same type and will have the same or similar interest rate and maturity as those sold, but will be supported by different pools of mortgages. A fund forgoes principal and interest paid during the roll period on the securities sold in a dollar roll, but the fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the price for the future purchase as well as by any interest earned on the proceeds of the securities sold. A fund could also be compensated through receipt of fee income. The fund intends to enter into dollar rolls only with government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Board, or with member banks of the Federal Reserve. A fund will not treat dollar rolls as being subject to its borrowing or senior securities restrictions. In addition to the general risks involved in leveraging, dollar rolls are subject to the same risks as repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, which are discussed below.
INVESTMENTS IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY AND REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)
REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing real estate, or real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs, or hybrid REITs.
Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. Hybrid REITs invest their assets in both real property and mortgages. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to policyowners provided they comply with several requirements of the Code.
Investments in the real estate industry are subject to risks associated with direct investment in real estate. Such risks include, but are not limited to: declining real estate values; risks related to general and local economic conditions; over-building; increased competition for assets in local and regional markets; changes in zoning laws; difficulties in completing construction; changes in real estate value and property taxes; increases in operating expenses or interest rates; changes in neighborhood values or the appeal of properties to tenants; insufficient levels of occupancy; and inadequate rents to cover operating expenses. The performance of securities issued by companies in the real estate industry also may be affected by management of insurance risks, adequacy of financing available in capital markets, the competence of management, changes in applicable laws and governmental regulations (including taxes) and social and economic trends.
REITs also may subject a portfolio to certain risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. As described above, these risks include, among others: possible declines in the value of real estate; possible lack of availability of mortgage funds; extended vacancies of properties; risks related to general and local economic conditions; overbuilding; increases in competition, property taxes and operating expenses; changes in zoning laws; costs resulting from the clean-up of, liability to third parties for or damages resulting from, environmental problems, or casualty or condemnation losses; uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters; limitations on and variations in rents; and changes in interest rates.
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Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks, in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not diversified, and are subject to risks associated with heavy cash flow dependency, potential default by borrowers, self-liquidation and the possibilities of failing to qualify for the exemption from tax for distributed income under the Code. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as health care, are also subject to industry related risks.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REITs investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REITs investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REITs investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically, REITs have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in the S&P 500 Index.
The funds may invest in mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and by private issuers entities, provided, however, that to the extent that a fund purchases mortgage-related securities from such issuers which may, solely for purposes of the 1940 Act, be deemed to be investment companies, the funds investment in such securities will be subject to the limitations on its investment in investment company securities. In the case of privately-issued mortgage-related and asset-backed securities, the funds take the position that such instruments do not represent interests in any particular industry or group of industries.
Mortgage-related securities in which the
funds may invest represent pools of mortgage loans assembled for sale to
investors by various governmental agencies such as the Government National
Mortgage Association (GNMA) and government-related organizations such as
Fannie Mae (formally known as the Federal National Mortgage Association) and
Freddie Mac (formally known as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation), as
well as by nongovernmental issuers such as commercial banks, savings and loan
institutions, mortgage bankers, other private issuers, and private mortgage
insurance companies. Although certain mortgage-related securities are
guaranteed by a third party or otherwise similarly secured, the market value of
the security, which may fluctuate, is not so secured. If a fund purchases a
mortgage-related security at a premium, that portion may be lost if there is a
decline in the market value of the security whether resulting from changes in
interest rates or prepayments in the underlying mortgage collateral. As with
other interest-bearing securities, the prices of such securities are inversely
affected by changes in interest rates. However, though the value of a
mortgage-related security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse is
not necessarily true, since in periods of declining interest rates the
mortgages underlying the securities are prone to prepayment, thereby shortening
the average life of the security and shortening the period of time over which
income at the higher rate is received. When interest rates are rising, though,
the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the period of
time over which income at the lower rate is received. A funds yield may be
affected by reinvestment of prepayments at higher or lower rates than the
original investment. For these and other reasons, a mortgage-related securitys
average maturity may be shortened or lengthened as a result of interest rate
fluctuations; and, therefore, it is not possible to predict accurately the
securitys return. In addition, regular payments received in respect of
mortgage-related securities include both interest and principal. No assurance
can be given as to the return a fund will receive when these amounts are
reinvested. The U.S. government has provided financial support to Fannie Mae
and Freddie Mac, but there can be no assurances that it will support these or
other government-sponsored entities in the future.
There are a number of important differences
among the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government that issue
mortgage-related securities and among the securities that they issue.
Mortgage-related securities issued by GNMA include GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through
Certificates (also known as Ginnie Maes) which are guaranteed as to the
timely payment of principal and interest by GNMA and such guarantee is backed
by the full faith and credit of the United States. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S.
government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
GNMA certificates also are supported by the authority of GNMA to borrow funds
from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under its guarantee. Mortgage-related
securities issued by Fannie Mae include Fannie Mae Guaranteed Mortgage
Pass-Through Certificates (also known as Fannie Maes) which are solely the
obligations of Fannie Mae and are not backed by or entitled to the full faith
and credit of the United States. Fannie Mae is a government-sponsored
organization owned entirely by private stockholders. Fannie Maes are guaranteed
as to the timely payment of the principal and interest by Fannie Mae.
Mortgage-related securities issued by Freddie Mac include Freddie Mac Mortgage
Participation Certificates (also known as Freddie Macs or PCs). Freddie Mac
is a corporate instrumentality of the United States, created pursuant to an Act
of Congress, which is owned entirely by Federal Home Loan Banks. Freddie Macs
are not guaranteed by the United States or by any Federal Home Loan Banks and
do not constitute a debt or obligation of the United States or of any Federal
Home Loan Bank. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to the timely payment of
interest, which is guaranteed by Freddie Mac. Freddie Mac guarantees either
ultimate collection or the timely payment of all principal payments on the
underlying mortgage loans. When Freddie Mac does not guarantee timely payment
of principal, Freddie Mac may remit the amount due on account of its guarantee
of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying
mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable.
The repayment of certain mortgage-related securities depends primarily on the cash collections received from the issuers underlying asset portfolio and, in certain cases, the issuers ability to issue replacement securities (such as asset-backed commercial paper). As a result, there could be losses to a fund in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the issuers underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing securities, or the issuers inability to issue new or replacement securities. This is also true for other asset-backed securities. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the investors in a security held by the fund may become the holders of underlying assets at a time when those assets may be
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difficult to sell or may be sold only at a loss. If mortgage-backed securities or asset-backed securities are bought at a discount, however, both scheduled payments of principal and unscheduled prepayments will increase current and total returns and will accelerate the recognition of income which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income.
Unlike mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its sponsored entities, mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers do not have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee, but may have credit enhancement provided by external entities such as banks or financial institutions or achieved through the structuring of the transaction itself. Examples of such credit support arising out of the structure of the transaction include the issue of senior and subordinated securities (e.g., the issuance of securities by a special purpose vehicles in multiple classes or tranches, with one or more classes being senior to other subordinated classes as to the payment of principal and interest, with the result that defaults on the underlying mortgage loans are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class); creation of reserve funds (in which case cash or investments, sometimes funded from a portion of the payments on the underlying mortgage loans, are held in reserve against future losses); and over-collateralization (in which case the scheduled payments on, or the principal amount of, the underlying mortgage loans exceeds that required to make payment of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). However, there can be no guarantee that credit enhancements, if any, will be sufficient to prevent losses in the event of defaults on the underlying mortgage loans.
If a fund purchases subordinated mortgage-backed securities, the payments of principal and interest on the funds subordinated securities generally will be made only after payments are made to the holders of securities senior to the funds securities. Therefore, if there are defaults on the underlying mortgage loans, a fund will be less likely to receive payments of principal and interest, and will be more likely to suffer a loss. Privately issued mortgage-backed securities are not traded on an exchange and there may be a limited market for the securities, especially when there is a perceived weakness in the mortgage and real estate market sectors. Without an active trading market, mortgage-backed securities held in a funds portfolio may be particularly difficult to value because of the complexities involved in assessing the value of the underlying mortgage loans.
In addition, mortgage-backed securities that
are issued by private issuers are not subject to the underwriting requirements
for the underlying mortgages that are applicable to those mortgage-backed
securities that have a government or government-sponsored entity guarantee. As
a result, the mortgage loans underlying private mortgage-backed securities may,
and frequently do, have less favorable collateral, credit risk or other
underwriting characteristics than government or government-sponsored
mortgage-backed securities and have wider variances in a number of terms
including interest rate, term, size, purpose and borrower characteristics.
Privately issued pools more frequently include second mortgages, high
loan-to-value mortgages and manufactured housing loans. The coupon rates and
maturities of the underlying mortgage loans in a private-label mortgage-backed
securities pool may vary to a greater extent than those included in a
government guaranteed pool, and the pool may include subprime mortgage loans.
Subprime loans refer to loans made to borrowers with weakened credit histories
or with a lower capacity to make timely payments on their loans. For these
reasons, the loans underlying these securities have had in many cases higher
default rates than those loans that meet government underwriting requirements.
See Recent Market Events.
The risk of non-payment is greater for mortgage-backed securities that are backed by mortgage pools that contain subprime loans, but a level of risk exists for all loans. Market factors adversely affecting mortgage loan repayments may include a general economic turn-down, high unemployment, a general slowdown in the real estate market, a drop in the market prices of real estate, or an increase in interest rates resulting in higher mortgage payments by holders of adjustable rate mortgages.
Certain funds may invest in Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (CMOs) residuals and stripped mortgage-backed securities (SMBS). CMO residuals are mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
The cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to prepayments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same manner as an interest-only (IO) class of stripped mortgage-backed securities. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances a fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.
CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO residual market has only very recently developed, and CMO residuals currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets. Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed only after careful review of the characteristics of the securities in question. In addition, CMO residuals may, or pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not have been registered under the 1933 Act. CMO residuals, whether or not registered under the 1933 Act, may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, and may be deemed illiquid and subject to a funds limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage
securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S.
government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans,
including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks,
investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
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SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the IO class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or PO class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including pre-payments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a funds yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed illiquid and subject to a funds limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
An asset-backed security represents an interest in a pool of assets such as receivables from credit card loans, automobile loans and other trade receivables. Changes in the markets perception of the asset backing the security, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans, or the financial institution providing any credit enhancement, will all affect the value of an asset-backed security, as will the exhaustion of any credit enhancement. The risks of investing in asset-backed securities ultimately depend upon the payment of the consumer loans by the individual borrowers. In its capacity as purchaser of an asset-backed security, a fund would generally have no recourse to the entity that originated the loans in the event of default by the borrower. Additionally, in the same manner as described above under Mortgage-Related Securities with respect to prepayment of a pool of mortgage loans underlying mortgage-related securities, the loans underlying asset-backed securities are subject to prepayments, which may shorten the weighted average life of such securities and may lower their return.
A fund may purchase commercial paper, including asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) that is issued by structured investment vehicles or other conduits. These conduits may be sponsored by mortgage companies, investment banking firms, finance companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and special purpose finance entities. ABCP typically refers to a debt security with an original term to maturity of up to 270 days, the payment of which is supported by cash flows from underlying assets, or one or more liquidity or credit support providers, or both. Assets backing ABCP, which may be included in revolving pools of assets with large numbers of obligors, include credit card, car loan and other consumer receivables and home or commercial mortgages, including subprime mortgages. The repayment of ABCP issued by a conduit depends primarily on the cash collections received from the conduits underlying asset portfolio and the conduits ability to issue new ABCP. Therefore, there could be losses to a fund investing in ABCP in the event of credit or market value deterioration in the conduits underlying portfolio, mismatches in the timing of the cash flows of the underlying asset interests and the repayment obligations of maturing ABCP, or the conduits inability to issue new ABCP. To protect investors from these risks, ABCP programs may be structured with various protections, such as credit enhancement, liquidity support, and commercial paper stop-issuance and wind-down triggers. However there can be no guarantee that these protections will be sufficient to prevent losses to investors in ABCP.
Some ABCP programs provide for an extension of the maturity date of the ABCP if, on the related maturity date, the conduit is unable to access sufficient liquidity through the issue of additional ABCP. This may delay the sale of the underlying collateral and a fund may incur a loss if the value of the collateral deteriorates during the extension period. Alternatively, if collateral for ABCP commercial paper deteriorates in value, the collateral may be required to be sold at inopportune times or at prices insufficient to repay the principal and interest on the ABCP. ABCP programs may provide for the issuance of subordinated notes as an additional form of credit enhancement. The subordinated notes are typically of a lower credit quality and have a higher risk of default. A fund purchasing these subordinated notes will therefore have a higher likelihood of loss than investors in the senior notes.
Asset-backed securities may be subject to greater risk of default during periods of economic downturn than other securities which could result in possible losses to a fund. In addition, the secondary market for asset-backed securities may not be as liquid as the market for other securities which may result in a funds experiencing difficulty in valuing and/or disposing of asset-backed securities.
Asset-backed securities may present certain risks not relevant to mortgage-backed securities. Assets underlying asset-backed securities such as credit card receivables are generally unsecured, and debtors are entitled to the protection of various state and federal consumer protection laws, some of which provide a right of set-off that may reduce the balance owed.
Certain funds focus their investments in income-producing securities.
Certain funds will purchase defaulted
securities only when their respective sub-advisers believe, based upon analysis
of the financial condition, results of operations and economic outlook of an
issuer, that there is potential for resumption of income payments and that the
securities offer an unusual opportunity for capital appreciation.
Notwithstanding the sub-advisers belief as to the resumption of income
payments, however, the purchase of any security on which payment of interest or
dividends is suspended involves a high degree of risk. Such risk includes,
among other things, the following:
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Financial and Market Risks. Investments in securities that are in default involve a high degree of financial and market risks that can result in substantial, or at times even total, losses. Issuers of defaulted securities may have substantial capital needs and may become involved in bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings. Among the problems involved in investments in such issuers is the fact that it may be difficult to obtain information about the condition of such issuers. The market prices of such securities |
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also are subject to abrupt and erratic movements and above average price volatility, and the spread between the bid and asked prices of such securities may be greater than normally expected. |
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Disposition of Fund Securities. The funds generally intend to purchase securities for which the sub-adviser expects an active market to be maintained. Defaulted securities may be less actively traded than other securities making it more difficult to dispose of substantial holdings of such securities at prevailing market prices. The funds will limit holdings of any such securities to amounts that the sub-adviser believes could be readily sold, and its holdings of such securities would, in any event, be limited so as not to limit the funds ability to readily dispose of securities to meet redemptions. |
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Other. Defaulted securities require active monitoring and may, at times, require participation in bankruptcy or receivership proceedings on behalf of the funds. |
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Other types of income-producing securities that the funds may purchase include, but are not limited to, the following: |
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Variable and Floating Rate Obligations. These types of securities are relatively long-term instruments that often carry demand features permitting the holder to demand payment of principal at any time or at specified intervals prior to maturity. |
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Standby Commitments. These instruments, which are similar to a put, give a fund the option to obligate a broker, dealer or bank to repurchase a security held by a fund at a specified price. |
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Tender Option Bonds. Tender option bonds are relatively long-term bonds that are coupled with the agreement of a third party (such as a broker, dealer or bank) to grant the holders of such securities the option to tender the securities to the institution at periodic intervals. |
The funds will purchase instruments with demand features, standby commitments and tender option bonds primarily for the purpose of increasing the liquidity of their portfolios.
These investments are subject to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk relates to the partys ability to make payment upon demand; market risk relates to the fact that the value of the security will be impacted by the rise and fall of interest rates and other market events. Because a fund may invest in securities backed by banks and other financial institutions, changes in the credit quality of these institutions could cause losses to the fund and affect its share price.
In the event that a security is rated by
different agencies and receives different ratings from these agencies, unless a
funds prospectus provides otherwise, a fund will treat the security as being
rated in the highest rating category received from an agency. Credit rating
criteria is applied at the time the fund purchases a security and the fund may
choose not to sell securities that are downgraded below investment grade after
their purchases. In general, the ratings of agencies represent the opinions of
these agencies as to the quality of securities that they rate. Such ratings,
however, are relative and subjective, are not absolute standards of quality and
do not evaluate the market value risk of the securities. These ratings will be
used by the funds as initial criteria for the selection of portfolio
securities, but the funds also will rely upon the independent advice of a
sub-adviser to evaluate potential investments. A sub-adviser in its reasonable
judgment will determine what rating to assign to unrated securities.
If, after purchase, the credit rating on a security is downgraded or the credit quality deteriorates, or if the maturity is extended, a funds portfolio managers will decide whether the security should be held or sold. Upon the occurrence of certain triggering events or defaults, the investors in a security held by a fund may become the holders of underlying assets. In that case, a fund may become the holder of securities that it could not otherwise purchase at a time when those assets may be difficult to sell or can be sold only at a loss.
Distressed Debt Securities. Certain funds may
invest in distressed securities. Distressed debt securities are debt securities
that are purchased in the secondary market and are the subject of bankruptcy
proceedings or otherwise in default as to the repayment of principal and/or
interest at the time of acquisition by a fund or are rated in the lower rating
categories (Ca or lower by Moodys Investors Services, Inc. (Moodys) and CC
or lower by Standard and Poors Ratings Group (S&P)) or which, if
unrated, are in the judgment of a sub-adviser of equivalent quality. Distressed
securities are speculative and involve substantial risks. The risks associated
with high-yield securities are heightened by investing in distressed debt
securities.
Generally,
a fund will invest in distressed securities when the sub-adviser believes it is
reasonably likely that the issuer of the distressed debt securities will make
an exchange offer or will be the subject of a plan of reorganization pursuant
to which the fund will receive new securities (e.g.,
equity securities). However, there can be no assurance that such an exchange
offer will be made or that such a plan of reorganization will be adopted. In
addition, a significant period of time may pass between the time at which a
fund makes its investment in distressed debt securities and the time that any
such exchange offer or plan of reorganization is completed. During this period,
it is unlikely that the fund will receive any interest payments on the
distressed debt securities, the fund will be subject to significant uncertainty
as to whether or not the exchange offer or plan will be completed and the fund
may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses to protect or recover
its investment. Even if an exchange offer is made or plan or reorganization is
adopted with respect to the distressed debt securities held by a fund, there
can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by the fund in
connection with such exchange offer or plan or reorganization will not have a
lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment
was made. Moreover, any securities received by the fund upon completion of an
exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a
result of a funds participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange
offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of distressed debt
securities, the fund may be restricted from disposing of such securities.
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Maturity and Duration. The maturity of a fixed income
security is a measure of the time remaining until the final payment on the
security is due. For simple fixed income securities, duration indicates the
average time at which the securitys cash flows are to be received. For simple
fixed income securities with interest payments occurring prior to the payment of
principal, duration is always less than maturity. For example, a current coupon
bullet bond with a maturity of 3.5 years will have a duration of approximately
three years. In general, the lower the stated or coupon rate of interest of a
fixed income security, the closer its duration will be to its final maturity;
conversely, the higher the stated or coupon rate of interest of a fixed income
security, the shorter its duration will be compared to its final maturity.
The determination of duration becomes more
complex when fixed income securities with features like floating coupon
payments, optionality, prepayments, and structuring are evaluated. There are
differing methodologies for computing effective duration prevailing in the
industry. These methods estimate the expected response of the securitys price
to changes in its yield, usually under the assumption that the yield changes
will be driven by changes in the level of an underlying interest rate curve
while holding the securitys spread constant. So a security with an effective
duration of 3 years is expected on average to have a negative price return of
about 30 basis points when its yield rises by 10 basis points (about 30 basis
points is used rather than exactly 30 basis points because other factors like
convexity can also affect the relationship). Floating rate securities may have
final maturities of ten or more years, but their effective durations will
typically be very short (or, in some circumstances, negative).
High-yield/high-risk bonds, below-investment-grade securities (commonly known as junk bonds) involve significant credit and liquidity concerns and fluctuating yields, and are not suitable for short-term investing. Higher yields are ordinarily available on fixed-income securities which are unrated or are rated in the lower rating categories of recognized rating services such as Moodys and S&P, but also are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuers capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations.
Valuation risks. Lower rated bonds also involve the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments when due. In the event of an unanticipated default, a fund owning such bonds would experience a reduction in its income, and could expect a decline in the market value of the securities so affected. Such funds, furthermore, may incur additional costs in seeking the recovery of the defaulted securities. More careful analysis of the financial condition of each issuer of lower-rated securities is therefore necessary. During an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing.
The market prices of lower-grade securities are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic or political changes or individual developments specific to the issuer. Periods of economic or political uncertainty and change can be expected to result in volatility of the prices of these securities. Past experience with high-yield securities in a prolonged economic downturn may not provide an accurate indication of future performance during such periods.
Liquidity risks. Lower-rated securities also may have less liquid markets than higher-rated securities, and their liquidity as well as their value may be more severely affected by adverse economic conditions. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions as well as new or proposed laws may also have a greater negative impact on the market for lower rated bonds.
Unrated securities are not necessarily of lower credit quality than rated securities, but the markets for lower rated and nonrated securities are more limited than those in which higher-rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for a fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its securities and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for a fund to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of a fund to sell securities at their fair value either to meet redemption requests or to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets. In addition, an economic downturn or increase in interest rates is likely to have a greater negative effect on: (i) the market for lower-rated and nonrated securities; (ii) the value of high-yield debt securities held by a fund; (iii) the new asset value of a fund holding such securities; and (iv) the ability of the bonds issuers to repay principal and interest, meet projected business goals and obtain additional financing than on higher-rated securities.
Additional risks of high-yield/high-risk bonds. Lower rated debt obligations also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption, a fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Also, the principal value of bonds moves inversely with movements in interest rates; in the event of rising interest rates, the value of the securities held by a fund may decline more than a portfolio consisting of higher rated securities. If a fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its higher rated bonds, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of the securities held by the fund and increasing the exposure of the fund to the risks of lower rated securities.
Subsequent to its purchase by a fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the fund. Neither event will require sale of these securities by the fund, but a sub-adviser will consider the event in determining whether a fund should continue to hold the security.
A fund may invest in securities which are subordinated or junior to
more senior securities of the issuer, or which represent interests in pools of
such subordinated or junior securities. Such securities may include so-called
high yield or junk bonds (i.e.,
bonds that are rated below investment grade by a rating agency or that are
deemed by the subadviser to be of equivalent quality) and preferred stock.
Under the terms of subordinated securities, payments that would otherwise be
made to their holders may be required to be made to the
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The funds, from time to time, may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers, banks or institutional borrowers of securities. In accordance with guidelines from the SEC and its staff, a fund must receive at least 102% collateral (generally 102% for domestic securities and 105% for international securities), in the form of cash or U.S. government securities. This collateral must be valued daily; and should the market value of the loaned securities increase, the borrower must furnish additional collateral to the lender. During the time portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays the lender dividends or interest paid on such securities. Loans are subject to termination by the lender or the borrower at any time. While the funds do not have the right to vote securities on loan, each intends to regain the right to vote if that is considered important with respect to the investment. In the event the borrower defaults on its obligation to a fund, the fund could experience delays in recovering its securities, possible capital losses and even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. The funds will only enter into loan arrangements with broker-dealers, banks or other institutions determined to be creditworthy under guidelines that may be established by the Board of Trustees. At the termination of a loan transaction, a fund has the obligation to return cash or collateral delivered by the borrower. A fund may experience losses on the collateral and may be required to liquidate other investments at inopportune times in order to return amounts to the borrower.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED/144A SECURITIES
Subject to its investment restrictions a fund may invest up to 15% (5% for Transamerica Money Market) of its net assets in illiquid securities, including restricted securities that are illiquid.
Restricted securities are securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on their resale, such as private placements. Such restrictions might prevent the sale of restricted securities at a time when the sale would otherwise be desirable. Securities sold through private placements are not registered under the 1933 Act, as amended, and may not be subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements that would be applicable if the sale of securities were so registered.
Except where provided otherwise under Non-Fundamental Policies, to the extent required by applicable law and SEC guidance, no securities for which there is not a readily available market (illiquid securities) will be acquired by a fund if such acquisition would cause the aggregate value of illiquid securities to exceed 15% (10% with respect to Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond and 5% with respect to Transamerica Money Market) of the funds net assets. An illiquid security is any security which may not be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the value at which a fund has valued the security. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value, and a fund may have difficulty disposing of such securities promptly.
In recent years, a large institutional market has developed for certain securities that are not registered under the 1933 Act. Institutional investors generally will not seek to sell these instruments to the general public, but instead will often depend on an efficient institutional market in which such unregistered securities can readily be resold or on an issuers ability to honor a demand for repayment. Therefore, the fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or certain institutions is not dispositive of the liquidity of such investments.
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act established a safe harbor from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act for resales of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Institutional markets for restricted securities that might develop as a result of Rule 144A could provide both readily ascertainable values for restricted securities and the ability to liquidate an investment in order to satisfy share redemption orders. An insufficient number of qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing a Rule 144A-eligible security held by
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a portfolio could, however, adversely affect the marketability of such portfolio security and the portfolio might be unable to dispose of such security promptly or at reasonable prices.
The funds Board of Trustees has authorized each funds sub-adviser to make liquidity determinations with respect to Rule 144A securities in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. Under the guidelines which may be amended from time to time, the funds sub-adviser generally will consider the following factors in determining whether a Rule 144A security is liquid: 1) the frequency of trades and quoted prices for the security; 2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential purchasers; 3) the willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the security; 4) the nature of the marketplace trades, including the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer; 5) the likelihood that the securitys marketability will be maintained throughout the anticipated holding period; and/or 6) other factors deemed appropriate. The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the OTC markets. A fund may be restricted in its ability to sell such securities at a time when a funds sub-adviser deems it advisable to do so. In addition, in order to meet redemption requests, a fund may have to sell other assets, rather than such illiquid securities, at a time that is not advantageous.
Municipal Bonds. Municipal bonds generally are classified as general obligation or revenue bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuers pledge of its full faith, credit and unlimited taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues generated by a particular facility or class of facility, or in some cases from the proceeds of a special excise tax or specific revenue source.
Private Activity Bonds. Private activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to provide funds, usually through a loan or lease arrangement, to a private entity for the purpose of financing construction of privately operated industrial facilities, such as warehouse, office, plant and storage facilities and environmental and pollution control facilities. Such bonds are secured primarily by revenues derived from loan repayments or lease payments due from the entity, which may or may not be guaranteed by a parent company or otherwise secured. Private activity bonds generally are not secured by a pledge of the taxing power of the issuer of such bonds. Therefore, repayment of such bonds generally depends on the revenue of a private entity. The continued ability of an entity to generate sufficient revenues for the payment of principal and interest on such bonds will be affected by many factors, including the size of the entity, its capital structure, demand for its products or services, competition, general economic conditions, government regulation and the entitys dependence on revenues for the operation of the particular facility being financed.
Interest income on certain types of private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986 to finance non-governmental activities is a specific tax preference item for purposes of the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT). Bonds issued in 2009 and 2010 generally will not be treated as private activity bonds, and interest earned on such bonds generally will not be treated as a tax preference item. Individual and corporate shareholders may be subject to a federal AMT to the extent that a funds dividends are derived from interest on those bonds. Although dividends derived from interest income on tax-exempt municipal obligations are generally a component of the current earnings adjustment item for purposes of the federal corporate AMT, dividends of interest income on municipal obligations issued in 2009 and 2010 generally will not be included in the current earnings adjustment.
Industrial Development Bonds. Industrial development bonds (IDBs) are issued by public authorities to obtain funds to provide financing for privately-operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, convention or trade show facilities, airport, mass transit, port and parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, and certain facilities for water supply, gas, electricity or sewerage or solid waste disposal. Although IDBs are issued by municipal authorities, the payment of principal and interest on IDBs is dependent solely on the ability of the user of the facilities financed by the bonds to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of the real and personal property being financed as security for such payments. IDBs are considered municipal securities if the interest paid is exempt from regular federal income tax. Interest earned on IDBs may be subject to the federal AMT.
Municipal Notes. Municipal notes are short-term debt obligations issued by municipalities which normally have a maturity at the time of issuance of six months to three years. Such notes include tax anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes and project notes. Notes sold in anticipation of collection of taxes, a bond sale or receipt of other revenues are normally obligations of the issuing municipality or agency.
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Municipal Commercial Paper. Municipal commercial paper is short-term debt obligations issued by municipalities. Although done so infrequently, municipal commercial paper may be issued at a discount (sometimes referred to as Short-Term Discount Notes). These obligations are issued to meet seasonal working capital needs of a municipality or interim construction financing and are paid from a municipalitys general revenues or refinanced with long-term debt. Although the availability of municipal commercial paper has been limited, from time to time the amounts of such debt obligations offered have increased, and this increase may continue.
Participation Interests. A participation interest in municipal obligations (such as private activity bonds and municipal lease obligations) gives a fund an undivided interest in the municipal obligation in the proportion that the funds participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the municipal obligation. Participation interests in municipal obligations may be backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of, or a right to put to, a bank (which may be the bank issuing the participation interest, a bank issuing a confirming letter of credit to that of the issuing bank, or a bank serving as agent of the issuing bank with respect to the possible repurchase of the participation interest) or insurance policy of an insurance company. The fund has the right to sell the participation interest back to the institution or draw on the letter of credit or insurance after a specified period of notice, for all or any part of the full principal amount of the funds participation in the security, plus accrued interest.
Issuers of participation interests will retain a service and letter of credit fee and a fee for providing the liquidity feature, in an amount equal to the excess of the interest paid on the instruments over the negotiated yield at which the participations were purchased on behalf of a fund. With respect to insurance, a fund will attempt to have the issuer of the participation interest bear the cost of the insurance, although a fund may also purchase insurance, in which case the cost of insurance will be an expense of the fund. Although participation interests may be sold, the fund intends to hold them until maturity, except under the circumstances stated above. Participation interests may include municipal lease obligations. Purchase of a participation interest may involve the risk that a fund will not be deemed to be the owner of the underlying municipal obligation for purposes of the ability to claim tax exemption of interest paid on that municipal obligation.
Variable Rate Obligations. The interest rate payable on a variable rate municipal obligation is adjusted either at predetermined periodic intervals or whenever there is a change in the market rate of interest upon which the interest rate payable is based. A variable rate obligation may include a demand feature pursuant to which a fund would have the right to demand prepayment of the principal amount of the obligation prior to its stated maturity. The issuer of the variable rate obligation may retain the right to prepay the principal amount prior to maturity.
Municipal Lease Obligations. Municipal lease obligations may take the form of a lease, an installment purchase or a conditional sales contract. Municipal lease obligations are issued by state and local governments and authorities to acquire land, equipment and facilities such as state and municipal vehicles, telecommunications and computer equipment, and other capital assets. Interest payments on qualifying municipal leases are exempt from federal income taxes. A fund may purchase these obligations directly, or they may purchase participation interests in such obligations. Municipal leases are generally subject to greater risks than general obligation or revenue bonds. State laws set forth requirements that states or municipalities must meet in order to issue municipal obligations; and such obligations may contain a covenant by the issuer to budget for, appropriate, and make payments due under the obligation. However, certain municipal lease obligations may contain non-appropriation clauses which provide that the issuer is not obligated to make payments on the obligation in future years unless funds have been appropriated for this purpose each year. Accordingly, such obligations are subject to non-appropriation risk. While municipal leases are secured by the underlying capital asset, it may be difficult to dispose of such assets in the event of non-appropriation or other default.
Residual Interest Bonds. The funds may invest in Residual Interest Bonds (sometimes referred to as inverse floaters) (RIBs), which brokers create by depositing a Municipal Bond in a trust. The trust in turn issues a variable rate security and RIBs. The interest rate on the short-term component is reset by an index or auction process normally every seven to 35 days, while the RIB holder receives the balance of the income from the underlying Municipal Bond less an auction fee. Therefore, rising short-term interest rates result in lower income for the RIB, and vice versa. An investment in RIBs typically will involve greater risk than an investment in a fixed rate bond. RIBs have interest rates that bear an inverse relationship to the interest rate on another security or the value of an index. Because increases in the interest rate on the other security or index reduce the residual interest paid on a RIB, the value of a RIB is generally more volatile than that of a fixed rate bond. RIBs have interest rate adjustment formulas that generally reduce or, in the extreme, eliminate the interest paid to a fund when short-term interest rates rise, and increase the interest paid to the funds when short-term interest rates fall. RIBs have varying degrees of liquidity that approximate the liquidity of the underlying bond(s), and the market price for these securities is volatile. RIBs can be very volatile and may be less liquid than other Municipal Bonds of comparable maturity. These securities will generally underperform the market of fixed rate bonds in a rising interest rate environment, but tend to outperform the market of fixed rate bonds when interest rates decline or remain relatively stable. Although volatile, RIBs typically offer the potential for yields exceeding the yields available on fixed rate bonds with comparable credit quality, coupon, call provisions and maturity. To the extent permitted by each funds investment objectives and general investment policies, a fund may invest in RIBs without limitation.
In a transaction in which a fund purchases a RIB from a trust, and the underlying Municipal Bond was held by the fund prior to being deposited into the trust, the fund treats the transaction as a secured borrowing for financial reporting purposes. As a result, the fund will incur a non-cash interest expense with respect to interest paid by the trust on the variable rate securities, and will recognize additional interest income in an amount directly corresponding to the non-cash interest expense. Therefore, the funds net asset value per share and performance are not affected by the non-cash interest expense. This accounting treatment does not apply to RIBs acquired by the funds where the funds did not previously own the underlying Municipal Bond.
Tax-exempt Commercial Paper. Tax-exempt commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 270 days or less. It is issued by state and local governments or their agencies to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short term financing in anticipation of longer term financing. While tax-exempt commercial paper is intended to be repaid from general revenues or refinanced,
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it frequently is backed by a letter of credit, lending arrangement, note repurchase agreement or other credit facility agreement offered by a bank or financial institution.
Custodial Receipts and Certificates. Custodial receipts or certificates underwritten by securities dealers or banks evidence ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain municipal obligations. The underwriter of these certificates or receipts typically purchases municipal obligations and deposits the obligations in an irrevocable trust or custodial account with a custodian bank, which then issues receipts or certificates that evidence ownership of the periodic unmatured coupon payments and the final principal payment on the obligations. Although under the terms of a custodial receipt, a fund would be typically authorized to assert its rights directly against the issuer of the underlying obligation, a fund could be required to assert through the custodian bank those rights as may exist against the underlying issuer. Thus, in the event the underlying issuer fails to pay principal and/or interest when due, the fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would have been involved if the fund had purchased a direct obligation of the issuer. In addition, in the event that the trust or custodial account in which the underlying security has been deposited is determined to be an association taxable as a corporation, instead of a non-taxable entity, the yield on the underlying security would be reduced in recognition of any taxes paid.
Additional Risks Relating Particularly to Municipal Obligations. The Code imposes certain continuing requirements on issuers of tax-exempt bonds regarding the use, expenditure and investment of bond proceeds and the payment of rebates to the U.S. government. Failure by the issuer to comply after the issuance of tax-exempt bonds with certain of these requirements could cause interest on the bonds to become includable in gross income retroactive to the date of issuance.
From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal obligations, and similar proposals may be introduced in the future. In addition, the federal income tax exemption has been, and may in the future be, the subject of litigation. If one of these proposals were enacted, the availability of tax-exempt obligations for investment by a fund and the value of a funds investments would be affected.
Opinions relating to the validity of municipal obligations and to the exclusion of interest thereon from gross income for regular federal income tax purposes are rendered by bond counsel to the respective issuers at the time of issuance. A fund and their service providers will rely on such opinions and will not review the proceedings relating to the issuance of municipal obligations or the bases for such opinions.
Information about the financial condition of issuers of municipal obligations may be less available than about corporations whose securities are publicly traded.
A fund may invest in taxable municipal obligations. The market for taxable municipal obligations is relatively small, which may result in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility of those securities. Interest on taxable municipal obligations is includable in gross income for regular federal income tax purposes. While interest on taxable municipal obligations may be exempt from personal taxes imposed by the state within which the obligation is issued, such interest will nevertheless generally be subject to all other state and local income and franchise taxes.
A fund may invest in certain commercial loans, generally known as syndicated bank loans, by acquiring participations or assignments in such loans. Such indebtedness may be secured or unsecured. Loan participations typically represent direct participation in a loan to a corporate borrower, and generally are offered by banks or other financial institutions or lending syndicates. A fund may participate in such syndications, or can buy part of a loan, becoming a lender. A funds investment in a loan participation typically will result in the fund having a contractual relationship only with the lender and not with the borrower. A fund will have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by the lender of the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing a participation, a fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any right of set-off against the borrower, and the fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, a fund may be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling a participation, a fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower.
When a fund purchases a loan assignment from lenders, it will acquire direct rights against the borrowers on the loan. Because assignments are arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the rights and obligations acquired by a fund as the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.
A fund may acquire loans of borrowers that are experiencing, or are more likely to experience, financial difficulty, including loans of borrowers that have filed for bankruptcy protection. Although loans in which a fund may invest generally will be secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrowers obligation in the event of nonpayment of scheduled interest or principal, or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, a fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a senior loan.
Because there is no liquid market for commercial loans, the funds anticipate that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on the value of such securities and a
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funds ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet redemptions of fund shares, to meet the funds liquidity needs or when necessary in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for a fund to assign a value to those securities for purposes of valuing the funds investments and calculating its net asset value.
Investments in loans through a direct assignment of the financial institutions interests with respect to the loan may involve additional risks to a fund. For example, if a loan is foreclosed, a fund could become part owner of any collateral, and would bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. In addition, it is conceivable that under emerging legal theories of lender liability, a fund could be held liable as co-lender. It is unclear whether loans and other forms of direct indebtedness offer securities law protections against fraud and misrepresentation. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, a fund relies on its sub-advisers research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud or misrepresentation could adversely affect the fund.
Subject to its investment restrictions, a fund may invest in common stocks. Common stocks represent an ownership interest in the issuing company. Holders of common stocks are not creditors of the issuer, and in the event of the liquidation, common stocks are junior to the debt obligations and preferred stocks of an issuer. Hence, dividend payments on common stocks should be regarded as less secure than income payments on corporate debt securities. Transamerica Flexible Income will consider investment in income-producing common stocks if the yields of common stocks generally become competitive with the yields of other income securities.
In addition to investing in common stocks, the funds may invest in other equity securities and equity equivalents, including securities that permit a fund to receive an equity interest in an issuer, the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in an issuer, or the opportunity to receive a return on its investment that permits the fund to benefit from the growth over time in the equity of an issuer. Examples of equity securities and equity equivalents include preferred stock, convertible preferred stock and convertible debt securities.
Preferred Stocks. Subject to a funds investment restrictions, a fund may purchase preferred stocks. Preferred stocks are securities which represent an ownership interest in a corporation and which give the owner a prior claim over common stock on the corporations earnings and assets, however preferred stocks are junior to the debt securities of the issuer in those same respects. Preferred stock generally pays quarterly dividends. Preferred stocks may differ in many of their provisions. Among the features that differentiate preferred stocks from one another are the dividend rights, which may be cumulative or non-cumulative and participating or non-participating, redemption provisions, and voting rights. Such features will establish the income return and may affect the prospects for capital appreciation or risks of capital loss.
The market prices of preferred stocks are subject to changes in interest rates and are more sensitive to changes in an issuers creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Shareholders of preferred stock may suffer a loss of value if dividends are not paid. Under ordinary circumstances, preferred stock does not carry voting rights.
Convertible Securities. Subject to its investment restrictions, a fund may invest in debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities, or debt securities that carry with them the right to acquire equity securities, as evidenced by warrants attached to such securities or acquired as part of units of the securities. Although to a lesser extent than with fixed-income securities generally, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to increase as interest rates decline. In addition, because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common stocks and, therefore, also will react to variations in the general market for equity securities. A significant feature of convertible securities is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, convertible securities tend to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so they may not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the prices of the convertible securities tend to rise as a reflection of the value of the underlying common stock. While no securities investments are without risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in common stock of the same issuer.
As fixed-income securities, convertible securities tend to provide for a stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks. Of course, like all fixed-income securities, there can be no assurance of current income because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their obligations. Convertible securities normally pay less current income than securities without conversion features, but add the potential opportunity for capital appreciation from enhanced value for the equity securities into which they are convertible, and the concomitant risk of loss from declines in those values. A convertible security, in addition to providing fixed-income, offers the potential for capital appreciation through the conversion feature, which enables the holder to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. However, there can be no assurance of capital appreciation.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but non-convertible securities of the same issuer, although convertible bonds, as corporate debt obligations, enjoy seniority in right of payment to all equity securities, and convertible preferred stock is senior to common stock of the same issuer. Because of the subordination feature, however, convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar non-convertible securities.
A fund will limit its holdings of convertible debt securities to those that, at the time of purchase, are rated at least B- by S&P or B3 by Moodys, or, if not rated by S&P or Moodys, are of equivalent investment quality as determined by the sub-adviser. Except for certain funds, a funds investments in convertible debt securities and other high-yield, non-convertible debt securities rated below investment-grade will comprise less than 35% of the funds net assets. Debt securities rated below the four highest categories are not considered
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investment-grade obligations. These securities have speculative characteristics and present more credit risk than investment-grade obligations. Equity equivalents also may include securities whose value or return is derived from the value or return of a different security. Depositary receipts are an example of the type of derivative security in which the funds might invest.
Master Limited Partnerships. A fund may invest in Master Limited Partnership (MLP) units, which have limited control and voting rights, similar to those of a limited partner. An MLP could be taxed, contrary to its intention, as a corporation, resulting in decreased returns. MLPs may, for tax purposes, affect the character of the gain and loss realized by a fund and affect the holding period of a funds assets.
Certain funds may invest a portion of their assets in event-linked bonds, which are fixed-income securities for which the return of principal and payment of interest is contingent on the non-occurrence of a specific trigger event, such as a hurricane, earthquake, or other physical or weather-related phenomenon. Some event-linked bonds are commonly referred to as catastrophe bonds. If a trigger event occurs, a fund may lose a portion, or all, of its principal invested in the bond. Event-linked bonds often provide for an extension of maturity to process and audit loss claims where a trigger event has, or possibly has, occurred. An extension of maturity may increase volatility. Event-linked bonds may also expose a fund to certain unanticipated risks including credit risk, adverse regulatory or jurisdictional interpretations, and adverse tax consequences. Event-linked bonds may also be subject to liquidity risk.
COLLATERALIZED DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Certain funds may invest in collateralized debt obligations (CDOs), which include collateralized bond obligations (CBOs), collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and other similarly structured securities. CDOs, CBOs and CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust which is backed by a diversified pool of high risk, below-investment-grade fixed-income securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. Although certain CDOs may receive credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, over-collateralization or bond insurance, such enhancement may not always be present, and may fail to protect a fund against the risk of loss on default of the collateral. Certain CDOs may use derivatives contracts to create synthetic exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly. CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses, which are in addition to those of a fund.
The risks of an investment in a CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class of the CDO in which a fund invests. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CDOs may be characterized by the funds as illiquid securities, however an active dealer market may exist for CDOs allowing a CDO to qualify for Rule 144A transactions. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed-income securities discussed elsewhere in this SAI and the funds prospectuses (e.g., interest rate risk and default risk), CDOs carry additional risks including, but are not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) a fund may invest in CDOs that are subordinate to other classes; and (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results; and (v) the CDOs manager may perform poorly.
Subject to its investment restrictions, a fund may enter into repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement, a fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon date within a number of days (usually not more than seven) from the date of purchase. The resale price reflects the purchase price plus an agreed-upon incremental amount which is unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. A repurchase agreement involves the obligation of the seller to pay the agreed-upon price, which obligation is in effect secured by the value (at least equal to the amount of the agreed-upon resale price and marked-to-market daily) of the underlying security or collateral.
All repurchase agreements entered into by a fund shall be fully collateralized at all times during the period of the agreement in that the value of the underlying security shall be at least equal to an amount of the loan, including interest thereon, and the fund or its custodian shall have control of the collateral, which the sub-advisers believe will give the applicable fund a valid, perfected security interest in the collateral.
A fund may engage in a repurchase agreement with respect to any security in which it is authorized to invest. While it does not presently appear possible to eliminate all risks from these transactions (particularly the possibility of a decline in the market value of the underlying securities, as well as delays and costs to a fund in connection with bankruptcy proceedings), it is the policy of each fund to
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limit repurchase agreements to those parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by the sub-adviser for that fund and approved by the Board of Trustees.
Repurchase agreements involve the risk that the seller will fail to repurchase the security, as agreed. In that case, a fund will bear the risk of market value fluctuations until the security can be sold and may encounter delays and incur costs in liquidating the security. In the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of the seller, delays and costs are incurred. Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the other party, including possible delays or restrictions upon the funds ability to dispose of the underlying securities, the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which the fund seeks to assert its right to them, the risk of incurring expenses associated with asserting those rights and the risk of losing all or part of the income from the agreement.
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Subject to its investment restrictions, a fund may invest in warrants and rights. A warrant is a type of security that entitles the holder to buy a proportionate amount of common stock at a specified price, usually higher than the market price at the time of issuance, for a period of years or to perpetuity. In contrast, rights, which also represent the right to buy common shares, normally have a subscription price lower than the current market value of the common stock and a life of two to four weeks.
Warrants and rights are subject to the same market risks as common stocks, but may be more volatile in price. An investment in warrants or rights may be considered speculative. In addition, the value of a warrant or right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities and a warrant or right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.
At times a funds sub-advisers may judge that conditions in the securities markets make pursuing the funds typical investment strategy inconsistent with the best interest of its shareholders. At such times, a sub-adviser may temporarily use alternative strategies, primarily designed to reduce fluctuations in the value of the funds assets. In implementing these defensive strategies, a fund may invest without limit in securities that a sub-adviser believes present less risk to a fund, including equity securities, debt and fixed income securities, preferred stocks, U.S. government and agency obligations, cash or money market instruments, certificates of deposit, demand and time deposits, bankers acceptance or other securities a sub-adviser considers consistent with such defensive strategies, such as, but not limited to, options, futures, warrants or swaps. During periods in which such strategies are used, the duration of a fund may diverge from the duration range for that fund disclosed in its prospectus (if applicable). It is impossible to predict when, or for how long, a fund will use these alternative strategies. As a result of using these alternative strategies, a fund may not achieve its investment objective.
CERTAIN OTHER SECURITIES IN WHICH THE FUNDS MAY INVEST
Corporate Debt Securities. A fund may invest in corporate bonds, notes and debentures of long and short maturities and of various grades, including unrated securities. Corporate debt securities exist in great variety, differing from one another in quality, maturity, and call or other provisions. Lower-grade bonds, whether rated or unrated, usually offer higher interest income, but also carry increased risk of default. Corporate bonds may be secured or unsecured, senior to or subordinated to other debt of the issuer, and, occasionally, may be guaranteed by another entity. In addition, they may carry other features, such as those described under Convertible Securities and Variable or Floating Rate Securities, or have special features such as the right of the holder to shorten or lengthen the maturity of a given debt instrument, rights to purchase additional securities, rights to elect from among two or more currencies in which to receive interest or principal payments, or provisions permitting the holder to participate in earnings of the issuer or to participate in the value of some specified commodity, financial index, or other measure of value.
Commercial Paper. Commercial paper refers to short-term unsecured promissory notes issued by commercial and industrial corporations to finance their current operations. Commercial paper may be issued at a discount and redeemed at par, or issued at par with interest added at maturity. The interest or discount rate depends on general interest rates, the credit standing of the issuer, and the maturity of the note, and generally moves in tandem with rates on large CDs and Treasury bills. An established secondary market exists for commercial paper, particularly that of stronger issuers which are rated by Moodys and S&P. Investments in commercial paper are subject to the risks that general interest rates will rise, that the credit standing and outside rating of the issuer will fall, or that the secondary market in the issuers notes will become too limited to permit their liquidation at a reasonable price.
International Agency Obligations. A fund may invest in bonds, notes or Eurobonds of international agencies. Examples are securities issued by the Asian Development Bank, the European Economic Community, and the European Investment Bank. The funds may also purchase obligations of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development which, while technically not a U.S. government agency or instrumentality, has the right to borrow from the participating countries, including the United States.
Bank Obligations or Savings and Loan Obligations. Subject to its investment restrictions, a fund may invest in all types of bank obligations, including certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and other debt obligations of commercial banks and certificates of deposit and other debt obligations of savings and loan associations (S&Ls). Certificates of deposit are receipts from a bank or an S&L
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for funds deposited for a specified period of time at a specified rate of return. Bankers acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international commercial transactions. These instruments may be issued by institutions of any size, may be of any maturity, and may be insured or uninsured.
U.S. commercial banks organized under federal law are supervised and examined by the Comptroller of the Currency and are required to be members of the Federal Reserve System and to be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the FDIC). U.S. banks organized under state law are supervised and examined by state banking authorities, but are members of the Federal Reserve System only if they elect to join. Most state banks are insured by the FDIC (although such insurance may not be of material benefit to the fund, depending upon the principal amount of CDs of each held by a fund) and are subject to federal examination and to a substantial body of federal law and regulation. As a result of federal and state laws and regulations, U.S. branches of U.S. banks are, among other things, generally required to maintain specified levels of reserves, and are subject to other supervision and regulation designed to promote financial soundness.
Obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks, such as CDs and time deposits, may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and governmental regulation. Such obligations are subject to different risks than are those of U.S. banks or U.S. branches of foreign banks. These risks include foreign economic and political developments, foreign governmental restrictions that may adversely affect payment of principal and interest on the obligations, foreign exchange controls and foreign withholding and other taxes on interest income. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign branches of foreign banks are not necessarily subject to the same or similar regulatory requirements that apply to U.S. banks, such as mandatory reserve requirements, loan limitations and accounting, auditing and financial recordkeeping requirements. In addition, less information may be publicly available about a foreign branch of a U.S. bank or about a foreign bank than about a U.S. bank.
Obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the parent bank, in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by federal and state regulation as well as governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head office. A U.S. branch of a foreign bank with assets in excess of $1 billion may or may not be subject to reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve System or by the state in which the branch is located if the branch is licensed in that state. In addition, branches licensed by the Comptroller of the Currency and branches licensed by certain states (State Branches) may or may not be required to: (a) pledge to the regulator, by depositing assets with a designated bank within the state; and (b) maintain assets within the state in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the aggregate amount of liabilities of the foreign bank payable at or through all of its agencies or branches within the state. The deposits of state branches may not necessarily be insured by the FDIC. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about a U.S. branch of a foreign bank than about a U.S. bank. A fund may purchase obligations, or all or a portion of a package of obligations, of smaller institutions that are federally insured, provided the obligation of any single institution does not exceed the then current federal insurance coverage of the obligation.
The quality of bank or savings and loan obligations may be affected by such factors as: (a) location the strength of the local economy will often affect financial institutions in the region; (b) asset mix institutions with substantial loans in a troubled industry may be weakened by those loans; and (c) amount of equity capital under-capitalized financial institutions are more vulnerable when loan losses are suffered. The sub-adviser will evaluate these and other factors affecting the quality of bank and savings and loan obligations purchased by a fund, but the fund is not restricted to obligations or institutions that satisfy specified quality criteria.
Variable- or Floating-Rate Securities. Subject to its investment restrictions, a fund may purchase variable rate securities that provide for automatic establishment of a new interest rate at fixed intervals (e.g., daily, monthly, semi-annually, etc.). Floating rate securities generally provide for automatic adjustment of the interest rate whenever some specified interest rate index changes. The interest rate on variable and floating-rate securities is ordinarily determined by reference to, or is a percentage of, a banks prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank certificates of deposit, an index of short-term interest rates, or some other objective measure. These securities generally are structured as loans. See the discussion of Loans in this SAI.
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Changes may be made in a funds portfolio consistent with the investment objective and policies of the fund whenever such changes are believed to be in the best interests of the fund and its shareholders, and each fund will be managed without regard to its portfolio turnover rate. The portfolio turnover rates for all of the funds may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year, and may be affected by cash requirements for redemptions of shares. High portfolio turnover rates will generally result in higher transaction costs to a fund, including brokerage commissions, and may have adverse tax consequences.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
It is the policy of the funds to protect the confidentiality of their holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information about the funds portfolio holdings. The funds service providers are required to comply with this policy. No non-public information concerning the portfolio holdings of the funds may be disclosed to any unaffiliated third party, except as provided below. The Board of Trustees has adopted formal procedures governing compliance with the funds policies.
The funds, or their duly authorized service providers, may publicly disclose holdings of all funds in accordance with regulatory requirements, such as periodic portfolio disclosure in filings with the SEC. A summary or list of a funds completed purchases and sales may only be made available after the public disclosure of a funds portfolio holdings.
The funds publish all portfolio holdings on a quarterly basis on their website at www.transamericafunds.com approximately 25 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Such information generally remains online for six months or as otherwise consistent with applicable regulations. In addition, the funds publish their top ten holdings (except Class I share holdings) on their website generally within two weeks after the end of each month. The day following such publication, the information is deemed to be publicly disclosed for the purposes of the policies and procedures adopted by the funds. The funds may then forward the information to investors and consultants requesting it.
Transamerica Money Market files monthly a schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form N-MFP. The information filed on Form N-MFP is made available to the public by the SEC 60 days after the end of the month to which the information pertains. A schedule of portfolio holdings for Transamerica Money Market is posted each month to the funds website in accordance with Rule 2a-7(c)(12) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
There are numerous mutual fund evaluation services such as S&P, Morningstar, Inc. (Morningstar) or Lipper, Inc. (Lipper) and due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wire houses that regularly analyze the portfolio holdings of mutual funds in order to monitor and report on various attributes including style, capitalization, maturity, yield, beta, etc. These services and departments then distribute the results of their analysis to the public, paid subscribers and/or in-house brokers. In order to facilitate the review of the funds by these services and departments, the funds may distribute (or authorize their service providers to distribute) portfolio holdings to such services and departments before their public disclosure is required or authorized provided that: (i) the recipient does not distribute the portfolio holdings or results of the analysis to third parties, other departments or persons who are likely to use the information for purposes of purchasing or selling the funds before the portfolio holdings or results of the analysis become public information; and (ii) the recipient signs a written confidentiality agreement. Persons and entities unwilling to execute an acceptable confidentiality agreement may only receive portfolio holdings information that has otherwise been publicly disclosed. Neither the funds nor their service providers receive any compensation from such services and departments. Subject to such departures as the funds investment advisers compliance department believes reasonable and consistent with reasonably protecting the confidentiality of the portfolio information, each confidentiality agreement should generally provide that, among other things: the portfolio information is the confidential property of the funds (and its service provider, if applicable) and may not be shared or used directly or indirectly for any purpose except as expressly provided in the confidentiality agreement; the recipient of the portfolio information agrees to limit access to the portfolio information to its employees (and agents) who, on a need to know basis, are: (1) authorized to have access to the portfolio information; and (2) subject to confidentiality obligations, including duties not to trade on non-public information, no less restrictive than the confidentiality obligations contained in the Confidentiality Agreement; and upon written request, the recipient agrees to promptly return or destroy, as directed, the portfolio information.
The Board and an appropriate officer of the investment advisers compliance department or the funds Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) may, on a case-by-case basis, impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of portfolio information and waive certain requirements. To the extent required by law, the CCO reports to the Board violations of the funds policies and procedures on disclosure of portfolio holdings.
In addition, separate account and unregistered product clients of TAM, the sub-advisers of the funds, or their respective affiliates generally have access to information regarding the portfolio holdings of their own accounts. Prospective clients may also have access to representative portfolio holdings. These clients and prospective clients are not subject to the portfolio holdings disclosure policies described above. Some of these separate accounts and unregistered product clients have substantially similar or identical investment objectives and strategies to certain funds, and therefore may have substantially similar or nearly identical portfolio holdings as those funds.
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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
Transamerica Funds has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (Advisory Agreement) on behalf of each fund with Transamerica Asset Management, Inc. (TAM), located at 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. TAM supervises each respective funds investments and conducts its investment program. TAM hires sub-advisers to furnish investment advice and recommendations and has entered into sub-advisory agreements with each sub-adviser.
TAM is directly owned by Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio
(77%) (Western Reserve) and AUSA Holding Company (23%) (AUSA), both of
which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of AEGON N.V. AUSA is wholly
owned by AEGON USA, LLC (AEGON USA), a financial services holding company
whose primary emphasis is on life and health insurance, and annuity and
investment products. AEGON USA is owned by AEGON U.S. Holding Corporation,
which is owned by Transamerica Corporation (DE). Transamerica Corporation (DE)
is owned by The AEGON Trust, which is owned by AEGON International B.V., which
is owned by AEGON N.V., a Netherlands corporation, and a publicly traded
international insurance group. AEGON USA Investment Management, LLC and
Transamerica Investment Management, LLC are affiliates of TAM and Transamerica
Funds.
Investment Adviser Compensation
TAM receives compensation calculated daily and paid monthly from the funds at the annual rates indicated below (expressed as a specified percentage of the funds average daily net assets). The table below lists those percentages by fund.
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Fund Name |
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Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
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Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
0.59% of the first $400 million |
|
|
0.575% over $400 million up to $750 million |
|
|
0.55% in excess of $750 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy |
|
1.10% of the first $500 million |
|
|
1.05% in excess of $500 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
0.10% |
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
0.10% |
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
0.10% |
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
0.10% |
|
|
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
0.75% of the first $500 million |
|
|
0.65% over $500 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.60% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
0.80% of the first $100 million |
|
|
0.72% in excess of $100 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
0.80% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.775% over $250 million up to $750 million |
|
|
0.75% over $750 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.65% over $1 billion up to $2 billion |
|
|
0.625% in excess of $2 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
0.80% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.775% over $250 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.70% over $500 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.65% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
0.73% for the first $500 million |
|
|
0.70% over $500 million up to $2.5 billion |
|
|
0.65% in excess of $2.5 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
0.85% of the first $30 million |
|
|
0.80% over $30 million up to $50 million |
|
|
0.70% over $50 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.675% over $500 million up to $750 million |
|
|
0.65% in excess of $750 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro |
|
1.40% of the first $150 million |
|
|
1.30% over $150 million up to $300 million |
|
|
1.20% in excess of $300 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
0.475% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.425% over $250 million up to $350 million |
|
|
0.40% in excess of $350 million |
36
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|
|
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
0.80% of the first $500 million |
|
|
0.675% in excess of $500 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy |
|
0.61% of the first $200 million |
|
|
0.59% over $200 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.56% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
0.80% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.75% over $250 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.70% in excess of $500 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
0.88% of the first $200 million |
|
|
0.81% over $200 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.77% in excess of $500 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
0.80% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.775% over $250 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.70% over $500 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.675% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion |
|
|
0.65% in excess of $1.5 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond |
|
0.45% of the first $750 million |
|
|
0.40% over $750 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.375% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
0.55% of the first $100 million |
|
|
0.52% over $100 million up to $250 million |
|
|
0.51% over $250 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.50% over $500 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.47% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
1.30% |
|
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
0.85% of the first $100 million |
|
|
0.80% in excess of $100 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
0.675% of the first $200 million |
|
|
0.625% over $200 million up to $750 million |
|
|
0.60% in excess of $750 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
0.90% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.875% over $250 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.85% over $500 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.80% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
0.40% |
|
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
0.95% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.85% over $250 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.80% in excess of $500 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth |
|
0.80% of the first $1 billion |
|
|
0.775% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
0.95% of the first $500 million |
|
|
0.85% in excess of $500 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative |
|
0.20% of the first $500 million |
Strategies Portfolio |
|
0.19% over $500 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.18% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
0.10% |
|
|
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
1.00% of the first $100 million |
|
|
0.95% in excess of $100 million |
37
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets |
|
|
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
1.20% of the first $50 million |
|
|
1.15% over $50 million up to $200 million |
|
|
1.10% over $200 million up to $500 million |
|
|
1.05% in excess of $500 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
0.95% of the first $100 million |
|
|
0.90% over $100 million up to $250 million |
|
|
0.85% over $250 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.825% in excess of $500 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
0.70% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.65% over $250 million up to $750 million |
|
|
0.60% over $750 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.55% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
0.675% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.65% over $250 million up to $750 million |
|
|
0.60% in excess of $750 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
1.07% of the first $300 million |
|
|
1.00% in excess of $300 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
0.55% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.50% over $250 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.475% over $500 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.45% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
0.80% of the first $500 million |
|
|
0.75% in excess of $500 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
0.80% |
|
|
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
1.10% of the first $100 million |
|
|
1.00% over $100 million up to $300 million |
|
|
0.95% in excess of $300 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity |
|
0.80% of the first $250 million |
|
|
0.75% over $250 million up to $500 million |
|
|
0.725% over $500 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.70% in excess of $1 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
0.82% of the first $200 million |
|
|
0.76% over $200 million up to $400 million |
|
|
0.74% over $400 million up to $750 million |
|
|
0.71% over $750 million up to $1 billion |
|
|
0.67% over $1 billion up to $1.5 billion |
|
|
0.62% in excess of $1.5 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
0.73% of the first $500 million |
|
|
0.70% over $500 million up to $2.5 billion |
|
|
0.65% in excess of $2.5 billion |
|
|
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
1.15% of the first $300 million |
|
|
1.10% in excess of $300 million |
|
|
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
0.70% of the first $1 billion |
|
|
0.675% in excess of $1 billion |
Advisory Agreement
For each fund, the duties and responsibilities of the investment adviser are specified in the funds Advisory Agreement. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement for each fund, TAM, subject to the supervision of the Trustees and in conformity, with the stated policies of the funds, manages the operations of each fund. TAM is authorized to enter into sub-advisory agreements for investment advisory services in connection with the management of each fund. TAM continues to have responsibility for all investment advisory services furnished pursuant to all sub-advisory agreements.
38
The Advisory Agreement is not assignable and may be terminated without penalty upon 60 days written notice at the option of either the fund, TAM or by a vote of shareholders of each fund. The Advisory Agreement provides that it can be continued from year to year so long as such continuance is specifically approved annually (a) by the Board of Trustees or by a majority of the outstanding shares of each fund and (b) by a majority vote of the Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party cast in person at a special meeting called for such purposes.
The Advisory Agreement also provides that TAM shall not be liable to the funds or to any shareholder for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a fund or by any shareholder in connection with matters to which the Advisory Agreement relates, except for a breach of fiduciary duty or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard on the part of TAM in the performance of its duties thereunder.
Each fund pays its allocable share of the fees and expenses of a funds non-interested trustees, custodian and transfer agent fees, brokerage commissions and all other expenses in connection with the execution of its portfolio transactions, administrative, clerical, recordkeeping, bookkeeping, legal, auditing and accounting expenses, interest and taxes, expenses of preparing tax returns, expenses of shareholders meetings and preparing, printing and mailing proxy statements (unless otherwise agreed to by the funds or TAM), expenses of preparing and typesetting periodic reports to shareholders (except for those reports the funds permit to be used as sales literature), and the costs, including filing fees, of renewing or maintaining registration of fund shares under federal and state law.
Expense Limitation
Funds included in the 36-month reimbursement arrangements:
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond* |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth* |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio * |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation* |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International* |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets* |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity* |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Micro |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
Transamerica Focus* |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities* |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value* |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth* |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond* |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
|
* |
The fund may not recapture any fees waived and/or reimbursed prior to March 1, 2008. |
The applicable expense caps for each of the funds are listed in the following table.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
Expense Cap |
|
||||
|
|
CLASS A, B, C, I, I2, |
|
CLASS P |
|
||
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
0.95 |
% |
|
0.90 |
%* |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy |
|
1.45 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
0.45 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
0.45 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
0.45 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
0.45 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
Expense Cap |
|
||||
|
|
CLASS A, B, C, I, I2, |
|
CLASS P |
|
||
Transamerica Balanced |
|
1.45 |
% |
|
1.10 |
%* |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
1.00 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
1.00 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
1.17 |
% |
|
1.15 |
%* |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
1.05 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro |
|
1.65 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
1.00 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
1.20 |
% |
|
1.40 |
%* |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy |
|
1.00 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
1.40 |
% |
|
1.40 |
%* |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
1.13 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond |
|
0.70 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
0.75 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
1.65 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
1.05 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
0.88 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
0.48 |
% |
|
0.48 |
% |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
1.15 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth |
|
1.00 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
1.15 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
0.55 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
0.45 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
1.25 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
1.45 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
1.15 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
1.27 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
0.85 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
1.25 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
1.00 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
1.35 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity |
|
1.15 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
1.02 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
1.17 |
% |
|
1.15 |
%* |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
1.40 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
1.00 |
% |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
* |
The expense caps for Class P shares are inclusive of 12b-1 fees. |
|
The Investment Adviser has agreed to further reduce Fund Operating Expenses by waiving 0.10% of the 0.35% 12b-1 fee for one year through March 1, 2012, as applicable to Class A shares of Transamerica Short-Term Bond and Class A shares of Transamerica Flexible Income. |
Total Advisory Fees Paid by the Funds
The following table sets forth the total amounts the funds paid to TAM, and reimbursements by TAM to the funds, if any, for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advisory Fee After Expense |
|
Expense Reimbursements |
|
||||||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||||||
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond(1) |
|
$ |
3,507,606 |
|
$ |
2,703,457 |
|
$ |
2,651,881 |
|
$ |
49,928 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy (2) |
|
$ |
210,665 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
$ |
1,093,422 |
|
$ |
793,107 |
|
$ |
781,360 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
1,583,573 |
|
$ |
1,363,628 |
|
$ |
2,097,266 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
3,096,781 |
|
$ |
2,630,950 |
|
$ |
3,704,481 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
$ |
2,090,465 |
|
$ |
1,656,957 |
|
$ |
2,089,670 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advisory Fee After Expense |
|
Expense Reimbursements |
|
||||||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||||||
Transamerica Balanced |
|
$ |
2,114,310 |
|
$ |
727,713 |
|
$ |
1,209,771 |
|
$ |
500,430 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
$ |
3,422,074 |
|
$ |
2,983,807 |
|
$ |
3,634,197 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
5,401,565 |
|
$ |
3,579,172 |
|
$ |
4,449,598 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
$ |
2,457,904 |
|
$ |
1,784,281 |
|
$ |
2,617,707 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity(3) |
|
$ |
4,084,218 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
891,210 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
$ |
719,911 |
|
$ |
634,988 |
|
$ |
562,713 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro(4) |
|
$ |
1,642,139 |
|
$ |
1,477,872 |
|
$ |
2,849,670 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
$ |
1,331,484 |
|
$ |
1,039,057 |
|
$ |
2,534,660 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Focus(5) |
|
$ |
899,969 |
|
$ |
412,475 |
|
$ |
981,445 |
|
$ |
147,960 |
|
$ |
114,113 |
|
$ |
40,984 |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy(6) |
|
$ |
1,090,120 |
|
$ |
721,398 |
|
$ |
1,199,467 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
$ |
2,263,419 |
|
$ |
995,979 |
|
$ |
2,076,760 |
|
$ |
124,788 |
|
$ |
272,999 |
|
$ |
57,831 |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value(7) |
|
$ |
2,595,726 |
|
$ |
2,147,626 |
|
$ |
3,857,282 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
$ |
5,678,527 |
|
$ |
2,260,275 |
|
$ |
1,667,161 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond(8) |
|
$ |
3,356,331 |
|
$ |
292,334 |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
$ |
3,078,272 |
|
$ |
3,543,411 |
|
$ |
4,122,933 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy(9) |
|
$ |
1,386,298 |
|
$ |
1,304,256 |
|
$ |
1,711,511 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
1,431,160 |
|
$ |
1,256,880 |
|
$ |
1,888,901 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
$ |
3,978,472 |
|
$ |
4,252,892 |
|
$ |
4,102,549 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
$ |
3,875,089 |
|
$ |
1,753,906 |
|
$ |
270,572 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
$ |
(352,932 |
) |
$ |
423,492 |
|
$ |
411,077 |
|
$ |
1,388,841 |
|
$ |
739,760 |
|
$ |
410,827 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt(10) |
|
$ |
3,142,324 |
|
$ |
3,215,178 |
|
$ |
3,209,724 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth(10) |
|
$ |
2,288,561 |
|
$ |
1,231,466 |
|
$ |
1,022,708 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth(10) |
|
$ |
1,499,386 |
|
$ |
758,188 |
|
$ |
1,287,001 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
$ |
479,487 |
|
$ |
366,494 |
|
$ |
328,975 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
$ |
297,356 |
|
$ |
236,001 |
|
$ |
425,974 |
|
$ |
7,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
$ |
4,854,219 |
|
$ |
3,137,089 |
|
$ |
5,176,051 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
$ |
5,793,977 |
|
$ |
4,193,933 |
|
$ |
6,564,617 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
$ |
2,634,164 |
|
$ |
2,076,086 |
|
$ |
1,655,664 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
$ |
5,710,854 |
|
$ |
4,529,651 |
|
$ |
4,962,219 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
$ |
3,891,239 |
|
$ |
3,549,508 |
|
$ |
3,876,872 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap(11) |
|
$ |
5,579,606 |
|
$ |
2,234,412 |
|
$ |
897,566 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
26,424 |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
$ |
10,273,389 |
|
$ |
4,074,253 |
|
$ |
3,521,430 |
|
$ |
854,946 |
|
$ |
490,618 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
3,761,596 |
|
$ |
2,442,042 |
|
$ |
5,769,030 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
$ |
3,373,850 |
|
$ |
2,938,980 |
|
$ |
4,345,379 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value(12) |
|
$ |
6,169,226 |
|
$ |
2,392,447 |
|
$ |
74,205 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
44,927 |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity(13) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
7,972,373 |
|
$ |
5,096,212 |
|
$ |
6,146,075 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(14) |
|
$ |
8,328,157 |
|
$ |
5,955,194 |
|
$ |
11,025,065 |
|
$ |
435,688 |
|
$ |
620,702 |
|
$ |
54,126 |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets(12) |
|
$ |
3,015,161 |
|
$ |
1,231,045 |
|
$ |
18,941 |
|
$ |
9,631 |
|
$ |
33,863 |
|
$ |
55,328 |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value(15) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
(1) |
Transamerica High Yield Bond was renamed Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond on November 13, 2009. |
(2) |
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy commenced operations on September 30, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(3) |
Transamerica Diversified Equity commenced operations on November 13, 2009, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(4) |
Transamerica UBS Dynamic Alpha was renamed Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro on November 1, 2009. |
(5) |
Transamerica Legg Mason Partners All Cap was renamed Transamerica Focus on November 6, 2009. |
(6) |
Transamerica BlackRock Natural Resources was renamed Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy on September 30, 2010. |
|
41
|
|
|
|
(7) |
Transamerica AllianceBernstein International Value was renamed Transamerica Hansberger International Value on December 15, 2010. |
(8) |
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond commenced operations on July 1, 2009 and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. |
(9) |
Transamerica BNY Mellon Market Neutral Strategy was renamed Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy on January 6, 2011. |
(10) |
Transamerica Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Van Kampen Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Van Kampen Small Company Growth were renamed Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, respectively, on June 1, 2010. |
(11) |
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap commenced operations on March 1, 2008. |
(12) |
Transamerica Thornburg International Value and Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets commenced operations on September 15, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively. |
(13) |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity commenced operations on March 1, 2011, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
(14) |
Transamerica Equity was renamed Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth on April 9, 2010. |
(15) |
Transamerica WMC Quality Value commenced operations on November 15, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
Each Subsidiary has entered into a separate investment advisory agreement with TAM, and TAM has entered into a sub-advisory agreement with the applicable sub-adviser. Each advisory and sub-advisory agreement will continue in effect for two years, and thereafter shall continue in effect from year to year provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by the Trustees of the fund or by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (ii) in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees of the fund, with such Independent Trustees casting votes in person at a meeting called for such purpose. The Trustees approval of and the terms, continuance and termination of the advisory and sub-advisory agreements are governed by the 1940 Act.
Under its investment advisory agreement, each Subsidiary will pay an advisory fee to TAM with respect to the assets invested in the Subsidiary that is the same, as a percentage of net assets, as the advisory fee paid by its parent fund. Under each respective sub-advisory agreement, TAM will pay the sub-adviser a sub-advisory fee with respect to the assets invested in the Subsidiary that is the same, as a percentage of net assets, as the sub-advisory fee paid by TAM with respect to the parent fund. TAM has contractually agreed to waive its advisory fee with respect to each fund in an amount equal to the advisory fee paid by the applicable Subsidiary.
42
AEGON USA Investment Management, LLC (AUIM), located at 4333 Edgewood Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52499, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
AQR Capital Management, LLC (AQR), Two Greenwich Plaza, 3rd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (BlackRock), located at 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation and Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania (Federated), located at 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
First Quadrant, L.P. (First Quadrant), located at 800 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 900, Pasadena, CA 91101, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (GSAM), 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
43
Hansberger Global Investors, Inc. (Hansberger), located at 401 East Las Olas Blvd., Suite 1700, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Hansberger International Value pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
ING Clarion Real Estate Securities, LLC (Clarion), located at 201 King of Prussia Road, Suite 600 Radnor, PA 19087, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
Jennison Associates LLC (Jennison), located at 466 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Jennison Growth pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. (JPMorgan), located at 245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond, Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond, JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy and Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. (Loomis), located at One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (MSIM), located at 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
Neuberger Berman Management LLC (Neuberger Berman), located at 605 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10158-0180, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Neuberger Berman International pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (Oppenheimer), located at Two World Financial Center, 225 Liberty Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10281-1008, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets and Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value pursuant to sub-advisory agreements with TAM.
Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), located at 840 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS and Transamerica PIMCO Total Return and pursuant to sub-advisory agreements with TAM.
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (Schroders), located at 875 Third Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10022-6225, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
Third Avenue Management LLC (Third Avenue), located at 622 Third Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10017-2023, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Third Avenue Value, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
Transamerica Investment Management, LLC (TIM), located at 11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 820, Los Angeles, CA 90025, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica Balanced, Transamerica Diversified Equity, Transamerica Flexible Income, Transamerica Focus, Transamerica Growth Opportunities, Transamerica Money Market, Transamerica Short-Term Bond, and Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value pursuant to sub-advisory agreements with TAM.
UBS Global Asset Management (Americas) Inc. (UBS), located at One North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606, serves as sub-adviser to Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with TAM.
The sub-advisers may also serve as sub-advisers to certain portfolios of Transamerica Series Trust (TST) and Transamerica Partners Portfolios (TPP), registered investment companies. They may be referred to herein collectively as the sub-advisers and individually as a sub-adviser.
TAM, and not the funds, pays the sub-advisers for their services. Each sub-adviser receives monthly compensation from TAM at the annual rate of a specified percentage, indicated below, of a funds average daily net assets:
44
|
|
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
Sub-Adviser |
|
Sub-Advisory Fee |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond* |
|
AUIM |
|
0.28% of the first $400 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy |
|
AQR |
|
0.65% of the first $500 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
TIM |
|
0.35% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
BlackRock |
|
0.44% of the first $100 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value* |
|
BlackRock |
|
0.35% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
Clarion |
|
0.40% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity* |
|
TIM |
|
0.35% of the first $500 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
Federated |
|
0.50% of the first $30 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro |
|
First Quadrant |
|
0.75% |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
TIM |
|
0.175% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Focus* |
|
TIM |
|
0.425% of the first $100 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy |
|
GSAM |
|
0.25% of the first $200 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
Hansberger |
|
0.45% of the first $200 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
TIM |
|
0.40% of the first $100 million |
|
|
45
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
Sub-Adviser |
|
Sub-Advisory Fee |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth** |
|
Jennison |
|
0.40% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond |
|
JPMorgan |
|
0.20% of the first $750 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
JPMorgan |
|
0.20% of the first $100 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
JPMorgan |
|
0.90% |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
JPMorgan |
|
0.40% |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
Loomis |
|
0.325% of the first $200 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity* |
|
MFS |
|
0.45% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
TIM |
|
0.15% |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
MSIM |
|
0.45% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth |
|
MSIM |
|
0.40% of the first $1 billion |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
MSIM |
|
0.45% of the first $500 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
Neuberger Berman |
|
0.50% of the first $100 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
Oppenheimer |
|
0.70% of the first $50 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
Oppenheimer |
|
0.40% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
PIMCO |
|
0.25% of the first $1 billion |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return*** |
|
PIMCO |
|
0.25% of the first $1 billion |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
Schroders |
|
0.60% of the first $300 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
TIM |
|
0.25% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
Sub-Adviser |
|
Sub-Advisory Fee |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
TIM |
|
0.375% of the first $500 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
Third Avenue |
|
0.40% |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value**** |
|
Thornburg |
|
0.425% of the first $500 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity |
|
TS&W |
|
0.40% of the first $250 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
UBS |
|
0.32% of the first $400 million |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
Wellington |
|
0.28% of the first $2 billion |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
Wellington |
|
0.70% |
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
Wellington |
|
0.25% of the first $1 billion |
|
|
* |
The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with the same named fund managed by the sub-adviser for Transamerica Series Trust. |
** |
The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Jennison Growth, Transamerica Jennison Growth VP and the portion of the assets of Transamerica Partners Large Growth Portfolio that are sub-advised by Jennison. |
|
|
|
|
*** |
For the purpose of determining the $3 billion aggregate assets, the average daily net assets will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica PIMCO Total Return, Transamerica PIMCO Total Return VP, Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS and Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS VP. If aggregate assets exceed $3 billion, then the calculation of sub-advisory fees will be based on the combined average daily net assets of Transamerica PIMCO Total Return and Transamerica PIMCO Total Return VP. |
|
|
|
|
**** |
The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica Partners International Equity Portfolio, also sub-advised by Thornburg. |
|
The average daily net assets for the purpose of calculating sub-advisory fees will be determined on a combined basis with Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth, Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth VP, Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth II VP and the portion of the assets of Transamerica Partners Large Growth Portfolio that are sub-advised by Wellington Management. |
|
|
|
|
|
The sub-adviser
has voluntarily agreed to waive its sub-advisory fees to 0.20%
of the first $250 million of average daily net assets; 0.15% of average daily
net assets over $250 million up to $500 million; 0.125% of average daily net
assets over $500 million up to $1 billion; 0.10% of average daily net assets
in excess of $1 billion.
|
|
Sub-Advisory Fees Paid
The following table sets forth the total amounts of sub-advisory fee paid by TAM to each sub-adviser for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008:
(Net of Fees Reimbursed)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|||
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond(1) |
|
$ |
1,579,798 |
|
$ |
1,268,713 |
|
$ |
1,246,566 |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy(2) |
|
$ |
115,334 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
$ |
936,298 |
|
$ |
318,374 |
|
$ |
529,275 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
$ |
1,595,937 |
|
$ |
1,410,581 |
|
$ |
1,699,643 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
1,966,559 |
|
$ |
1,455,705 |
|
$ |
1,798,090 |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
$ |
1,214,646 |
|
$ |
891,086 |
|
$ |
1,298,745 |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity(3) |
|
$ |
1,756,689 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
$ |
327,035 |
|
$ |
298,567 |
|
$ |
272,755 |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro(4) |
|
$ |
874,517 |
|
$ |
897,091 |
|
$ |
1,707,502 |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
$ |
507,677 |
|
$ |
429,955 |
|
$ |
998,657 |
|
Transamerica Focus(5) |
|
$ |
528,758 |
|
$ |
270,554 |
|
$ |
521,707 |
|
47
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|||
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy(6) |
|
$ |
536,026 |
|
$ |
360,699 |
|
$ |
599,733 |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
$ |
1,038,308 |
|
$ |
470,255 |
|
$ |
972,822 |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value(7) |
|
$ |
1,264,555 |
|
$ |
1,071,209 |
|
$ |
1,831,558 |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
$ |
2,242,315 |
|
$ |
1,028,055 |
|
$ |
794,435 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond(8) |
|
$ |
1,472,364 |
|
$ |
129,926 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
$ |
990,551 |
|
$ |
1,136,525 |
|
$ |
1,310,379 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy(9) |
|
$ |
885,777 |
|
$ |
838,451 |
|
$ |
1,100,257 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
687,001 |
|
$ |
603,440 |
|
$ |
919,450 |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
$ |
1,903,593 |
|
$ |
2,044,418 |
|
$ |
1,971,223 |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
$ |
1,860,510 |
|
$ |
880,015 |
|
$ |
138,942 |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
$ |
243,748 |
|
$ |
436,219 |
|
$ |
308,214 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt (10) |
|
$ |
1,433,756 |
|
$ |
1,470,955 |
|
$ |
1,468,710 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth (10) |
|
$ |
1,137,894 |
|
$ |
615,733 |
|
$ |
511,354 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth(10) |
|
$ |
705,773 |
|
$ |
359,142 |
|
$ |
609,632 |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
$ |
2,311,013 |
|
$ |
1,512,304 |
|
$ |
2,478,129 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
$ |
3,189,768 |
|
$ |
2,344,139 |
|
$ |
3,619,556 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
$ |
1,140,968 |
|
$ |
900,241 |
|
$ |
713,628 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
$ |
2,159,178 |
|
$ |
1,694,099 |
|
$ |
1,862,452 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
$ |
1,387,566 |
|
$ |
1,341,157 |
|
$ |
1,467,066 |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap(11) |
|
$ |
3,085,999 |
|
$ |
1,250,464 |
|
$ |
518,125 |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
$ |
3,525,252 |
|
$ |
1,556,885 |
|
$ |
1,245,653 |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
1,750,287 |
|
$ |
1,144,546 |
|
$ |
2,641,536 |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
$ |
1,678,531 |
|
$ |
1,469,490 |
|
$ |
2,172,689 |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value(12) |
|
$ |
2,526,080 |
|
$ |
980,000 |
|
$ |
70,359 |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity(13) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
3,153,673 |
|
$ |
2,059,989 |
|
$ |
2,479,622 |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(14) |
|
$ |
3,410,469 |
|
$ |
2,484,708 |
|
$ |
4,423,815 |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets(12) |
|
$ |
1,829,578 |
|
$ |
769,944 |
|
$ |
45,207 |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value(15) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
(1) |
Transamerica High Yield Bond was renamed Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond on November 13, 2009. |
(2) |
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy commenced operations on September 30, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(3) |
Transamerica Diversified Equity commenced operations on November 13, 2009, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(4) |
Transamerica UBS Dynamic Alpha was renamed Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro on November 1, 2009. Fees shown prior to this date were paid to a predecessor sub-adviser. |
(5) |
Transamerica Legg Mason Partners All Cap was renamed Transamerica Focus on November 6, 2009. Fees shown prior to this date were paid to a predecessor sub-adviser. |
(6) |
Transamerica BlackRock Natural Resources was renamed Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy on September 30, 2010. Fees shown prior to this date were paid to a predecessor sub-adviser. |
(7) |
Transamerica AllianceBernstein International Value was renamed Transamerica Hansberger International Value on December 15, 2010. Fees shown prior to this date were paid to a predecessor sub-adviser. |
(8) |
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond commenced operations on July 1, 2009 and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. |
(9) |
Transamerica BNY Mellon Market Neutral Strategy was renamed Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy on January 6, 2011. Fees shown prior to this date were paid to a predecessor sub-adviser. |
(10) |
Transamerica Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Van Kampen Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Van Kampen Small Company Growth were renamed Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, respectively, on June 1, 2010. |
(11) |
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap commenced operations on March 1, 2008. |
(12) |
Transamerica Thornburg International Value and Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets commenced operations on September 15, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively. |
(13) |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity commenced operations on March 1, 2011, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
(14) |
Transamerica Equity was renamed Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth on April 9, 2010. Fees shown prior to this date were paid to a predecessor sub-adviser. |
(15) |
Transamerica WMC Quality Value commenced operations on November 15, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
|
Each of the sub-advisers also serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser to other funds and/or private accounts that may have investment objectives identical or similar to those of the funds. Securities frequently meet the investment objectives of one or all of these funds, the other funds and the private accounts. In such cases, a sub-advisers decision to recommend a purchase to one fund or account rather than another is based on a number of factors as set forth in the sub-advisers allocation procedures. The determining factors in most cases are the amounts available for investment by each fund or account, the amount of securities of the issuer then outstanding, the value of those securities and the market for them. Another factor considered in the investment recommendations is other investments which each fund or account presently has in a particular industry.
48
It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by more than one fund or account. However, positions in the same issue may vary and the length of time that any fund or account may choose to hold its investment in the same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that more than one of the funds or private accounts served by a sub-adviser seeks to acquire or sell the same security at about the same time, either the price obtained by the funds or the amount of securities that may be purchased or sold by a fund at one time may be adversely affected. On the other hand, if the same securities are bought or sold at the same time by more than one fund or account, the resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better executions for the funds. In the event more than one fund or account purchases or sells the same security on a given date, the purchase and sale transactions are allocated among the fund(s), the other funds and the private accounts in a manner believed by the sub-advisers to be equitable to each.
Information about each Funds Portfolio Managers
Information regarding other accounts for which any portfolio manager is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management, a description of any material conflict of interest that may arise in connection with the portfolio managers management of the funds investments, the structure of, and method used to determine, the compensation of each portfolio manager and the dollar range of equity securities in the fund beneficially owned by each portfolio manager are provided in Appendix B of this SAI.
Portfolio Construction Manager
Morningstar Associates, LLC (Morningstar Associates) located at 22 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602, serves as a portfolio construction manager and, as such, makes asset allocation and fund selection decisions for Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio, Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio, and Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio (the Asset Allocation funds). For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, TAM paid Morningstar Associates the following amounts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
October 31 |
|
|||||||
Fund Name |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
$ |
1,093,422 |
|
$ |
793,107 |
|
$ |
781,360 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
1,583,573 |
|
$ |
1,363,628 |
|
$ |
2,097,266 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
3,096,781 |
|
$ |
2,630,950 |
|
$ |
3,704,481 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
$ |
2,090,465 |
|
$ |
1,656,957 |
|
$ |
2,089,670 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
$ |
479,487 |
|
$ |
366,494 |
|
$ |
328,975 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
$ |
304,767 |
|
$ |
236,001 |
|
$ |
425,974 |
|
|
TAM compensates Morningstar Associates 0.10% of the average daily net assets of each fund, except for Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio, which receives 0.20% of the first $500 million of average daily net assets; 0.19% over $500 million up to $1 billion of average daily net assets; and 0.18% of average net assets over $1 billion. Compensation is paid on a monthly basis.
Effective March 1, 2001, Transamerica Funds entered into an Underwriting Agreement with AFSG Securities Corporation (AFSG), located at 4333 Edgewood Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52494, to act as the principal underwriter of the shares of the funds. On May 1, 2007, Transamerica Capital, Inc. (TCI), located at 4600 South Syracuse Street, Suite 1100, Denver, Colorado 80237, became principal underwriter and distributor of the shares of the funds. TCI is an affiliate of TAM and AFSG. The Underwriting Agreement will continue from year to year so long as its continuance is approved at least annually in the same manner as the investment advisory agreements discussed above. A discussion of TCIs responsibilities and charges as principal underwriter of fund shares is set forth in each funds prospectus.
UNDERWRITING COMMISSION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
Commissions Received for the Period |
|
Commissions Retained for the Period |
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||||||
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond(1) |
|
$ |
547,530 |
|
$ |
354,627 |
|
$ |
87,788 |
|
$ |
99,849 |
|
$ |
64,251 |
|
$ |
17,769 |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy(2) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
$ |
3,481,052 |
|
$ |
2,422,552 |
|
$ |
2,846,849 |
|
$ |
585,209 |
|
$ |
393,512 |
|
$ |
481,348 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
2,640,594 |
|
$ |
2,688,248 |
|
$ |
4,950,893 |
|
$ |
402,250 |
|
$ |
409,245 |
|
$ |
773,070 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
6,364,190 |
|
$ |
5,239,354 |
|
$ |
9,619,298 |
|
$ |
994,095 |
|
$ |
806,684 |
|
$ |
1,555,217 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
$ |
5,510,277 |
|
$ |
4,040,937 |
|
$ |
5,192,761 |
|
$ |
891,147 |
|
$ |
641,077 |
|
$ |
856,228 |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
$ |
76,418 |
|
$ |
45,559 |
|
$ |
64,623 |
|
$ |
11,598 |
|
$ |
6,967 |
|
$ |
10,062 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity(3) |
|
$ |
43,724 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
6,533 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro(4) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
$ |
366,563 |
|
$ |
99,829 |
|
$ |
35,634 |
|
$ |
68,623 |
|
$ |
18,970 |
|
$ |
7,038 |
|
|
49
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
Commissions Received for the Period |
|
Commissions Retained for the Period |
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||||||
Transamerica Focus(5) |
|
$ |
33,808 |
|
$ |
28,169 |
|
$ |
42,063 |
|
$ |
5,049 |
|
$ |
4,306 |
|
$ |
6,456 |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy(6) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
$ |
65,949 |
|
$ |
45,654 |
|
$ |
76,457 |
|
$ |
9,829 |
|
$ |
6,824 |
|
$ |
11,928 |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value(7) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond(8) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy(9) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt(10) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley
Mid-Cap |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth(10) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
$ |
828,445 |
|
$ |
548,145 |
|
$ |
1,157,228 |
|
$ |
126,105 |
|
$ |
83,079 |
|
$ |
182,072 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
|
302,091 |
|
$ |
244,847 |
|
$ |
837,540 |
|
$ |
47,312 |
|
$ |
37,420 |
|
$ |
131,791 |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
|
3,358,074 |
|
$ |
1,451,500 |
|
$ |
33,313 |
|
$ |
682,343 |
|
$ |
288,843 |
|
$ |
6,425 |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
559,505 |
|
$ |
346,795 |
|
$ |
1,098,994 |
|
$ |
84,110 |
|
$ |
51,813 |
|
$ |
165,002 |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value(12) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity(13) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(14) |
|
$ |
256,243 |
|
$ |
259,791 |
|
$ |
408,325 |
|
$ |
39,411 |
|
$ |
39,022 |
|
$ |
61,859 |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets(12) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value(15) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Period Ended October 31, 2010 |
|
||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
Net |
|
Compensation |
|
Brokerage |
|
Other |
|
||||
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond(1) |
|
$ |
99,849 |
|
$ |
34,525 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
41,557 |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy(2) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Conservative Portfolio |
|
$ |
585,209 |
|
$ |
310,472 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
990,348 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
402,250 |
|
$ |
400,121 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
1,927,230 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
994,095 |
|
$ |
784,626 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
4,198,906 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation-Moderate Portfolio |
|
$ |
891,147 |
|
$ |
464,264 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
2,304,408 |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
$ |
11,598 |
|
$ |
17,765 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
316,247 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity(3) |
|
$ |
6,533 |
|
$ |
8,615 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
83,198 |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro(4) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
$ |
68,623 |
|
$ |
16,513 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
(131,646 |
) |
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
For the Period Ended October 31, 2010 |
|
||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
Net |
|
Compensation |
|
Brokerage |
|
Other |
|
||||
Transamerica Focus(5) |
|
$ |
5,049 |
|
$ |
17,935 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
249,476 |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy(6) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
$ |
9,829 |
|
$ |
13,676 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
224,811 |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value(7) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond(8) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy(9) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
108,557 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
(63,162 |
) |
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Market Debts(10) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid Cap Growth(10) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth(10) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
$ |
126,105 |
|
$ |
23,774 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
79,929 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
$ |
47,312 |
|
$ |
72,632 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
225,344 |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap(11) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
$ |
682,343 |
|
$ |
464,060 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
(1,779,902 |
) |
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
84,110 |
|
$ |
115,116 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
374,053 |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value(12) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity(13) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(14) |
|
$ |
39,411 |
|
$ |
39,655 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
620,634 |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets(12) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value(15) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
(1) |
Transamerica High Yield Bond was renamed Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond on November 13, 2009. |
(2) |
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy commenced operations on September 30, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(3) |
Transamerica Diversified Equity commenced operations on November 13, 2009, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(4) |
Transamerica UBS Dynamic Alpha was renamed Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro on November 1, 2009. |
(5) |
Transamerica Legg Mason Partners All Cap was renamed Transamerica Focus on November 6, 2009. |
(6) |
Transamerica BlackRock Natural Resources was renamed Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy on September 30, 2010. |
(7) |
Transamerica AllianceBernstein International Value was renamed Transamerica Hansberger International Value on December 15, 2010. |
(8) |
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond commenced operations on July 1, 2009 and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. |
(9) |
Transamerica BNY Mellon Market Neutral Strategy was renamed Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy on January 6, 2011. |
(10) |
Transamerica Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Van Kampen Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Van Kampen Small Company Growth were renamed Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, respectively, on June 1, 2010. |
(11) |
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap commenced operations on March 1, 2008. |
(12) |
Transamerica Thornburg International Value and Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets commenced operations on September 15, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively. |
(13) |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity commenced operations on March 1, 2011, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
(14) |
Transamerica Equity was renamed Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth on April 9, 2010. |
(15) |
Transamerica WMC Quality Value commenced operations on November 15, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
|
TAM is responsible for the supervision of all of the administrative functions, providing office space, and paying its allocable portion of the salaries, fees and expenses of all fund officers and of those trustees who are affiliated with TAM. The costs and expenses, including legal and accounting fees, filing fees and printing costs in connection with the formation of a fund and the preparation and filing of a funds initial registration statements under the 1933 Act and 1940 Act are also paid by the adviser. Transamerica Funds has entered into an Administrative Services Agreement (Administrative Agreement) with Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. (TFS), 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, on behalf of each fund. Under the Administrative Agreement, TFS carries out and supervises all of the administrative functions of the funds and incurs expenses payable by Transamerica Funds related to such
51
functions. Each fund, other than the Asset Allocation funds, pay 0.02% of their daily net assets to TFS for such administrative services. The fee is 0.0125% of daily net assets for the Asset Allocation funds.
The administrative duties of TFS with respect to each fund include: providing the fund with office space, telephones, office equipment and supplies; paying the compensation of the funds officers for services rendered as such; supervising and assisting in preparation of annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, notices of dividends, capital gain distributions and tax information; supervising compliance by the fund with the recordkeeping requirements under the 1940 Act and regulations thereunder and with the state regulatory requirements; maintaining books and records of the fund (other than those maintained by the funds custodian and transfer agent); preparing and filing tax returns and reports; monitoring and supervising relationships with the funds custodian and transfer agent; monitoring the qualifications of tax deferred retirement plans providing for investment in shares of each fund; authorizing expenditures and approving bills for payment on behalf of each fund; and providing executive, clerical and secretarial help needed to carry out its duties.
The funds paid the following administrative expenses for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|||
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond(1) |
|
$ |
121,653 |
|
$ |
91,960 |
|
$ |
90,160 |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy(2) |
|
$ |
3,830 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
$ |
136,678 |
|
$ |
99,138 |
|
$ |
97,670 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
197,947 |
|
$ |
170,454 |
|
$ |
262,158 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
387,098 |
|
$ |
328,869 |
|
$ |
463,060 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
$ |
261,308 |
|
$ |
207,120 |
|
$ |
261,209 |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
$ |
69,680 |
|
$ |
18,193 |
|
$ |
30,241 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
$ |
92,835 |
|
$ |
80,661 |
|
$ |
98,728 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
137,782 |
|
$ |
90,753 |
|
$ |
113,215 |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
$ |
61,817 |
|
$ |
44,660 |
|
$ |
65,948 |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity(3) |
|
$ |
136,016 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
$ |
18,712 |
|
$ |
16,285 |
|
$ |
14,220 |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro(4) |
|
$ |
23,459 |
|
$ |
21,119 |
|
$ |
41,533 |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
$ |
49,387 |
|
$ |
28,664 |
|
$ |
71,596 |
|
Transamerica Focus(5) |
|
$ |
25,698 |
|
$ |
13,165 |
|
$ |
25,561 |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy (6) |
|
$ |
27,860 |
|
$ |
18,035 |
|
$ |
29,987 |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
$ |
60,380 |
|
$ |
31,725 |
|
$ |
53,760 |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value(7) |
|
$ |
60,635 |
|
$ |
49,602 |
|
$ |
91,810 |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
$ |
149,744 |
|
$ |
57,161 |
|
$ |
41,684 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond(8) |
|
$ |
152,636 |
|
$ |
12,993 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
$ |
119,055 |
|
$ |
137,536 |
|
$ |
160,717 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy(9) |
|
$ |
19,804 |
|
$ |
18,632 |
|
$ |
24,450 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
34,529 |
|
$ |
30,172 |
|
$ |
45,972 |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
$ |
124,241 |
|
$ |
132,961 |
|
$ |
128,082 |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
$ |
87,155 |
|
$ |
38,438 |
|
$ |
5,850 |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
$ |
51,795 |
|
$ |
58,163 |
|
$ |
41,095 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt(10) |
|
$ |
68,055 |
|
$ |
69,769 |
|
$ |
69,641 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth(10) |
|
$ |
57,214 |
|
$ |
30,787 |
|
$ |
25,568 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth(10) |
|
$ |
31,566 |
|
$ |
15,962 |
|
$ |
27,095 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
$ |
29,968 |
|
$ |
22,906 |
|
$ |
20,561 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
$ |
38,096 |
|
$ |
29,500 |
|
$ |
53,247 |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
$ |
101,141 |
|
$ |
64,991 |
|
$ |
107,917 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
$ |
103,360 |
|
$ |
73,992 |
|
$ |
117,802 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
$ |
57,863 |
|
$ |
45,121 |
|
$ |
35,681 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
$ |
173,722 |
|
$ |
135,528 |
|
$ |
148,996 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
$ |
117,807 |
|
$ |
107,293 |
|
$ |
117,365 |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap(11) |
|
$ |
107,392 |
|
$ |
42,066 |
|
$ |
17,271 |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
$ |
434,373 |
|
$ |
150,399 |
|
$ |
113,789 |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
94,129 |
|
$ |
61,059 |
|
$ |
147,176 |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
$ |
84,346 |
|
$ |
73,474 |
|
$ |
108,635 |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value(12) |
|
$ |
124,615 |
|
$ |
46,181 |
|
$ |
2,168 |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity(13) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
213,370 |
|
$ |
132,592 |
|
$ |
161,202 |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(14) |
|
$ |
246,008 |
|
$ |
180,740 |
|
$ |
309,405 |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets(12) |
|
$ |
52,716 |
|
$ |
21,998 |
|
$ |
1,292 |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value(15) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
(1) |
Transamerica High Yield Bond was renamed Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond on November 13, 2009. |
|
52
|
|
|
|
(2) |
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy commenced operations on September 30, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(3) |
Transamerica Diversified Equity commenced operations on November 13, 2009, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(4) |
Transamerica UBS Dynamic Alpha was renamed Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro on November 1, 2009. |
(5) |
Transamerica Legg Mason Partners All Cap was renamed Transamerica Focus on November 6, 2009. |
(6) |
Transamerica BlackRock Natural Resources was renamed Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy on September 30, 2010. |
(7) |
Transamerica AllianceBernstein International Value was renamed Transamerica Hansberger International Value on December 15, 2010. |
(8) |
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond commenced operations on July 1, 2009 and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. |
(9) |
Transamerica BNY Mellon Market Neutral Strategy was renamed Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy on January 6, 2011. |
(10) |
Transamerica Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Van Kampen Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Van Kampen Small Company Growth were renamed Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, respectively, on June 1, 2010. |
(11) |
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap commenced operations on March 1, 2008. |
(12) |
Transamerica Thornburg International Value and Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets commenced operations on September 15, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively. |
(13) |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity commenced operations on March 1, 2011, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
(14) |
Transamerica Equity was renamed Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth on April 9, 2010. |
(15) |
Transamerica WMC Quality Value commenced operations on November 15, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
|
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND OTHER AFFILIATES
State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, is custodian for Transamerica Funds. The custodian is not responsible for any of the investment policies or decisions of a fund, but holds its assets in safekeeping, and collects and remits the income thereon subject to the instructions of the funds.
TFS, 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, is the transfer agent, withholding agent and dividend disbursing agent for each fund. TFS is directly owned by Western Reserve (44%) and AUSA (56%), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of AEGON N.V.; and thus TFS is an affiliate of TAM. For its services as transfer agent, TFS receives fees from each fund (by share class) as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Class A, B, C, R, T1 |
|
|
|
|
Open Account |
|
$ |
21.00 |
|
Closed Account |
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I2 |
|
|
|
|
Open Direct Account |
|
$ |
21.00 |
|
Open Networked Account |
|
$ |
8.00 |
|
Closed Account |
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
Omnibus Service Fee |
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
Sub-Transfer Agent and Omnibus Intermediary Fees |
|
|
10 bps |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class I2 |
|
|
|
|
Open Account |
|
|
0.75 bps |
|
Closed Account |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class P3 |
|
|
|
|
Open Direct Account |
|
$ |
21.00 |
|
Closed Account |
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Applicable out-of pocket expenses, including, but not limited to, Quarterly Shareholder Statements and Postage, will be charged directly to the funds. |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Applicable out-of pocket expenses, including, but not limited to, Quarterly Shareholder Statements and Postage, Shareholder Confirmations, Information Storage, 12b-1 Billing, Networking, Vision, and Fan Mail, will be charged directly to the funds. |
|
|
|
|
3 |
Applicable out-of pocket expenses, including, but not limited to, Quarterly Shareholder Statements and Postage, 12b-1 Billing, Vision, Fan Mail, and Representative Confirmations and Statements, will be charged directly to the funds. |
Transaction requests should be mailed to Transamerica Funds, P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, MO 64121-9945 or Transamerica Funds, 330 W. 9th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 (for overnight mail).
There were no brokerage credits received for the periods ended October 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008.
53
TRANSFER AGENCY FEES
(Fees and Expenses Net of Brokerage Credits)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|||
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond(1) |
|
$ |
260,382 |
|
$ |
104,570 |
|
$ |
98,678 |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy(2) |
|
$ |
1,436 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
$ |
1,086,638 |
|
$ |
900,153 |
|
$ |
706,727 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
2,613,872 |
|
$ |
2,815,516 |
|
$ |
2,807,434 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
3,828,597 |
|
$ |
3,938,628 |
|
$ |
3,893,286 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
$ |
2,086,336 |
|
$ |
1,934,515 |
|
$ |
1,829,171 |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
$ |
967,551 |
|
$ |
354,669 |
|
$ |
406,957 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
$ |
12,262 |
|
$ |
394 |
|
$ |
175 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
17,487 |
|
$ |
348 |
|
$ |
160 |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
$ |
8,136 |
|
$ |
19,580 |
|
$ |
26,085 |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity(3) |
|
$ |
1,555,347 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
$ |
2,849 |
|
$ |
402 |
|
$ |
171 |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro(4) |
|
$ |
3,362 |
|
$ |
337 |
|
$ |
137 |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
$ |
135,614 |
|
$ |
84,937 |
|
$ |
92,187 |
|
Transamerica Focus(5) |
|
$ |
449,322 |
|
$ |
361,835 |
|
$ |
419,094 |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy(6) |
|
$ |
3,773 |
|
$ |
364 |
|
$ |
169 |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
$ |
779,806 |
|
$ |
606,579 |
|
$ |
662,480 |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value(7) |
|
$ |
7,092 |
|
$ |
346 |
|
$ |
159 |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
$ |
18,600 |
|
$ |
68,607 |
|
$ |
89,122 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond(8) |
|
$ |
27,390 |
|
$ |
113 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
$ |
11,339 |
|
$ |
346 |
|
$ |
162 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy(9) |
|
$ |
2,951 |
|
$ |
337 |
|
$ |
135 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
4,384 |
|
$ |
352 |
|
$ |
198 |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
$ |
14,626 |
|
$ |
364 |
|
$ |
172 |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
$ |
11,690 |
|
$ |
84,684 |
|
$ |
103,399 |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
$ |
636,550 |
|
$ |
516,882 |
|
$ |
401,576 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt(10) |
|
$ |
8,146 |
|
$ |
311 |
|
$ |
282 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth(10) |
|
$ |
7,319 |
|
$ |
346 |
|
$ |
162 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth(10) |
|
$ |
4,448 |
|
$ |
348 |
|
$ |
318 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
$ |
384,433 |
|
$ |
320,557 |
|
$ |
203,892 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
$ |
549,186 |
|
$ |
560,701 |
|
$ |
616,792 |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
$ |
13,411 |
|
$ |
346 |
|
$ |
159 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
$ |
13,189 |
|
$ |
346 |
|
$ |
159 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
$ |
7,469 |
|
$ |
174 |
|
$ |
160 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
$ |
23,962 |
|
$ |
8,796 |
|
$ |
11,567 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
$ |
16,993 |
|
$ |
30,630 |
|
$ |
39,927 |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap(11) |
|
$ |
12,955 |
|
$ |
364 |
|
$ |
169 |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
$ |
803,403 |
|
$ |
102,836 |
|
$ |
2,554 |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
1,027,020 |
|
$ |
856,785 |
|
$ |
681,796 |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
$ |
9,895 |
|
$ |
364 |
|
$ |
200 |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value(12) |
|
$ |
16,994 |
|
$ |
378 |
|
$ |
42 |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity(13) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
26,982 |
|
$ |
348 |
|
$ |
318 |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(14) |
|
$ |
2,372,896 |
|
$ |
2,021,458 |
|
$ |
2,282,929 |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets(12) |
|
$ |
11,191 |
|
$ |
378 |
|
$ |
42 |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value(15) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
54
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Transamerica High Yield Bond was renamed Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond on November 13, 2009. |
(2) |
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy commenced operations on September 30, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(3) |
Transamerica Diversified Equity commenced operations on November 13, 2009, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(4) |
Transamerica UBS Dynamic Alpha was renamed Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro on November 1, 2009. |
(5) |
Transamerica Legg Mason Partners All Cap was renamed Transamerica Focus on November 6, 2009. |
(6) |
Transamerica BlackRock Natural Resources was renamed Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy on September 30, 2010. |
(7) |
Transamerica AllianceBernstein International Value was renamed Transamerica Hansberger International Value on December 15, 2010. |
(8) |
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond commenced operations on July 1, 2009 and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. |
(9) |
Transamerica BNY Mellon Market Neutral Strategy was renamed Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy on January 6, 2011. |
(10) |
Transamerica Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Van Kampen Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Van Kampen Small Company Growth were renamed Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, respectively, on June 1, 2010. |
(11) |
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap commenced operations on March 1, 2008. |
(12) |
Transamerica Thornburg International Value and Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets commenced operations on September 15, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively. |
(13) |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity commenced operations on March 1, 2011, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
(14) |
Transamerica Equity was renamed Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth on April 9, 2010. |
(15) |
Transamerica WMC Quality Value commenced operations on November 15, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
|
FUND TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Decisions as to the assignment of fund business for each of the funds and negotiation of commission rates are made by a funds sub-adviser, whose policy is to seek to obtain the best execution of all fund transactions. The Investment Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for each fund specifically provide that in placing portfolio transactions for a fund, the funds sub-adviser may agree to pay brokerage commissions for effecting a securities transaction in an amount higher than another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction as authorized, under certain circumstances, by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act).
In selecting brokers and dealers and in negotiating commissions, a funds sub-adviser may consider a number of factors, including but not limited to:
|
|
|
The sub-advisers knowledge of currently available negotiated commission rates or prices of securities and other current transaction costs; |
|
|
|
The nature of the security being traded; |
|
|
|
The size and type of the transaction; |
|
|
|
The nature and character of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold; |
|
|
|
The desired timing of the trade; |
|
|
|
The activity existing and expected in the market for the particular security; |
|
|
|
The quality of the execution, clearance and settlement services; |
|
|
|
Financial stability; |
|
|
|
The existence of actual or apparent operational problems of any broker or dealer; and |
|
|
|
Research products and services provided. |
In recognition of the value of the foregoing factors, the sub-adviser may place portfolio transactions with a broker with whom it has negotiated a commission that is in excess of the commission another broker would have charged for effecting that transaction. This is done if the sub-adviser determines in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research provided by such broker viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or of the overall responsibilities of the sub-adviser. Research provided may include:
|
|
|
Furnishing advice, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the value of securities, the advisability of purchasing or selling specific securities and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; |
|
|
|
Furnishing seminars, information, analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, trading markets and methods, legislative developments, changes in accounting practices, economic factors and trends and portfolio strategy; |
|
|
|
Access to research analysts, corporate management personnel, industry experts, economists and government officials; and |
|
|
|
Comparative performance evaluation and technical measurement services and quotation services, and other services (such as third party publications, reports and analyses, and computer and electronic access, equipment, software, information and accessories that deliver process or otherwise utilize information, including the research described above) that assist the sub-adviser in carrying out its responsibilities. |
55
Most of the brokers and dealers used by the funds sub-advisers provide research and other services described above.
A sub-adviser may use research products and services in servicing other accounts in addition to the funds. If a sub-adviser determines that any research product or service has a mixed use, such that it also serves functions that do not assist in the investment decision-making process, a sub-adviser may allocate the costs of such service or product accordingly. The portion of the product or service that a sub-adviser determines will assist it in the investment decision-making process may be paid for in brokerage commission dollars. Such allocation may be a conflict of interest for a sub-adviser.
When a fund purchases or sells a security in the OTC market, the transaction takes place directly with a principal market-maker without the use of a broker, except in those circumstances where better prices and executions will be achieved through the use of a broker.
A sub-adviser to a fund, to the extent consistent with the best execution and with TAMs usual commission rate policies and practices, may place portfolio transactions of the fund with broker/dealers with which the fund has established a Directed Brokerage Program. A Directed Brokerage Program is any arrangement under which a broker/dealer applies a portion of the commissions received by such broker/dealer on the funds portfolio transactions to the payment of operating expenses that would otherwise be borne by the fund. These commissions are not used for promoting or selling fund shares or otherwise related to the distribution of fund shares.
Brokerage Commissions Paid
(Including Affiliated Brokerage)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
October 31 |
|
Affiliated Brokerage Paid October 31 |
|
||||||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||||||
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond(1) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy(2) |
|
$ |
7,222 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
$ |
196,815 |
|
$ |
65,343 |
|
$ |
71,908 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
$ |
145,602 |
|
$ |
171,586 |
|
$ |
436,026 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
1,206 |
|
$ |
6,069 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
486,283 |
|
$ |
341,718 |
|
$ |
173,922 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
$ |
494,538 |
|
$ |
390,470 |
|
$ |
432,618 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity(3) |
|
$ |
950,097 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
$ |
590,042 |
|
$ |
552,386 |
|
$ |
387,820 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro(4) |
|
$ |
150,332 |
|
$ |
216,184 |
|
$ |
324,735 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
16,595 |
|
$ |
10,003 |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
$ |
20,720 |
|
$ |
15,120 |
|
$ |
12,858 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Focus(5) |
|
$ |
180,188 |
|
$ |
54,987 |
|
$ |
117,689 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy(6) |
|
$ |
30,113 |
|
$ |
12,883 |
|
$ |
12,968 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
1,783 |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
$ |
345,157 |
|
$ |
268,574 |
|
$ |
309,171 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value(7) |
|
$ |
293,357 |
|
$ |
244,476 |
|
$ |
252,118 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
$ |
1,020,890 |
|
$ |
500,849 |
|
$ |
312,255 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond(8) |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
$ |
30,840 |
|
$ |
34,068 |
|
$ |
58,722 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy(9) |
|
$ |
404,006 |
|
$ |
1,070,611 |
|
$ |
567,894 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
109,644 |
|
$ |
137,722 |
|
$ |
180,106 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
$ |
364 |
|
$ |
27 |
|
$ |
2,097 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
$ |
426,871 |
|
$ |
203,752 |
|
$ |
57,478 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt(10) |
|
$ |
126 |
|
$ |
5,244 |
|
$ |
1,529 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
56
Brokerage Commissions Paid
(Including Affiliated Brokerage)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
October 31 |
|
Affiliated Brokerage Paid October 31 |
|
||||||||||||||
Fund Name |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||||||
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth(10) |
|
$ |
253,816 |
|
$ |
201,495 |
|
$ |
116,752 |
|
$ |
44 |
|
$ |
5,057 |
|
$ |
3,663 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth(10) |
|
$ |
89,576 |
|
$ |
119,560 |
|
$ |
172,762 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
135 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International Portfolio |
|
$ |
806,314 |
|
$ |
703,647 |
|
$ |
1,136,559 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
41,986 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
$ |
787,599 |
|
$ |
622,522 |
|
$ |
1,191,683 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
$ |
445,749 |
|
$ |
549,324 |
|
$ |
343,102 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
$ |
15,334 |
|
$ |
17,859 |
|
$ |
21,441 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
$ |
24,184 |
|
$ |
87,850 |
|
$ |
30,968 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap(11) |
|
$ |
1,137,505 |
|
$ |
450,823 |
|
$ |
527,243 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
$ |
25,587 |
|
$ |
2,710 |
|
$ |
1,480 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
945,696 |
|
$ |
1,387,050 |
|
$ |
1,445,450 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
$ |
168,828 |
|
$ |
264,170 |
|
$ |
466,796 |
|
$ |
51,149 |
|
$ |
177,465 |
|
$ |
245,895 |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value(12) |
|
$ |
526,734 |
|
$ |
317,672 |
|
$ |
41,631 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity(13) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
|
1,452,486 |
|
$ |
1,329,956 |
|
$ |
927,076 |
|
$ |
98 |
|
$ |
33,771 |
|
$ |
16,525 |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(14) |
|
$ |
1,155,453 |
|
$ |
965,171 |
|
$ |
835,453 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets(12) |
|
$ |
1,237,980 |
|
$ |
587,910 |
|
$ |
99,603 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value(15) |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
The following table provides brokerage commissions that were directed to brokers for brokerage and research services provided during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
Paid as of |
|
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond(1) |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy(2) |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
$ |
185,691 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
$ |
108,321 |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
$ |
386,918 |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity(3) |
|
$ |
841,626 |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
$ |
112,844 |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro(4) |
|
$ |
6,526 |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
$ |
18,689 |
|
Transamerica Focus(5) |
|
$ |
152,015 |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy(6) |
|
$ |
8,553 |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
$ |
299,662 |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value(7) |
|
$ |
179,125 |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
$ |
725,554 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond(8) |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy(9) |
|
$ |
353 |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
65,559 |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
$ |
302,176 |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt(10) |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth(10) |
|
$ |
143,064 |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth(10) |
|
$ |
40,448 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
$ |
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
|
Fund Name |
|
Paid as of |
|
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
$ |
745,974 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
$ |
688,441 |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
$ |
247,904 |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap(11) |
|
$ |
1,094,592 |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
$ |
778,100 |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
$ |
168,063 |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value(12) |
|
$ |
429,292 |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity(13) |
|
$ |
|
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
$ |
1,154,426 |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(14) |
|
$ |
487,140 |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets(12) |
|
$ |
1,084,052 |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value(15) |
|
$ |
|
|
The estimates above are based upon custody data provided to CAPIS using the following methodology: Total Commissions minus transactions executed at discounted rates and/or directed to the funds commission recapture program equals total research commissions. USD transactions executed at $.02 and below and non-USD transactions executed at 8 basis points and below are considered to be executed at discounted rates. For example, Commission paid on USD transactions at rates greater than $.02 per share and not directed for commission recapture are assumed to be paid to brokers that provide research and brokerage services within the scope of Section 28(e) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Transamerica High Yield Bond was renamed Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond on November 13, 2009. |
(2) |
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy commenced operations on September 30, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(3) |
Transamerica Diversified Equity commenced operations on November 13, 2009, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and October 31, 2009. |
(4) |
Transamerica UBS Dynamic Alpha was renamed Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro on November 1, 2009. |
(5) |
Transamerica Legg Mason Partners All Cap was renamed Transamerica Focus on November 6, 2009. |
(6) |
Transamerica BlackRock Natural Resources was renamed Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy on September 30, 2010. |
(7) |
Transamerica AllianceBernstein International Value was renamed Transamerica Hansberger International Value on December 15, 2010. |
(8) |
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond commenced operations on July 1, 2009 and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. |
(9) |
Transamerica BNY Mellon Market Neutral Strategy was renamed Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy on January 6, 2011. |
(10) |
Transamerica Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Van Kampen Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Van Kampen Small Company Growth were renamed Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, respectively, on June 1, 2010. |
(11) |
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap commenced operations on March 1, 2008. |
(12) |
Transamerica Thornburg International Value and Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets commenced operations on September 15, 2008 and September 30, 2008, respectively. |
(13) |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity commenced operations on March 1, 2011, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
(14) |
Transamerica Equity was renamed Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth on April 9, 2010. |
(15) |
Transamerica WMC Quality Value commenced operations on November 15, 2010, and as such, there is no historical fee information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008, October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2010. |
|
58
The Board Members and executive officers of the Trust are listed below. The Board governs each fund and is responsible for protecting the interests of the shareholders. The Board Members are experienced executives who meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the business affairs of each fund and the operation of the Trust by its officers. The Board also reviews the management of each funds assets by the investment adviser and its respective sub-adviser. The funds are among the funds advised and sponsored by TAM (collectively, Transamerica Asset Management Group). Transamerica Asset Management Group (TAMG) consists of Transamerica Funds, Transamerica Series Trust (TST), Transamerica Income Shares, Inc. (TIS), Transamerica Partners Funds Group (TPFG), Transamerica Partners Funds Group II (TPFG II), Transamerica Partners Portfolios (TPP), and Transamerica Asset Allocation Variable Funds (TAAVF) and consists of 153 funds as of the date of this SAI.
The mailing address of each Board Member is c/o Secretary, 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. The Board Members, their ages, their positions with the Trust, and their principal occupations for the past five years (their titles may have varied during that period), the number of funds in TAMG the Board oversees, and other board memberships they hold are set forth in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Age |
|
Position(s)
Held |
|
Term of |
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During |
|
Number of |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INTERESTED BOARD MEMBER** |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
John K. Carter |
|
Chairman, Board Member, President, and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Since 1999 |
|
Chairman, Board
Member, President and Chief Executive Officer, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and TAAVF
(2007 present); |
|
153 |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Age |
|
Position(s)
Held |
|
Term of |
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During |
|
Number of |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
present),
President (2007 2010), Chief Executive Officer (2006 2010), Vice President, Secretary and
Chief Compliance Officer (2003
2006), Transamerica Investors, Inc. (TII); |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS*** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sandra N. Bane |
|
Board Member |
|
Since 2008 |
|
Retired (1999
present); |
|
153 |
|
Big 5 Sporting Goods (2002 present); AGL Resources, Inc. (energy services holding company) (2008 present) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leo J. Hill |
|
Lead Independent Board Member |
|
Since 2002 |
|
Principal, Advisor
Network Solutions, LLC (business consulting) (2006 present); |
|
153 |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Age |
|
Position(s)
Held |
|
Term of |
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During |
|
Number of |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David W. Jennings |
|
Board Member |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Board Member, Transamerica Funds, TST, TIS, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and
TAAVF (2009 present); |
|
153 |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A.
Kimball, Jr. |
|
Board Member |
|
1986 1990 and Since 2002 |
|
General Manager,
Sheraton Sand Key Resort (1975
present); |
|
153 |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
Board Member |
|
Since 2007 |
|
Chief Executive
Officer, HedgeServ Corporation (hedge fund administration) (2008 present); |
|
153 |
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norman R. Nielsen, Ph.D. |
|
Board Member |
|
Since 2006 |
|
Retired (2005
present); |
|
153 |
|
Buena Vista University Board of Trustees (2004 - present) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Age |
|
Position(s)
Held |
|
Term of |
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During |
|
Number of |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and TAAVF (2007 present); |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joyce G. Norden |
|
Board Member |
|
Since 2007 |
|
Retired (2004 present); |
|
153 |
|
Board of Governors, Reconstruction-ist Rabbinical College (2007 - present) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
Board Member |
|
Since 2007 |
|
Retired (2007
present); |
|
153 |
|
Honorary Trustee, Bryant University (1996 present) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Age |
|
Position(s)
Held |
|
Term of |
|
Principal
Occupation(s) During |
|
Number of |
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John W. Waechter |
|
Board Member |
|
Since 2005 |
|
Attorney,
Englander and Fischer, LLP (2008 present); |
|
153 |
|
Operation PAR, Inc. (2008 present); West Central Florida Council Boy Scouts of America (2008 present) |
|
|
* |
Each Board Member shall hold office until: 1) his or her successor is elected and qualified or 2) he or she resigns, retires or his or her term as a Board Member is terminated in accordance with the Trusts Declaration of Trust. |
** |
May be deemed an interested person (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust because of his employment with TAM or an affiliate of TAM. |
*** |
Independent Board Member means a Board Member who is not an interested person (as defined under the 1940 Act) of the Trust. |
|
63
OFFICERS
The mailing address of each officer is c/o Secretary, 570 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716. The following table shows information about the officers, including their ages, their positions held with the Trust and their principal occupations during the past five years (their titles may have varied during that period). Each officer will hold office until his or her successor has been duly elected or appointed or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Age |
|
Position |
|
Term of Office |
|
Principal Occupation(s) or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter |
|
Chairman, Board Member, President, and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Since 1999 |
|
See the table above. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dennis P.
Gallagher |
|
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
|
Since 2006 |
|
Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary, Assistant Vice
President, TCI (2007 present); |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert A. DeVault,
Jr. |
|
Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Vice President,
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer, (2010 present), Assistant Treasurer, (2009 2010), Transamerica
Funds, TST, TIS, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and TAAVF; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher A.
Staples |
|
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer |
|
Since 2005 |
|
Vice President and
Chief Investment Officer (2007
present), Senior Vice President - Investment Management (2006 2007), Vice President - Investment
Management (2005 2006),
Transamerica Funds, TST and TIS; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Age |
|
Position |
|
Term of Office |
|
Principal Occupation(s) or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, TFS
(2005 present); and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert
S. Lamont, Jr. |
|
Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Conflicts of Interest Officer |
|
Since 2010 |
|
Vice President,
Chief Compliance Officer and Conflicts of Interest Officer, Transamerica
Funds, TST, TIS, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and TAAVF (2010 present); |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bradley
O. Ackerman |
|
Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
|
Since 2007 |
|
Anti-Money
Laundering Officer, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and TAAVF (2009 present); |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sarah L. Bertrand |
|
Assistant Secretary |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Assistant
Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST, TIS, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and TAAVF (2009
present); |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy J.
Bresnahan |
|
Assistant Secretary |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Assistant
Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST, TIS, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and TAAVF (2009
present); |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Age |
|
Position |
|
Term of Office |
|
Principal Occupation(s) or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Margaret
A. Cullem-Fiore |
|
Assistant Secretary |
|
Since 2010 |
|
Assistant
Secretary, Transamerica Funds, TST, TIS, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and TAAVF (2010
present); |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard
E. Shield, Jr. |
|
Tax Officer |
|
Since 2008 |
|
Tax Officer,
Transamerica Funds, TST, TIS, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and TAAVF (2008 present); |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elizabeth
Strouse |
|
Assistant Treasurer |
|
Since 2010 |
|
Assistant
Treasurer, Transamerica Funds, TST, TIS, TPP, TPFG, TPFG II and TAAVF (2010
present); |
|
|
* |
Elected and serves at the pleasure of the Board of the Trust. |
If an officer has held offices for different funds for different periods of time, the earliest applicable date is shown. No officer of the Trust, except for the Chief Compliance Officer, receives any compensation from the Trust.
Each of the Board Members, other than Mr. Jennings, previously served as a trustee or director of the TAM, Diversified or Premier fund family, and each Board Member was thus initially selected by the board of the applicable predecessor fund family. In connection with the consolidation of all manager of managers investment advisory services within Transamerica in 2007, a single board was established to oversee the TAM and Diversified fund families, and each of the Board Members, other than Ms. Bane and Mr. Jennings, joined the Board at that time. The Board was established with a view both to ensuring continuity of representation by board members of the TAM and Diversified fund families on the Board and in order to establish a Board with experience in and focused on overseeing various types of funds, which experience would be further developed and enhanced over time. Ms. Bane joined the Board in 2008 when the Premier fund family was consolidated into TAMG. Mr. Jennings joined the Board in 2009.
The Board believes that each Board Members
experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in
combination with those of the other Board Members lead to the conclusion that
the Board possesses the requisite skills and attributes. The Board believes
that the Board Members ability to review critically, evaluate, question and
discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with TAM, the
sub-advisers, other services providers, counsel and independent auditors, and
to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties,
support this conclusion. The Board also has considered the following
experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, among others, of its
members in reaching its conclusion: his or her character and integrity; such
persons service as a board member of a predecessor fund family (other than Mr.
Jennings); such persons willingness to serve and willingness and ability to
commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Board Member; the fact
that such persons service would be consistent with the requirements of the retirement
policies of the Trust; as to each Board Member other than Mr. Carter, his or
her status as not being an interested person as defined in the 1940 Act; and,
as to Mr. Carter, his status as a representative of TAM. In
66
addition, the following specific experience,
qualifications, attributes and/or skills apply as to each Board Member: Ms.
Bane, accounting experience and experience as a board member of multiple
organizations; Mr. Hill, financial and entrepreneurial experience as an executive,
owner and consultant; Mr. Jennings, investment management experience as an
executive of investment management organizations and portfolio manager; Mr.
Kimball, business experience as an executive; Mr. Mannella, accounting and fund
administration experience, investment management industry experience as an
executive and consultant; Mr. Nielsen, academic leadership, insurance, business
development and board experience; Ms. Norden, non-profit executive experience
and extensive board and academic leadership; Ms. Sawyer, management consulting
and board experience; Mr. Waechter, securities industry and fund accounting and
fund compliance experience, legal experience and board experience; and Mr.
Carter, investment management experience as an executive and leadership roles
with TAM and affiliated entities. References to the qualifications, attributes
and skills of Board Members are pursuant to requirements of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Board
Member as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any
greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by
reason thereof.
The Board is responsible for overseeing the management and operations of the funds. Mr. Carter serves as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Carter is an interested person of the funds. Independent Board Members constitute more than 75% of the Board.
The Board has two standing committees: the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee. Both the Audit Committee and Nominating Committee are chaired by an Independent Board Member and composed of all of the Independent Board Members. In addition, the Board has a Lead Independent Board Member.
The Lead Independent Board Member and the chairs of the Audit and Nominating Committees work with the Chairman of the Board to set the agendas for Board and committee meetings. The Lead Independent Board Member also serves as a key point person for dealings between management and the Independent Board Members. Through the funds board committees the Independent Board Members consider and address important matters involving the funds, including those presenting conflicts or potential conflicts of interest for management and they believe they can act independently and effectively.
The Board currently believes that an interested Chairman is appropriate and is in the best interests of the funds and their shareholders, and that its committees help ensure that the funds have effective and independent governance and oversight. The Board believes that an interested Chairman has a professional interest in the quality of the services provided to the funds and that the Chairman is best equipped to provide oversight of such services on a day-to-day basis because of TAMs sponsorship of the funds and TAMs ongoing monitoring of the investment sub-advisers that manage the assets of each fund. The Board also believes that its leadership structure facilitates the orderly and efficient flow of information to the Independent Board Members from management. The Independent Board Members also believe that they can effectively act independently without having an Independent Board Member act as Chairman. Among other reasons, this belief is based on the fact that the Independent Board members represent over 75% of the Board.
The Audit Committee, among other things, oversees the accounting and reporting policies and practices of the Trust, oversees the quality and integrity of the financial statements of the Trust, approves, prior to appointment, the engagement of the Trusts independent registered public accounting firm, reviews and evaluates the independent registered public accounting firms qualifications, independence and performance, and approves the compensation of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided to each fund by the independent registered public accounting firm and all permissible non-audit services provided by each funds independent registered public accounting firm to TAM and any affiliated service providers if the engagement relates directly to each funds operations and financial reporting.
The Nominating Committee is a forum for identifying, considering, selecting and nominating, or recommending for nomination by the Board, candidates to fill vacancies on the Board.
When addressing vacancies, the Nominating Committee sets any necessary standards or qualifications for service on the Board and may consider nominees recommended by any source it deems appropriate, including Management and shareholders. Shareholders who wish to recommend a nominee should send recommendations to the Trusts Secretary that include all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Board Members. A recommendation must be accompanied by a written consent of the individual to stand for election if nominated by the Board and to serve if elected by the shareholders.
The Nominating Committee also identifies potential nominees through its network of contacts and may also engage, if it deems appropriate, a professional search firm. The committee meets to discuss and consider such candidates qualifications and then chooses a candidate by majority vote. The committee does not have specific, minimum qualifications for nominees, nor has it established specific qualities or skills that it regards as necessary for one or more of the Board Members to possess (other than any qualities or skills that may be required by applicable law, regulation or listing standard). The committee has, however, established (and reviews from time to time as it deems appropriate) certain desired qualities and qualifications for nominees, including certain personal attributes and certain skills and experience.
Through its oversight of the management and operations of the funds,
the Board also has a risk oversight function, which includes (without
limitation) the following: (i) requesting and reviewing reports on the
operations of the funds (such as reports about the performance of the funds);
(ii) reviewing compliance reports and approving compliance policies and
procedures of the funds and their service providers; (iii) meeting with
management to consider areas of risk and to seek assurances that adequate
resources are available to address risks; (iv) meeting with service providers,
including fund auditors, to review fund activities; and (v) meeting with the
Chief Compliance Officer and other officers of the funds and their service providers
to receive information about compliance, and risk assessment and management
matters. Such oversight is exercised primarily through the Board and its Audit
Committee but, on an ad
67
hoc basis, also can be exercised by the
Independent Board Members during executive sessions. The Board has emphasized
to TAM and the sub-advisers the importance of maintaining vigorous risk
management.
The Board recognizes that not all risks that may affect the funds can be identified, that it may not be practical or cost-effective to eliminate or mitigate certain risks, that it may be necessary to bear certain risks (such as investment-related risks) to achieve the funds goals, and that the processes, procedures and controls employed to address certain risks may be limited in their effectiveness. Moreover, reports received by the Board Members as to risk management matters are typically summaries of the relevant information. Most of the funds investment management and business affairs are carried out by or through TAM, its affiliates, the sub-advisers and other service providers each of which has an independent interest in risk management but whose policies and the methods by which one or more risk management functions are carried out may differ from the funds and each others in the setting of priorities, the resources available or the effectiveness of relevant controls. As a result of the foregoing and other factors, the Boards risk management oversight is subject to substantial limitations.
In addition, it is important to note that each fund is designed for investors that are prepared to accept investment risk, including the possibility that as yet unforeseen risks may emerge in the future.
Additional Information about the Committees of the Board
Both the Audit Committee and Nominating
Committee are composed of all of the Independent Board Members. For the fiscal
year ended October 31, 2010, the Audit Committee met six times and the
Nominating Committee met two times.
Trustee Ownership of Equity Securities
The table below gives the dollar range of shares of the Trust, as well as the aggregate dollar range of shares of all funds/portfolios in the Transamerica Asset Management Group owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$50,001 - $100,000 |
|
None |
|
$1 - $10,000 |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$50,001 - $100,000 |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$50,001 - $100,000 |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
None |
|
$10,001 - $50,000 |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
$50,001 - $100,000 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
$1 - $10,000 |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
$50,001 - $100,000 |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
71
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|
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|
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|
|
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|
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|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(8) |
|
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
$10,001 - $50,000 |
|
None |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
$50,001 - $100,000 |
|
None |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
None |
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of |
|
|
|
|
|
John K. Carter* |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
None |
|
None |
Leo J. Hill |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
David W. Jennings |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
None |
|
None |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
None |
|
None |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
None |
|
$50,001 - $100,000 |
John W. Waechter |
|
None |
|
Over $100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
Interested person under the 1940 Act by virtue of his position with TAM and its affiliates. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy commenced operations on September 30, 2010. |
(2) |
Transamerica Diversified Equity commenced operations on November 13, 2009. |
(3) |
Transamerica BlackRock Natural Resources was renamed Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy on September 30, 2010. |
(4) |
Transamerica AllianceBernstein International Value was renamed Transamerica Hansberger International Value on December 15, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
(5) |
Transamerica BNY Mellon Market Neutral Strategy was renamed Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy on January 6, 2011. |
|
|
|
|
(6) |
Transamerica Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Van Kampen Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Van Kampen Small Company Growth were renamed Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, respectively, on June 1, 2010. |
(7) |
Transamerica TS&W International Equity commenced operations on March 1, 2011. |
(8) |
Transamerica Equity was renamed Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth on April 9, 2010. |
(9) |
Transamerica WMC Quality Value commenced operations on November 15, 2010. |
As of December 31, 2010, none of the Independent Trustees or their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities of the Adviser, sub-advisers or Distributor of the funds, or in a person (other than a registered investment company) directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser, sub-advisers or Distributor of the funds.
Independent Trustees receive a total annual retainer fee of $124,000 from the funds/portfolios that make up the Transamerica Asset Management Group, as well as total fees of $8,800 per meeting (assumes five meetings annually), of which the Trust pays a pro rata share allocable to each series of Transamerica Funds based on the relative assets of the series. The Lead Independent Trustee of the Board also receives an additional retainer of $40,000 per year. The Audit Committee Chairperson receives an additional retainer of $15,000 per year. The Trust also pays a pro rata share allocable to each series of Transamerica Funds based on the relative assets of the series for the Lead Independent Trustee and Audit Committee Chairperson retainers. Any fees and expenses paid to Trustees who are affiliates of TAM or TCI are paid by TAM and/or TCI and not by the Trust, except for the Chief Compliance Officer.
Under a non-qualified deferred compensation plan effective January 1, 1996, as amended and restated January 1, 2010 (the Deferred Compensation Plan), available to the Trustees, compensation may be deferred that would otherwise be payable by the Trust to an Independent Trustee on a current basis for services rendered as Trustee. Deferred compensation amounts will accumulate based on the value of Class A (or comparable) shares of a series of the Trust (without imposition of sales charge), or investment options under Transamerica Partners Institutional Funds and Transamerica Institutional Asset Allocation Funds, as elected by the Trustee.
Amounts deferred and accrued under the Deferred Compensation Plan are unfunded and unsecured claims against the general assets of the Trust.
The following table provides compensation amounts paid to Independent Trustees of the funds for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010.
72
COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$1,005 |
|
|
|
$1,896 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$1,244 |
|
|
|
$2,347 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$1,005 |
|
|
|
$1,896 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$1,005 |
|
|
|
$1,896 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$1,005 |
|
|
|
$1,896 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$1,005 |
|
|
|
$1,896 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$1,005 |
|
|
|
$1,896 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$1,005 |
|
|
|
$1,896 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$1,094 |
|
|
|
$2,065 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$2,741 |
|
$5,419 |
|
$4,310 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$3,393 |
|
$6,709 |
|
$5,337 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$2,741 |
|
$5,419 |
|
$4,310 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$2,741 |
|
$5,419 |
|
$4,310 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$2,741 |
|
$5,419 |
|
$4,310 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$2,741 |
|
$5,419 |
|
$4,310 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$2,741 |
|
$5,419 |
|
$4,310 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$2,741 |
|
$5,419 |
|
$4,310 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$2,985 |
|
$5,902 |
|
$4,695 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$654 |
|
$815 |
|
$1,203 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$809 |
|
$1,009 |
|
$1,489 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$654 |
|
$815 |
|
$1,203 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$654 |
|
$815 |
|
$1,203 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$654 |
|
$815 |
|
$1,203 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$654 |
|
$815 |
|
$1,203 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$654 |
|
$815 |
|
$1,203 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$654 |
|
$815 |
|
$1,203 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$712 |
|
$888 |
|
$1,310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$530 |
|
$1,259 |
|
$172 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$657 |
|
$1,559 |
|
$213 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$530 |
|
$1,259 |
|
$172 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$530 |
|
$1,259 |
|
$172 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$530 |
|
$1,259 |
|
$172 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$530 |
|
$1,259 |
|
$172 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$530 |
|
$1,259 |
|
$172 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$530 |
|
$1,259 |
|
$172 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$578 |
|
$1,372 |
|
$187 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
73
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$209 |
|
$448 |
|
$231 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$259 |
|
$555 |
|
$286 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$209 |
|
$448 |
|
$231 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$209 |
|
$448 |
|
$231 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$209 |
|
$448 |
|
$231 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$209 |
|
$448 |
|
$231 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$209 |
|
$448 |
|
$231 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$209 |
|
$448 |
|
$231 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$228 |
|
$488 |
|
$252 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$244 |
|
$518 |
|
$552 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$303 |
|
$642 |
|
$683 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$244 |
|
$518 |
|
$552 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$244 |
|
$518 |
|
$552 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$244 |
|
$518 |
|
$552 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$244 |
|
$518 |
|
$552 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$244 |
|
$518 |
|
$552 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$244 |
|
$518 |
|
$552 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$266 |
|
$564 |
|
$601 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$1,578 |
|
$1,092 |
|
$1,295 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$1,954 |
|
$1,352 |
|
$1,603 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$1,578 |
|
$1,092 |
|
$1,295 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$1,578 |
|
$1,092 |
|
$1,295 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$1,578 |
|
$1,092 |
|
$1,295 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$1,578 |
|
$1,092 |
|
$1,295 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$1,578 |
|
$1,092 |
|
$1,295 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$1,578 |
|
$1,092 |
|
$1,295 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$1,719 |
|
$1,189 |
|
$1,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$182 |
|
$306 |
|
$1,166 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$226 |
|
$378 |
|
$1,444 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$182 |
|
$306 |
|
$1,166 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$182 |
|
$306 |
|
$1,166 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$182 |
|
$306 |
|
$1,166 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$182 |
|
$306 |
|
$1,166 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$182 |
|
$306 |
|
$1,166 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$182 |
|
$306 |
|
$1,166 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$199 |
|
$333 |
|
$1,270 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$746 |
|
$489 |
|
$578 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$924 |
|
$606 |
|
$716 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$746 |
|
$489 |
|
$578 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$746 |
|
$489 |
|
$578 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$746 |
|
$489 |
|
$578 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$746 |
|
$489 |
|
$578 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$746 |
|
$489 |
|
$578 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$746 |
|
$489 |
|
$578 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$813 |
|
$533 |
|
$630 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$505 |
|
$277 |
|
$425 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$625 |
|
$342 |
|
$527 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$505 |
|
$277 |
|
$425 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$505 |
|
$277 |
|
$425 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$505 |
|
$277 |
|
$425 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$505 |
|
$277 |
|
$425 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$505 |
|
$277 |
|
$425 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$505 |
|
$277 |
|
$425 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$550 |
|
$301 |
|
$463 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$539 |
|
$863 |
|
$884 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$667 |
|
$1,068 |
|
$1,095 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$539 |
|
$863 |
|
$884 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$539 |
|
$863 |
|
$884 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$539 |
|
$863 |
|
$884 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$539 |
|
$863 |
|
$884 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$539 |
|
$863 |
|
$884 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$539 |
|
$863 |
|
$884 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$587 |
|
$940 |
|
$963 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$472 |
|
$1,687 |
|
$911 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$584 |
|
$2,089 |
|
$1,127 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$472 |
|
$1,687 |
|
$911 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$472 |
|
$1,687 |
|
$911 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$472 |
|
$1,687 |
|
$911 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$472 |
|
$1,687 |
|
$911 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$472 |
|
$1,687 |
|
$911 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$472 |
|
$1,687 |
|
$911 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$514 |
|
$1,838 |
|
$992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$938 |
|
$3,586 |
|
$697 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$1,161 |
|
$4,440 |
|
$863 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$938 |
|
$3,586 |
|
$697 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$938 |
|
$3,586 |
|
$697 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$938 |
|
$3,586 |
|
$697 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$938 |
|
$3,586 |
|
$697 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$938 |
|
$3,586 |
|
$697 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$938 |
|
$3,586 |
|
$697 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$1,021 |
|
$3,906 |
|
$759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$786 |
|
$1,063 |
|
|
Leo J. Hill |
|
$973 |
|
$1,316 |
|
|
David W. Jennings |
|
$786 |
|
$1,063 |
|
|
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$786 |
|
$1,063 |
|
|
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$786 |
|
$1,063 |
|
|
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$786 |
|
$1,063 |
|
|
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$786 |
|
$1,063 |
|
|
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$786 |
|
$1,063 |
|
|
John W. Waechter |
|
$856 |
|
$1,157 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
$1,942 |
|
$2,090 |
|
$411 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
$2,405 |
|
$2,588 |
|
$509 |
David W. Jennings |
|
$1,942 |
|
$2,090 |
|
$411 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
$1,942 |
|
$2,090 |
|
$411 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
$1,942 |
|
$2,090 |
|
$411 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
$1,942 |
|
$2,090 |
|
$411 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
$1,942 |
|
$2,090 |
|
$411 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
$1,942 |
|
$2,090 |
|
$411 |
John W. Waechter |
|
$2,116 |
|
$2,277 |
|
$448 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Trustee |
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Pension or Retirement |
|
Total Compensation Paid to |
Sandra N. Bane |
|
|
|
|
|
$168,000 |
Leo J. Hill |
|
|
|
|
|
$208,000 |
David W. Jennings |
|
|
|
|
|
$168,000 |
Neal M. Jewell* |
|
|
|
|
|
$1,697 |
Russell A. Kimball, Jr. |
|
|
|
|
|
$168,000 |
Eugene M. Mannella |
|
|
|
|
|
$168,000 |
Norman R. Nielsen |
|
|
|
|
|
$168,000 |
Joyce G. Norden |
|
|
|
|
|
$168,000 |
Patricia L. Sawyer |
|
|
|
|
|
$168,000 |
John W. Waechter |
|
|
|
|
|
$183,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
Neal M. Jewell retired from his position as a Board Member of the Trust on January 1, 2010. |
|
|
(1) |
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy commenced operations on September 30, 2010. |
(2) |
Transamerica Diversified Equity commenced operations on November 13, 2009. |
(3) |
Transamerica BlackRock Natural Resources was renamed Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy on September 30, 2010. |
(4) |
Transamerica AllianceBernstein International Value was renamed Transamerica Hansberger International Value on December 15, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
(5) |
Transamerica BNY Mellon Market Neutral Strategy was renamed Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy on January 6, 2011. |
|
|
|
|
(6) |
Transamerica Van Kampen Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Van Kampen Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Van Kampen Small Company Growth were renamed Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt, Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth and Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth, respectively, on June 1, 2010. |
|
|
|
|
(7)
|
Transamerica TS&W International
Equity commenced operations on March 1, 2011 and, as such, there were no
compensation amounts paid to the Independent Trustees as of October 31, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
(8) |
Transamerica Equity was renamed Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth on April 9, 2010. |
76
|
|
|
|
(9) |
Transamerica WMC Quality Value commenced operations on November 15, 2010 and, as such, there were no compensation amounts paid to the Independent Trustees as of October 31, 2010. |
(10) |
Of this aggregate compensation, the total amounts deferred from the funds of Transamerica Funds (including earnings and dividends) and accrued for the benefit of the participating Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010 were as follows: Sandra N. Bane, $0; Leo J. Hill, $1,540; David W. Jennings, $0; Neal M. Jewell, $487; Russell A. Kimball, Jr., $4,827; Eugene M. Mannella, $0; Norman R. Nielsen, $0; Joyce G. Norden, $0; Patricia L. Sawyer, $12,004; and John W. Waechter, $0. |
|
As of October 31, 2010, the trustees and officers held in aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each of the series of the Trust.
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES WITH BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees of the Trust has adopted these procedures by which shareholders of the funds may send written communications to the Board. Shareholders may mail written communications to the Board, addressed to the care of the Secretary of the Trust (Secretary), as follows:
|
|
|
Board of Trustees |
|
Transamerica Funds |
|
c/o Secretary |
|
570 Carillon Parkway |
|
St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 |
Each shareholder communication must: (i) be in writing and be signed by the shareholder; (ii) identify the underlying series of the Trust to which it relates; and (iii) identify the class (if applicable) held by the shareholder. The Secretary is responsible for collecting, reviewing and organizing all properly submitted shareholder communications. Usually, with respect to each properly submitted shareholder communication, the Secretary shall either: (i) provide a copy of the communication to the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting; or (ii) if the Secretary determines that the communication requires more immediate attention, forward the communication to the Board promptly after receipt. The Secretary may, in good faith, determine that a shareholder communication should not be provided to the Board because the communication: (i) does not reasonably relate to a series of the Trust or its operation, management, activities, policies, service providers, Board, officers, shareholders or other matters relating to an investment in the Trust; or (ii) is ministerial in nature (such as a request for fund literature, share data or financial information). These procedures shall not apply to (i) any communication from an officer or Trustee of the Trust, (ii) any communication from an employee or agent of the Trust, unless such communication is made solely in such employees or agents capacity as a shareholder, (iii) any shareholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) or any communication made in connection with such a proposal, or (iv) any communication that reasonably may be considered to be a complaint regarding the Trust or shareholder services, which complaint shall instead be promptly forwarded to the Trusts Chief Compliance Officer. The Trustees are not required to attend the Trusts shareholder meetings, if any, or to otherwise make themselves available to shareholders for communications, other than pursuant to these Procedures.
CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C, AND CLASS T SHARES ONLY (NOT APPLICABLE TO CLASS I, CLASS I2, CLASS P OR CLASS R SHARES).
Transamerica Funds sells shares of its funds both directly and through authorized dealers. When you buy shares, your fund receives the entire NAV of the shares you purchase. TCI keeps the sales charge, then reallows a portion to the dealers through which shares were purchased. This is how dealers are compensated. From time to time, and particularly in connection with sales that are not subject to a sales charge, TCI may enter into agreements with a broker or dealer whereby the dealer reallowance is less than the amounts indicated in the following tables.
Promotions may also involve non-cash incentives such as prizes or merchandise. Non-cash compensation may also be in the form of attendance at seminars conducted by TCI, including lodging and travel expenses, in accordance with the rules of the FINRA.
Reallowances may also be given to financial institutions to compensate them for their services in connection with Class A share sales and servicing of shareholder accounts.
Class A Share Dealer Reallowances
(all
funds except Transamerica Flexible Income, Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond,
Transamerica Money Market and Transamerica Short-Term Bond)
|
|
|
Amount of Purchase |
|
Reallowance to Dealers as a |
Under $50 Thousand |
|
4.75% |
$50 Thousand to under $100 Thousand |
|
4.00% |
$100 Thousand to under $250 Thousand |
|
2.75% |
$250 Thousand to under $500 Thousand |
|
2.25% |
$500 Thousand to under $1 Million |
|
1.75% |
For purchases of $1 Million and above: |
|
|
$1 Million to under $5 Million |
|
1.00%* |
$5 Million to under $50 Million |
|
Plus 0.50%* |
$50 Million and above |
|
Plus 0.25%* |
77
Class A Share Dealer Reallowances
(Transamerica
Flexible Income and Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond)
|
|
|
Amount of Purchase |
|
Reallowance to Dealers as a |
Under $50 Thousand |
|
4.00% |
$50 Thousand to under $100 Thousand |
|
3.25% |
$100 Thousand to under $250 Thousand |
|
2.75% |
$250 Thousand to under $500 Thousand |
|
1.75% |
$500 Thousand to under $1 Million |
|
1.00% |
For purchases of $1 Million and above: |
|
|
$1 Million to under $5 Million |
|
0.50%* |
$5 Million and above |
|
Plus 0.25%* |
Class A Share Dealer Reallowances
(Transamerica
Short-Term Bond)
|
|
|
Amount of Purchase |
|
Reallowance to Dealers as a |
Under $250 Thousand |
|
2.00% |
$250 Thousand to under $5 Million |
|
0.50% |
$5 Million and Above |
|
Plus 0.25%* |
|
|
* |
No Dealer Reallowance is paid on purchases made on behalf of wrap accounts for the benefit of certain broker-dealers, financial institutions, or financial planners, who have entered into arrangements with Transamerica Funds or TCI, and for purchases made by a retirement plan described in Section 401(a), 401(k), 401(m), or 457 of the Code. |
Class B Share Dealer Reallowances
|
|
|
Amount of Purchase |
|
Reallowance to Dealers as a |
All purchases |
|
4.00%* |
Class C Share Dealer Reallowances
|
|
|
Amount of Purchase |
|
Reallowance to Dealers as a |
All purchases |
|
1.00%**(a) |
Class T Share Dealer Reallowances
(Transamerica
WMC Diversified Growth)
|
|
|
Amount of Purchase |
|
Reallowance to Dealers as a |
Under $10,000 |
|
7.00% |
$10,000 to under $25,000 |
|
6.25% |
$25,000 to under $50,000 |
|
5.50% |
$50,000 to under $75,000 |
|
5.00% |
$75,000 to under $100,000 |
|
4.25% |
$100,000 to under $250,000 |
|
3.75% |
$250,000 to under $500,000 |
|
2.50% |
$500,000 to under $1,000,000 |
|
1.00% |
$1,000,000 and over |
|
1.00% |
* From time to time, TCI may reallow to a dealer an amount less than 4% on sales of Class B shares. In such circumstances, TCI will benefit directly to the extent the reallowance percentage is reduced below 4% on any purchase of Class B shares.
** From time to time, TCI may enter into agreements with brokers and dealers whereby the dealer allowance may be less than the amount indicated. Such agreements would also provide that the applicable shares could be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for a period less than the otherwise applicable period.
(a) All shares designated as Class C2 shares on March 1, 2004 were converted to Class C shares on June 15, 2004. On September 24, 2004, Class M shares were converted into Class C shares.
Effective July 15, 2010, Class B shares are no longer available to new investors.
78
CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C, CLASS P AND CLASS R SHARES ONLY (NOT APPLICABLE TO CLASS I, CLASS I2 AND CLASS T SHARES).
As stated in the prospectus, each fund has adopted a Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (individually, a Plan and collectively, the Plans), applicable to Class A, Class B, Class C, Class P and Class R shares of the fund, as applicable. This Plan is structured as a Compensation Plan. Class I shares, Class I2 shares and Class T shares are not subject to distribution and service fees.
In determining whether to approve the Distribution Plan and the Distribution Agreements, the Trustees considered the possible advantages afforded shareholders from adopting the Distribution Plans and Distribution Agreements. The Trustees were informed by representatives of TCI that payments of distribution-related expenses by the funds under the Distribution Plans would provide incentives to TCI to establish and maintain an enhanced distribution system whereby new investors will be attracted to the funds. The Trustees believe that improvements in distribution services should result in increased sales of shares in the funds. In turn, increased sales are expected to lead to an increase in a funds net asset levels, which would enable the funds to achieve economies of scale and lower their per-share operating expenses. In addition, higher net asset levels could enhance the investment management of the funds, for net inflows of cash from new sales may enable a funds investment adviser and sub-adviser to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities. Finally, reduced redemptions could eliminate the potential need to liquidate attractive securities positions in order to raise the capital necessary to meet redemption requests.
Under the Plans, for Class A shares, a fund may pay TCI annual distribution and service fees of up to 0.35% of the average daily net assets of a funds Class A shares. For Class B shares, a fund may pay TCI annual distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets of a funds Class B shares. For Class C shares, a fund may pay TCI annual distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets of a funds Class C shares. For Class P shares, a fund may pay TCI annual distribution and service fees of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of a funds Class P shares, except for Class P shares of Transamerica Money Market, which is subject to a distribution fee of 0.10% per year (currently waived through at least March 1, 2012). For Class R shares, a fund may pay TCI annual distribution and service fees of up to 0.50% of the average daily net assets of a funds Class R shares. Financial Intermediaries that receive distribution and/or service fees may in turn pay and/or reimburse all or a portion of these fees to their customers.
TCI may use the fees payable under the Plan as it deems appropriate to pay for activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of the Class A, Class B, Class C, Class P or Class R shares, or in personal service to and/or maintenance of these shareholder accounts. In the case of funds or classes of shares that are closed to new investors or investments, TCI also may use the fees payable under the Plan to make payments to brokers and other financial intermediaries for past sales and distribution efforts. For each class, these activities and expenses may include, but are not limited to:
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to employees of TCI; |
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to and expenses of TCI and other selected dealers who engage in or otherwise support the distribution of shares or who service shareholder accounts; |
|
|
|
|
|
In the case of a fund or a class of shares that is closed to new investors or investments, payment for services to and for maintenance of existing shareholder accounts and compensation of broker-dealers or other intermediaries for past sales and distribution efforts; |
|
|
|
|
|
The costs of printing and distributing prospectuses, statements of additional information and reports for other than existing shareholders; and |
|
|
|
|
|
The cost of preparing, printing and distributing sales literature and advertising materials. |
Under the Plan, as required by Rule 12b-1, the Board of Trustees will review, at least quarterly, a written report provided by TCI of the amounts expended in distributing and servicing Class A, Class B, Class C, Class P or Class R shares of the funds and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. For so long as the Plan is in effect, selection and nomination of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the fund shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the fund.
A Plan may be terminated as to a class of shares of a fund at any time by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable class. The Plan may be amended by vote of the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees of the fund that have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or any agreement relating thereto, cast in person at a meeting called for that purpose. Any amendment of the Plan that would materially increase the costs to a particular class of shares of a fund requires approval by the shareholders of that class. The Plan will remain in effect for successive one year periods, so long as such continuance is approved annually by vote of the funds Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance.
79
CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C, CLASS P AND CLASS R SHARES ONLY (NOT APPLICABLE TO CLASS I, CLASS I2 AND CLASS T SHARES, WHICH DO NOT INCUR DISTRIBUTION FEES).
Total distribution expenses incurred by TCI for the costs of promotion and distribution with respect to Class A, B*, C and P shares for the funds for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010 were as follows:
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class P |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
261,784 |
|
$ |
162,870 |
|
$ |
324,130 |
|
$ |
57,420 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
921,880 |
|
$ |
34,105 |
|
$ |
122,584 |
|
$ |
|
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
74,566 |
|
$ |
2,821 |
|
$ |
9,921 |
|
$ |
7,355 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
75,062 |
|
$ |
2,975 |
|
$ |
10,319 |
|
$ |
|
|
Travel |
|
$ |
96,307 |
|
$ |
3,641 |
|
$ |
12,898 |
|
$ |
|
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
419,804 |
|
$ |
16,314 |
|
$ |
56,943 |
|
$ |
75,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
1,849,403 |
|
$ |
222,726 |
|
$ |
536,795 |
|
$ |
140,400 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class R |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
931,643 |
|
$ |
835,300 |
|
$ |
5,335,882 |
|
$ |
11,964 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
1,043,055 |
|
$ |
167,863 |
|
$ |
1,021,220 |
|
$ |
10,141 |
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
86,433 |
|
$ |
14,248 |
|
$ |
85,552 |
|
$ |
866 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
87,358 |
|
$ |
14,096 |
|
$ |
84,450 |
|
$ |
961 |
|
Travel |
|
$ |
110,950 |
|
$ |
18,082 |
|
$ |
109,041 |
|
$ |
1,082 |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
493,949 |
|
$ |
81,375 |
|
$ |
486,346 |
|
$ |
4,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
2,753,388 |
|
$ |
1,130,964 |
|
$ |
7,122,491 |
|
$ |
29,731 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class R |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
1,272,470 |
|
$ |
880,678 |
|
$ |
7,690,471 |
|
$ |
14,805 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
1,019,888 |
|
$ |
176,815 |
|
$ |
920,459 |
|
$ |
10,515 |
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
85,225 |
|
$ |
14,813 |
|
$ |
77,584 |
|
$ |
888 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
84,571 |
|
$ |
14,809 |
|
$ |
76,629 |
|
$ |
928 |
|
Travel |
|
$ |
108,946 |
|
$ |
18,908 |
|
$ |
98,588 |
|
$ |
1,123 |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
487,053 |
|
$ |
84,522 |
|
$ |
440,673 |
|
$ |
4,963 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
3,058,153 |
|
$ |
1,190,545 |
|
$ |
9,304,404 |
|
$ |
33,222 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class R |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
2,353,277 |
|
$ |
1,942,027 |
|
$ |
15,017,627 |
|
$ |
21,696 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
1,943,678 |
|
$ |
378,224 |
|
$ |
2,083,139 |
|
$ |
18,749 |
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
163,374 |
|
$ |
31,988 |
|
$ |
174,906 |
|
$ |
1,646 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
160,550 |
|
$ |
32,012 |
|
$ |
174,929 |
|
$ |
1,521 |
|
Travel |
|
$ |
207,874 |
|
$ |
40,614 |
|
$ |
222,765 |
|
$ |
2,033 |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
928,407 |
|
$ |
181,908 |
|
$ |
994,312 |
|
$ |
9,094 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
5,757,160 |
|
$ |
2,606,773 |
|
$ |
18,667,678 |
|
$ |
54,739 |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class R |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
1,650,991 |
|
$ |
1,284,726 |
|
$ |
10,505,504 |
|
$ |
15,279 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
1,636,769 |
|
$ |
251,167 |
|
$ |
1,737,549 |
|
$ |
14,335 |
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
136,710 |
|
$ |
21,245 |
|
$ |
145,651 |
|
$ |
1,214 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
135,872 |
|
$ |
21,323 |
|
$ |
145,146 |
|
$ |
1,311 |
|
Travel |
|
$ |
174,647 |
|
$ |
27,000 |
|
$ |
185,720 |
|
$ |
1,531 |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
779,141 |
|
$ |
121,170 |
|
$ |
829,282 |
|
$ |
6,737 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
4,514,130 |
|
$ |
1,726,631 |
|
$ |
13,548,852 |
|
$ |
40,407 |
|
80
Transamerica Balanced
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class P |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
205,000 |
|
$ |
61,931 |
|
$ |
210,420 |
|
$ |
459,036 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
95,589 |
|
$ |
13,125 |
|
$ |
20,369 |
|
$ |
|
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
7,942 |
|
$ |
1,095 |
|
$ |
1,694 |
|
$ |
5,599 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
8,072 |
|
$ |
1,074 |
|
$ |
1,672 |
|
$ |
|
|
Travel |
|
$ |
10,155 |
|
$ |
1,399 |
|
$ |
2,164 |
|
$ |
|
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
44,989 |
|
$ |
6,235 |
|
$ |
9,604 |
|
$ |
52,982 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
371,747 |
|
$ |
84,859 |
|
$ |
245,923 |
|
$ |
517,617 |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class P |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
188,835 |
|
$ |
34,876 |
|
$ |
111,815 |
|
$ |
706,824 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
77,062 |
|
$ |
8,021 |
|
$ |
11,428 |
|
$ |
|
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
6,364 |
|
$ |
658 |
|
$ |
947 |
|
$ |
12,128 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
6,475 |
|
$ |
654 |
|
$ |
960 |
|
$ |
|
|
Travel |
|
$ |
8,194 |
|
$ |
849 |
|
$ |
1,215 |
|
$ |
|
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
36,518 |
|
$ |
3,764 |
|
$ |
5,407 |
|
$ |
111,935 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
323,448 |
|
$ |
48,822 |
|
$ |
131,772 |
|
$ |
830,887 |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
|
Class C |
|
|||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
|
|
|
$ |
115,142 |
|
$ |
69,471 |
|
$ |
423,601 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
|
|
|
$ |
182,635 |
|
$ |
15,779 |
|
$ |
156,754 |
|
Printing and postage |
|
|
|
|
$ |
15,726 |
|
$ |
1,327 |
|
$ |
13,049 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
|
|
|
$ |
14,017 |
|
$ |
1,246 |
|
$ |
12,584 |
|
Travel |
|
|
|
|
$ |
19,600 |
|
$ |
1,689 |
|
$ |
16,693 |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
|
|
|
$ |
87,205 |
|
$ |
7,578 |
|
$ |
74,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
|
|
|
$ |
434,325 |
|
$ |
97,090 |
|
$ |
697,165 |
|
Transamerica Focus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class P |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
104,852 |
|
$ |
52,078 |
|
$ |
125,689 |
|
$ |
64,582 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
47,140 |
|
$ |
11,293 |
|
$ |
11,012 |
|
$ |
|
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
3,893 |
|
$ |
945 |
|
$ |
913 |
|
$ |
1,084 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
3,892 |
|
$ |
913 |
|
$ |
919 |
|
$ |
|
|
Travel |
|
$ |
5,007 |
|
$ |
1,205 |
|
$ |
1,175 |
|
$ |
|
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
22,296 |
|
$ |
5,376 |
|
$ |
5,264 |
|
$ |
10,419 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
187,080 |
|
$ |
71,810 |
|
$ |
144,972 |
|
$ |
76,085 |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class P |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
136,464 |
|
$ |
54,709 |
|
$ |
112,818 |
|
$ |
150,179 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
57,714 |
|
$ |
12,114 |
|
$ |
10,971 |
|
$ |
|
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
4,818 |
|
$ |
1,009 |
|
$ |
909 |
|
$ |
1,699 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
4,814 |
|
$ |
990 |
|
$ |
926 |
|
$ |
|
|
Travel |
|
$ |
6,155 |
|
$ |
1,287 |
|
$ |
1,169 |
|
$ |
|
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
27,429 |
|
$ |
5,713 |
|
$ |
5,221 |
|
$ |
16,403 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
237,394 |
|
$ |
75,822 |
|
$ |
132,014 |
|
$ |
168,281 |
|
Transamerica Money Market
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class P |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
35,580 |
|
$ |
27,582 |
|
$ |
|
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
116,566 |
|
$ |
28,051 |
|
$ |
41,216 |
|
$ |
|
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
9,813 |
|
$ |
2,321 |
|
$ |
3,522 |
|
$ |
1,776 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
9,520 |
|
$ |
2,219 |
|
$ |
3,383 |
|
$ |
|
|
Travel |
|
$ |
12,482 |
|
$ |
2,969 |
|
$ |
4,435 |
|
$ |
|
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
55,875 |
|
$ |
13,135 |
|
$ |
19,862 |
|
$ |
16,906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
204,256 |
|
$ |
84,275 |
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
$ |
18,682 |
|
81
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class C |
|
||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
304,719 |
|
$ |
1,086,586 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
385,247 |
|
$ |
241,455 |
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
32,384 |
|
$ |
20,147 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
31,249 |
|
$ |
19,947 |
|
Travel |
|
$ |
41,164 |
|
$ |
25,749 |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
183,696 |
|
$ |
114,844 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
978,459 |
|
$ |
1,508,728 |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
|||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
340,034 |
|
$ |
97,783 |
|
$ |
1,363,886 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
308,498 |
|
$ |
18,489 |
|
$ |
196,856 |
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
26,011 |
|
$ |
1,610 |
|
$ |
16,588 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
25,077 |
|
$ |
1,465 |
|
$ |
16,021 |
|
Travel |
|
$ |
33,208 |
|
$ |
2,010 |
|
$ |
21,116 |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
150,171 |
|
$ |
9,104 |
|
$ |
94,837 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
882,999 |
|
$ |
130,461 |
|
$ |
1,709,304 |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class C |
|
||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
2,878,970 |
|
$ |
6,360,103 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
4,137,694 |
|
$ |
3,113,985 |
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
342,748 |
|
$ |
259,376 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
343,363 |
|
$ |
257,477 |
|
Travel |
|
$ |
440,276 |
|
$ |
331,446 |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
1,963,110 |
|
$ |
1,473,954 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
10,106,161 |
|
$ |
11,796,341 |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
|||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
549,430 |
|
$ |
358,698 |
|
$ |
1,448,539 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
743,434 |
|
$ |
72,270 |
|
$ |
327,885 |
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
61,529 |
|
$ |
6,225 |
|
$ |
27,447 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
64,418 |
|
$ |
6,134 |
|
$ |
28,694 |
|
Travel |
|
$ |
79,217 |
|
$ |
7,830 |
|
$ |
35,035 |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
353,438 |
|
$ |
35,300 |
|
$ |
155,993 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
1,851,466 |
|
$ |
486,457 |
|
$ |
2,023,593 |
|
Transamerica TS&W International Equity(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class C |
|
||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Printing and postage |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Travel |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class B* |
|
Class C |
|
Class P |
|
||||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
$ |
739,108 |
|
$ |
151,934 |
|
$ |
337,966 |
|
$ |
700,127 |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
$ |
315,159 |
|
$ |
35,478 |
|
$ |
32,489 |
|
$ |
|
|
Printing and postage |
|
$ |
26,458 |
|
$ |
2,948 |
|
$ |
2,721 |
|
$ |
8,078 |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
$ |
26,024 |
|
$ |
2,861 |
|
$ |
2,712 |
|
$ |
|
|
Travel |
|
$ |
33,697 |
|
$ |
3,769 |
|
$ |
3,465 |
|
$ |
|
|
Office and other expenses |
|
$ |
150,542 |
|
$ |
16,746 |
|
$ |
15,406 |
|
$ |
74,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
$ |
1,290,988 |
|
$ |
213,736 |
|
$ |
394,759 |
|
$ |
782,673 |
|
82
Transamerica WMC Quality Value(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A |
|
Class C |
|
||
Promotion and Distribution Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation to dealers |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Compensation to sales personnel |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Printing and postage |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Promotional expenses |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Travel |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Office and other expenses |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
* Effective July 15, 2010, Class B shares are no longer available to new investors. |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Transamerica Diversified Equity commenced operations on November 13, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
(3) |
Transamerica Equity was renamed Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth on April 9, 2010. |
|
(4) |
Transamerica WMC Quality Value commenced operations on November 15, 2010. |
The price at which shares are purchased or redeemed is the net asset value per share (NAV) that is next calculated following receipt and acceptance of a purchase order in good order or receipt of a redemption order in good order by the fund or an authorized intermediary.
When Share Price is Determined
The NAV of all funds is determined on each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for business. The NAV is not determined on days when the NYSE is closed (generally, New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas). Foreign securities may trade in their primary markets on weekends or other days when a fund does not price its shares (therefore, the NAV of a fund holding foreign securities may change on days when shareholders will not be able to buy or sell shares of the funds).
Investors may purchase shares of the funds at the offering price of the shares, which is the NAV per share plus any applicable initial sales charge.
Purchase orders received in good order and accepted, and redemption orders received in good order, before the close of business on the NYSE, usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, receive the NAV as determined at the close of the NYSE that day (plus or minus applicable sales charges). Purchase and redemption requests received after the NYSE is closed receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE the next day the NYSE is open.
Purchase orders for shares of the Transamerica asset allocation funds that are received in good order and accepted before the close of business on the NYSE receive the NAV determined as of the close of the NYSE that day. For direct purchases, corresponding orders for shares of the underlying constituent funds are priced on the same day that orders for shares of the asset allocation funds are received and accepted. For purchases of shares of the Transamerica asset allocation funds through the NSCC, orders for shares of the underlying constituent funds will be placed after the receipt and acceptance of the settled purchase order for shares of the asset allocation funds. For investments in separate accounts of insurance companies that invest in Class I shares of the funds, orders for Class I shares will be placed after the receipt and acceptance of the investment in the insurance company separate account.
How NAV is Determined
The NAV of each fund (or class thereof) is calculated by taking the value of its net assets and dividing by the number of shares of the fund (or class) that are then outstanding.
The Board of Trustees has approved procedures to be used to value the funds securities for the purposes of determining the funds NAV. The valuation of the securities of the funds is determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board. The Board has delegated certain valuation functions for the funds to TAM.
In general, securities and other investments are valued based on market value priced at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. Fund securities listed or traded on domestic securities exchanges or the NASDAQ/NMS, including dollar-denominated foreign securities or ADRs, are valued at the closing price on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded. With respect to securities traded on the NASDAQ/NMS, such closing price may be the last reported sale price or the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (NOCP). If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price, or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, then the value should be determined with reference to the last sale price or the NOCP, if applicable, on any other exchange or system. If there have been no sales for that day on any exchange or system, a security is valued at the closing bid quotes on the exchange or system where the security is principally traded, or at the NOCP, if applicable. Foreign securities traded on U.S. exchanges are generally priced using last sale price regardless of trading activity. Securities traded over the counter are valued at the mean of the last bid and asked prices. The market price for debt obligations is generally the price supplied by an independent third party pricing service approved by the funds Board, which may use a
83
matrix, formula or other objective method that takes into consideration market indices, yield curves and other specific adjustments. Investments in securities maturing in 60 days or less may be valued at amortized cost. Foreign securities generally are valued based on quotations from the primary market in which they are traded, and are converted from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. Market quotations for securities prices may be obtained from automated pricing services. Shares of open-end investment companies are generally valued at the net asset value per share reported by that investment company.
When a market quotation for a security is not readily available (which may include closing prices deemed to be unreliable because of the occurrence of a subsequent event), a valuation committee appointed by the Board of Trustees may, in good faith, establish a fair value for the security in accordance with fair valuation procedures adopted by the Board. The types of securities for which such fair value pricing may be required include, but are not limited to: foreign securities, where a significant event occurs after the close of the foreign market on which such security principally trades that is likely to have changed the value of such security, or the closing value is otherwise deemed unreliable; securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; securities whose trading has been halted or suspended; fixed-income securities that have gone into default and for which there is no current market value quotation; and securities that are restricted as to transfer or resale. The funds use a fair value model developed by an independent third party pricing service to price foreign equity securities on days when there is a certain percentage change in the value of a domestic equity security index, as such percentage may be determined by TAM from time to time.
Valuing securities in accordance with fair value procedures involves greater reliance on judgment than valuing securities based on readily available market quotations. The valuation committee makes fair value determinations in good faith in accordance with funds valuation procedures. Fair value determinations can also involve reliance on quantitative models employed by a fair value pricing service. There can be no assurance that a fund could obtain the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security at approximately the time at which the fund determines its NAV per share.
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C, CLASS I, CLASS I2, CLASS P, CLASS R AND CLASS T SHARES.
An investor may choose among several options with respect to dividends and capital gains distributions payable to the investor. Dividends or other distributions will be paid in full and fractional shares at the net asset value determined as of the ex-dividend date unless the shareholder has elected another distribution option as described in the prospectus. The quarterly ex-dividend date for Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio will be 3 business days following the ex-dividend date of the underlying Transamerica funds in which it invests. The December annual ex-dividend date for all other Asset Allocation funds will be 3 business days following the ex-dividend date of the underlying Transamerica funds in which they invest. Transaction confirmations and checks for payments designated to be made in cash generally will be mailed on the payable date. The per share income dividends on Class B, Class C and Class R shares of a fund are anticipated to be lower than the per share income dividends on Class A, Class I, Class I2, Class P and Class T shares of that fund as a result of higher distribution and service fees applicable to Class B, Class C, and Class R shares.
Detailed information about general procedures for Shareholder Accounts and specific types of accounts is set forth in each funds prospectus.
CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C, CLASS I, CLASS I2, CLASS P, CLASS R AND CLASS T SHARES.
As stated in the prospectuses, the funds currently offer investors a choice of eight classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I, Class I2, Class P, Class R and Class T shares. Not all Transamerica Funds offer all classes of shares. (All shares previously designated as Class C2 shares on March 1, 2004 were converted to Class C shares on June 15, 2004. On September 24, 2004, previously existing Class M shares were converted into Class C shares. On November 30, 2009, all shares previously designated as Class I shares were re-designated Class I2 shares.
Class A, Class B* or Class C shares of a fund can be purchased through TCI or through broker-dealers or other financial institutions that have sales agreements with TCI. Shares of each fund are sold at the NAV per share as determined at the close of the regular session of business on the NYSE next occurring after a purchase order is received and accepted by the fund. (The applicable sales charge is added in the case of Class A and Class T shares.) The prospectus contains detailed information about the purchase of fund shares.
|
|
|
* |
Shareholders who have purchased Class B shares of a fund before 4:00 p.m. on July 14, 2010 (the Close Time) may continue to hold those shares until they automatically convert to Class A shares as provided in the existing conversion schedule set forth in the prospectus. |
|
|
|
|
Effective as of the Close Time, Class B shares of each fund will no longer be offered for purchase including to Existing Class B shareholders except in the following circumstances: |
||
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
Existing Class B shareholders that have established automatic investment and/or payroll deduction accounts directly with the Trust before the Close Time may continue to make additional purchases of Class B shares of the funds pursuant to those programs after the Close Time. |
|
|
|
|
|
Existing Class B shareholders may also continue to exchange their Class B shares for Class B shares of other funds, subject to the requirements described in the prospectus. |
|
|
|
|
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Existing Class B Shareholders may continue to add to their accounts through dividend and capital gains reinvestments. |
Except in the circumstances set forth above, any purchase order for a funds Class B shares received after the Close Time will not be processed in Class B shares. All other features of Class B shares described in the prospectus and this SAI including contingent deferred sales charges, Rule 12b-1 distribution and service fees, and conversion and redemption features will remain unchanged and will continue in effect after the Close Time.
Class I shares are currently primarily offered for investment to institutional investors including, but not limited to, fee-based programs, qualified retirement plans, certain endowment plans and foundations and Directors, Trustees and employees of the Funds affiliates. The minimum investment for Class I shares will be $1,000,000 per fund account, but will be waived for certain investors, including fee-based programs, qualified retirement plans, and financial intermediaries that submit trades on behalf of underlying investors.
Class I2 shares are currently primarily offered for investment in certain funds of funds (also referred to as strategic asset allocation funds). Class I2 shares of the funds are also made available to other investors, including institutional investors such as foreign insurers, domestic insurance companies and their separate accounts, unaffiliated funds, high net worth individuals, and eligible retirement plans whose recordkeepers or financial service firm intermediaries have entered into agreements with Transamerica Funds or its agents. Investors who received Class I2 shares in connection with the reorganization of a Transamerica Premier Fund into a Transamerica Fund may continue to invest in Class I2 shares of that Transamerica Fund, but may not open new accounts.
Class P shares are closed to new investors, except for investors that purchase through certain fund supermarket platforms, certain fee-based programs, retirement plan intermediaries, and registered investment advisers that maintain a sales agreement with the funds distributor. Investors who received Class P shares in connection with the reorganization of a Transamerica Premier Fund into a Transamerica Fund may continue to invest in Class P shares, but may not open new accounts.
Class R shares are intended for purchase by participants in certain retirement plans as described in the prospectus.
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth includes Class T shares, which are not available for new investors.
Shareholders whose investments are transferred from one class of shares of a Transamerica fund to another class of shares of the same Transamerica fund for administrative or eligibility reasons also may qualify for a waiver or reduction of sales charges and/or redemption charges in connection with the exchange.
Each fund reserves the right to make additional exceptions or otherwise to modify the foregoing policies at any time.
Information on sales charge reductions and/or waivers can also be found on the Transamerica Funds website at www.transamericafunds.com.
ARRANGEMENT WITH FIDELITY MANAGEMENT TRUST COMPANY.
The funds have entered into an arrangement (Arrangement) with Fidelity Management Trust Company (FMTC) pursuant to which the minimum initial and minimum subsequent investment requirements will be waived (to the extent applicable) with respect to transactions in an account in Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth maintained by FMTC on behalf of the Mohawk Industries 401(k) retirement plan. Net purchase and/or redemption orders forwarded on behalf of plan participants by FMTC with respect to the account pursuant to the Arrangement will not be considered to be market timing or disruptive trading for purposes of the funds compliance policies, and FMTCs market timing and disruptive trading policies (and not those of the funds) will apply to transactions by plan participants. All purchase and redemption transactions must comply with FMTCs market timing and disruptive trading policies. The Arrangement does not permit FMTC or any plan participant to engage in frequent purchase or redemption transactions; rather, it is an exemption from the funds market timing and disruptive trading policies solely to the extent that such policies could be deemed to apply to routine transactions in the account maintained by FMTC or to the extent FMTCs market timing and disruptive trading policies are applied instead of the funds policies. Neither the funds, TAM, nor any other party to the Arrangement will receive any compensation or consideration with respect to the Arrangement.
CLASS R SHARES.
As stated in the prospectus, Class R shares are currently offered for investment only by the following funds: Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio, Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio and Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Portfolio, each a series of Transamerica Funds.
Class R shares are only offered through 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans (eligible retirement plans).
Class R shares are available only to eligible retirement plans where Class R shares are held on the books of the funds through omnibus or Network Level 3 accounts (either at the plan level or at the level of the financial service firm serving as an intermediary).
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CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C, CLASS I, CLASS P AND CLASS T ONLY (NOT APPLICABLE TO CLASS I2 AND CLASS R SHARES).
Transamerica Funds offers several types of retirement plans that an investor may establish to invest in shares of a fund with tax deductible dollars. Prototype retirement plan documents for Individual Retirement Accounts, Code Section 403(b)(7) plans and SEP-IRA and SIMPLE IRA plans are available by calling or writing TFS Customer Service. These plans require the completion of separate applications, which are also available from TFS Customer Service. State Street Bank and Trust Company, Kansas City, Missouri (State Street), acts as the custodian or trustee under these plans for which it charges an annual fee of $15.00 on each such fund account with a maximum of $30.00 per tax identification number. However, if your combined retirement plan and ESA account(s) balance per taxpayer identification number is more than $50,000, there is no fee. To receive additional information or forms on these plans, please call your financial adviser or Transamerica Funds Customer Service at 1-888-233-4339 or write to Transamerica Fund Services, Inc. at P.O. Box 219945, Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9945. No contribution to a retirement plan can be made until the appropriate forms to establish the plan have been completed. It is advisable for an investor considering the funding of any retirement plan to consult with an attorney, retirement plan consultant or financial or tax adviser with respect to the requirements of such plans and the tax aspects thereof. Please note: each plan type may not be available in each share class.
Shareholders may redeem their shares at any time at a price equal to the net asset value per share next determined following receipt of a valid redemption order by the transfer agent, in proper form. Payment will ordinarily be made within three business days of the receipt of a valid redemption order. The value of shares on redemption may be more or less than the shareholders cost, depending upon the market value of the funds net assets at the time of redemption. Class B shares and Class C shares and certain Class A and Class T share purchases are also subject to a contingent deferred sales charge upon certain redemptions. Class I, Class I2 and Class P shares are not subject to the contingent deferred sales charge.
Shares will normally be redeemed for cash, although each fund retains the right to redeem its shares in kind under unusual circumstances in order to protect the interests of the remaining shareholders by the delivery of securities selected from its assets at its discretion. Transamerica Funds has, however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which a fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of a fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or in kind. If shares are redeemed in kind, the redeeming shareholder might incur brokerage costs in converting the assets to cash. The method of valuing securities used to make redemptions in kind will be the same as the method of valuing portfolio securities described under Net Asset Value Determination, and such valuation will be made as of the same time the redemption price is determined. Upon any distributions in kind, shareholders may appeal the valuation of such securities by writing to TFS.
Redemption of shares may be suspended, or the date of payment may be postponed, whenever: (1) trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or the NYSE is closed (except for holidays and weekends); (2) the SEC permits such suspension and so orders; or (3) an emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that disposal of securities and determination of net asset value is not reasonably practicable.
The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) is waived on redemptions of Class B and Class C (and Class A and T, when applicable) in the circumstances described below.
(a) Redemption upon Total Disability or
Death
A fund will waive the CDSC on redemptions following the death or total
disability (as evidenced by a determination of the federal Social Security
Administration) of a shareholder, but in the case of total disability only as
to shares owned at the time of the initial determination of disability. The
transfer agent or distributor will require satisfactory proof of death or
disability before it determines to waive the CDSC.
(b) Redemption Pursuant to a Funds
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
A shareholder may elect to participate in a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP)
with respect to the shareholders investment in a fund. Under the SWP, a dollar
amount of a participating shareholders investment in the fund will be redeemed
systematically by the fund on a periodic basis, and the proceeds paid in
accordance with the shareholders instructions. The amount to be redeemed and frequency
of the systematic withdrawals will be specified by the shareholder upon his or
her election to participate in the SWP. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions
made under the SWP subject to the limitations described below.
On redemptions made under Transamerica Funds
systematic withdrawal plan (may not exceed 12% of the account value per fund on
the day the systematic withdrawal plan was established).
(c) Certain Retirement Plan Withdrawals
CDSC is also waived for accounts opened prior to April 1, 2000, on withdrawals from IRS qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, tax-sheltered accounts, and deferred compensation plans, where such withdrawals are permitted under the terms of the plan or account. (This waiver does not apply to transfer of asset redemptions, broker directed accounts or omnibus accounts.)
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(d) Investors
Who Previously Held Class C2 Shares
As
described in the prospectus, upon the close of business on June 15, 2004, Class
C2 shares were converted into Class C shares. With regard to the Class C2
shares that converted into Class C shares (or on future investments in Class C
shares made through such accounts), accountholders will not pay any CDSC
otherwise payable on Class C shares. Upon the close of business on September
24, 2004, Class M shares were converted into Class C shares; for accountholders
who also own Class C shares which converted from Class C2 shares, their Class C
shares that converted from Class M shares will not be subject to a CDSC and
will be subject to the same 12b-1 commission structure applicable to their
former Class C2 shares.
(e) Purchases
through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Currently,
investors who purchase Class C shares of a fund established prior to March 1,
2006 through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated will not be
subject to any CDSC otherwise payable with respect to redemptions of such Class
C shares of the funds.
Exchanges of Class C shares into a Transamerica Fund established on or after March 1, 2006 through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated that previously were not subject to a CDSC will continue to not be subject to such fee. This CDSC waiver may be terminated at any time. New and/or subsequent purchases into Transamerica Funds established on or after March 1, 2006 will be subject to a 1.00% CDSC if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase.
If you hold Class A, C, I2, P or T shares and are eligible for purchase of Class I shares (as described in the prospectus), you may be eligible to convert your Class A, C, I2, P or T shares to Class I shares of the same fund, subject to the discretion of TFS to permit or reject such a conversion. Please contact your financial adviser or Customer Service for conversion instructions.
A conversion between share classes of the same fund is a nontaxable event.
If you convert from one class of shares to another, the transaction will be based on the respective NAVs per share of the two classes on the trade date for the conversion. Consequently, a conversion may provide you with fewer shares or more shares than you originally owned, depending on that days NAV per share. At the time of conversion, the total dollar value of your old shares will equal the total dollar value of your new shares. However, subsequent share price fluctuations may decrease or increase the total dollar value of your new shares compared with that of your old shares.
Each fund has qualified (or expects to qualify in its first year), and expects to continue to qualify, for treatment as a regulated investment company (a RIC) under the Code. In order to qualify for that treatment, a fund must distribute to its shareholders for each taxable year at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income, computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction, and 90% of its net exempt-interest income, if any (the Distribution Requirement). Each fund must also meet several other requirements. These requirements include the following: (1) a fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from interests in qualified publicly traded partnerships; (2) at the close of each quarter of a funds taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities (limited in respect of any one issuer of such other securities to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the funds total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer); and (3) at the close of each quarter of a funds taxable year, not more than 25% of the value of its total assets may be invested in securities (other than U.S. government securities or the securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, in securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers that the fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or in securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
If a fund qualifies as a RIC and timely
distributes to its shareholders substantially all of its net income and net
capital gains, then the fund should have little or no income taxable to it
under the Code. A fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed
net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to
include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital
gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated,
(ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax
paid by the fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax
liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed those
liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal
income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to the excess of the
amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income
over their respective income tax credits.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, a fund
is generally permitted to carry forward a net capital loss from any taxable
year that began on or before December 22, 2010 to offset its capital gains, if
any, for up to eight years following the year of the loss. A fund is permitted
to carry forward a net capital loss from any taxable year that began after
December 22, 2010, to offset its capital gains, if any, in years following the
year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such
losses, they will not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the fund
and may not be distributed as such to shareholders. Generally, the funds may
not carry forward any losses other than net capital losses. Under certain
circumsances, a fund may elect to treat certain losses as though they were
incurred on the first day of the taxable year immediately following the taxable
year in which they were actually incurred.
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Assuming a fund has sufficient earnings and
profits, its shareholders generally are required to include distributions from
the fund (whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares) either as
ordinary income, to the extent the distributions are attributable to the funds
investment income (except for qualified dividend income as discussed below),
net short-term capital gain and certain net realized foreign exchange gains, or
as capital gains, to the extent of the funds net capital gain (i.e., the
funds net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses). If a
fund fails to qualify as a RIC or fails to meet the Distribution Requirement,
the fund will be subject to U.S. federal, and possibly state, corporate taxes
on its taxable income and gains, and distributions to its shareholders will
constitute ordinary dividend income to the extent of the funds available
earnings and profits. Under certain circumstances, a fund may be able to cure a
failure to qualify as a regulated investment company, but in order to do so,
the fund may incur significant fund-level taxes and may be forced to dispose of
certain assets.
Distributions by a fund in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) each shareholders tax basis in its shares, and any distributions in excess of that basis will be treated as gain from the sale of shares, as discussed below.
A fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income (for that calendar year) and capital gain net income (for the one-year period generally ending on October 31 of that year), increased or decreased by certain other amounts. Each fund intends to distribute annually a sufficient amount of any taxable income and capital gains so as to avoid liability for this excise tax.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by a fund in October, November or December, payable to shareholders of record during such a month, and paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it was declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of a fund may be spilled back and treated for certain purposes as paid by the relevant fund during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders generally will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made. For purposes of calculating the amount of a RICs undistributed income and gain subject to the 4% excise tax described above, such spilled back dividends are treated as paid by the RIC when they are actually paid.
U.S. federal income tax law generally
provides for a maximum tax rate for individual taxpayers of 15% on long-term
capital gains and on certain dividends on corporate stock. These rates do not
apply to corporate taxpayers. Under current law, the rates will not apply to
any taxpayers in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. The following
are guidelines for how certain distributions by the funds to noncorporate
taxpayers are generally treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes in taxable
years beginning on or before December 31, 2012:
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Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) will be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% (0% for individuals in the 10% and 15% federal tax brackets). |
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Distributions reported by a fund as qualified dividend income, as described below, may also be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% (0% for individuals in the 10% and 15% federal tax brackets). |
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Other distributions, including distributions of earnings from, in general, dividends paid to the fund that are not themselves qualified dividend income to the fund, interest income, other types of ordinary income and short-term capital gains, will be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate applicable to the taxpayer. |
Qualified dividend income generally means
dividend income received from a funds investments in common and preferred
stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations,
provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the
fund and the shareholder receiving a distribution of the dividend income. If
95% or more of a funds gross income (calculated without taking into account
net capital gain derived from sales or other dispositions of stock or
securities) consists of qualified dividend income, that fund may report all
distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.
A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose if it is incorporated in a possession of the United States or it is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the United States and meets certain additional requirements. Certain foreign corporations that are not otherwise qualified foreign corporations will be treated as qualified foreign corporations with respect to dividends paid by them if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Passive foreign investment companies are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose.
A dividend that is attributable to qualified dividend income of a fund and that is paid by the fund to a shareholder will not be taxable as qualified dividend income to such shareholder (1) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of the fund held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share became ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, or (3) if the shareholder elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest. The ex-dividend date is the date on which the owner of the share at the commencement of such date is entitled to receive the next issued dividend payment for such share even if the share is sold by the owner on that date or thereafter.
Certain dividends received by a fund from
U.S. corporations (generally, dividends received by the fund in respect of any
share of stock (1) with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the
91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which
the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and (2) that is held in an
unleveraged position) and distributed and appropriately
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reported by the fund may be eligible for the
70% dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under the
Code. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days
during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date
on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend in order to be
eligible. Capital gain dividends distributed to a fund from other RICs are not
eligible for the dividends-received deduction. In order to qualify for the
deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period
requirement stated above with respect to their fund shares, taking into account
any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or
positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their fund shares,
and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to fund
shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction with
respect to those shares. The entire dividend, including the otherwise
deductible amount, will be included in determining the excess, if any, of a
corporations adjusted current earnings over its alternative minimum taxable
income, which may increase a corporations alternative minimum tax liability.
Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax advisor regarding the
possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, by reason of extraordinary dividends received with
respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below
zero, current recognition of income may be required.
Any fund distribution will have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of shares in the fund by the amount of the distribution. Shareholders purchasing shares shortly before the record date of any distribution that is not declared daily may thus pay the full price for the shares and then effectively receive a portion of the purchase price back as a taxable distribution.
The U.S. federal income tax status of all
distributions will be reported to shareholders annually.
For taxable years beginning after December
31, 2012, a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will generally apply to all or a
portion of the net investment income of a shareholder who is an individual and
not a nonresident alien for federal income tax purposes and who has adjusted
gross income (subject to certain adjustments) that exceeds a threshold amount
($250,000 if married filing jointly or if considered a surviving spouse for
federal income tax purposes, $125,000 if married filing separately, and
$200,000 in other cases). This 3.8% tax will also apply to all or a portion of
the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are
estates and trusts. For these purposes, interest, dividends and certain capital
gains will generally be taken into account in computing a shareholders net
investment income.
If a fund is the holder of record of any stock on the record date for any dividends payable with respect to such stock, such dividends will be included in the funds gross income not as of the date received, but as of the later of (a) the date such stock became ex-dividend with respect to such dividends or (b) the date the fund acquired such stock. Accordingly, in order to satisfy its income distribution requirements, a fund may be required to pay dividends based on anticipated earnings, and shareholders may receive dividends in an earlier year than would otherwise be the case.
Redemptions, sales and exchanges generally are taxable events for shareholders that are subject to tax. Redemptions, sales or exchanges of shares of Transamerica Money Market will not result in taxable gain or loss if that fund maintains a constant net asset value per share. In general, if shares of a fund other than Transamerica Money Market are redeemed, sold or exchanged, the shareholder will recognize a capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the proceeds of the redemption or sale or the value of the shares exchanged and the shareholders adjusted basis in the shares redeemed, sold or exchanged. This capital gain or loss may be long-term or short-term, generally depending upon the shareholders holding period for the shares. For tax purposes, a loss will be disallowed on the redemption, sale or exchange of shares if the disposed of shares are replaced (including replacement by shares acquired pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date of the redemption, sale or exchange of such shares. Should the replacement of such shares fall within this 61-day period, the basis of the acquired shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss realized by the shareholder on its disposition of fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions to the shareholder of long-term capital gain with respect to such shares (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains).
Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to fund shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder, or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, in any single taxable year (or certain greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Shareholders who own portfolio securities directly are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement but, under current guidance, shareholders of RICs are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayers treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
An Asset Allocation Fund will not be
able to offset gains distributed by any underlying fund in which it invests
against losses incurred by another underlying fund in which it invests because
the underlying funds cannot distribute losses. An Asset Allocation Funds
redemptions of shares in an underlying fund, including those resulting from
changes in the allocation among underlying funds, could cause the Asset
Allocation Fund to recognize taxable gain or loss. A portion of any such gains
may be short-term capital gains that would be distributable as ordinary income
to shareholders of the Asset Allocation Fund. Further, a portion of losses on
redemptions of shares in the underlying funds may be deferred. Short-term
capital gains earned by an underlying fund will be treated as ordinary
dividends when distributed to an Asset Allocation Fund and therefore may not be
offset by any short-term capital losses incurred by that Asset Allocation Fund.
Thus, an Asset Allocation Funds short-term capital losses may offset its
long-term capital gains, which might otherwise be eligible for the reduced U.S.
federal income tax rates for individuals, discussed above. As a result of these
factors, the use of the fund-of-funds structure by the Asset Allocation Funds
could adversely affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to
their shareholders.
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The funds may be subject to withholding and
other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including taxes on interest, dividends
and capital gains with respect to their investments in those countries. Any
such taxes would, if imposed, reduce the yield on or return from those
investments. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce
or eliminate such taxes in some cases. If more than 50% of a funds total
assets at the close of any taxable year consist of stock or securities of
foreign corporations, the fund may elect to pass through to its shareholders
their pro rata shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by the fund for that
taxable year. If at least 50% of a funds total assets at the close of each
quarter of a taxable year consist of cash, cash items and interests in other
RICs, the fund may make the same election and pass through to its shareholders
their pro rata shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by those other RICs and
passed through to the fund for that taxable year. If the fund so elects,
shareholders would be required to include the passed-through taxes in their
gross incomes (in addition to the dividends and distributions they actually
receive), would treat such taxes as foreign taxes paid by them, and as
described below may be entitled to a tax deduction for such taxes or a tax
credit, subject to a holding period requirement and other limitations under the
Code.
Qualified foreign taxes generally include taxes that would be treated as income taxes under U.S. tax regulations but do not include most other taxes, such as stamp taxes, securities transaction taxes, and similar taxes. If a fund qualifies to make, and makes, the election described above, shareholders may deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the fund or those other RICs for that taxable year in computing their income subject to U.S. federal income taxation or, alternatively, claim them as credits, subject to applicable limitations under the Code, against their U.S. federal income taxes. Shareholders who do not itemize deductions for U.S. federal income tax purposes will not, however, be able to deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the fund or those other RICs, although such shareholders will be required to include their shares of such taxes in gross income if the fund makes the election described above. No deduction for such taxes will be permitted to individuals in computing their alternative minimum tax liability.
If a fund makes this election and a
shareholder chooses to take a credit for the foreign taxes deemed paid by such
shareholder, the amount of the credit that may be claimed in any year may not
exceed the same proportion of the U.S. tax against which such credit is taken
that the shareholders taxable income from foreign sources (but not in excess
of the shareholders entire taxable income) bears to his entire taxable income.
For this purpose, long-term and short-term capital gains the fund realizes and
distributes to shareholders will generally not be treated as income from
foreign sources in their hands, nor will distributions of certain foreign
currency gains subject to Section 988 of the Code or of any other income
realized by the fund that is deemed, under the Code, to be U.S.-source income
in the hands of the fund. This foreign tax credit limitation may also be
applied separately to certain specific categories of foreign-source income and
the related foreign taxes. As a result of these rules, which may have different
effects depending upon each shareholders particular tax situation, certain
shareholders may not be able to claim a credit for the full amount of their proportionate
share of the foreign taxes paid by a fund or other RICs in which the fund
invests. Shareholders who are not liable for U.S. federal income taxes,
including tax-exempt shareholders, will ordinarily not benefit from this
election. If a fund does make the election, it will provide required tax
information to shareholders. The funds generally may deduct any foreign taxes
that are not passed through to their shareholders in computing their income
available for distribution to shareholders to satisfy applicable tax
distribution requirements.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies Certain funds may invest in the stock of passive foreign investment companies (PFICs). A PFIC is a foreign corporation that, in general, meets either of the following tests: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is derived from passive investments; or (2) at least 50% of its assets (generally computed based on average fair market value) held during the taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, a fund will be subject to federal income tax on gain from the disposition of PFIC shares and on certain distributions from a PFIC (collectively, excess distributions), plus interest thereon, even if the fund distributes the excess distributions as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. If a fund invests in a PFIC and elects in the first year in which it holds such investment (or if it elects subsequently and makes certain other elections) to treat the PFIC as a qualified electing fund, then in lieu of the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the fund will be required to include in income each year its pro rata share of the qualified electing funds annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses). This income inclusion is required even if the PFIC does not distribute such income and gains to the fund, and the amounts so included would be subject to the Distribution Requirement described above. In many instances it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof. In order to distribute any such income and gains and satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, a fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund.
A fund may, in the alternative, elect to mark to market its PFIC stock at the end of each taxable year, with the result that unrealized gains are treated as though they were realized as of such date. Any such gains will be ordinary income rather than capital gain. In order for a fund making this election to distribute any such income and gains and satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs, the fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. If the mark-to-market election were made, tax at the fund level under the excess distribution rules would be eliminated, but a fund could still incur nondeductible interest charges if it makes the mark-to-market election in a year after the first taxable year in which it acquired the PFIC stock.
Options, Futures and Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements Certain options, futures contracts, and forward contracts in which a fund may invest may be Section 1256 contracts. Gains or losses on Section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses; however, foreign currency gains or losses arising from certain Section 1256 contracts may be treated as ordinary income or loss. Also, Section 1256 contracts held by a fund at the end of each taxable year are marked to market with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized. In order to distribute any such gains, satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to RICs and avoid taxation, a fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund.
Generally, the hedging transactions undertaken by a fund may result in straddles for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by a fund. In addition, losses realized by a fund on positions that are part of a
90
straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in which such losses are realized. Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in options, futures, forward contracts, swap agreements and other financial contracts to a fund are not entirely clear. The transactions may increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a fund, which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to shareholders.
A fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code which are applicable to straddles. If a fund makes any of the elections, the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections may operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions.
Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased as compared to a fund that did not engage in such hedging transactions.
Because only a few regulations regarding the treatment of swap agreements, and related caps, floors and collars, have been implemented, the tax consequences of such transactions are not entirely clear. The funds intend to account for such transactions in a manner deemed by them to be appropriate, but the Internal Revenue Service might not accept such treatment. If it did not, the status of a fund as a RIC might be affected.
The requirements applicable to a funds qualification as a RIC may limit the extent to which a fund will be able to engage in transactions in options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swap agreements and other financial contracts.
Certain hedging activities may cause a dividend that would otherwise be subject to the lower tax rate applicable to qualified dividend income to instead be taxed at the rate of tax applicable to ordinary income.
Original Issue Discount If a fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the fund generally must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, each fund must distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), including any such accrued income, to qualify for treatment as a RIC under the Code and avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, a fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements. Such a disposition of securities may potentially result in additional taxable gain or loss to a fund.
Constructive Sales The constructive sale rules may affect timing and character of gain if a fund engages in transactions that reduce or eliminate its risk of loss with respect to appreciated financial positions. If a fund enters into certain transactions in property while holding substantially identical property, the fund will be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the property and will be taxed on any gain (but not loss) from the constructive sale. The character of any gain from a constructive sale will depend upon the funds holding period in the property. Any loss from a constructive sale will be recognized when the property is subsequently disposed of, and the character of such loss will depend on the funds holding period and the application of various loss deferral provisions of the Code.
Foreign Currency Transactions Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time a fund accrues income or expenses denominated in a foreign currency (or determined by reference to the value of one or more foreign currencies) and the time that a fund actually receives or makes payment of such income or expenses, generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts and options, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition generally are also treated as ordinary gain or loss. Some of the funds have elected, or may elect, to treat this foreign currency income as capital gain or capital loss.
Backup Withholding Each fund is required to
withhold (as backup withholding) a portion of reportable payments, including
dividends, capital gain distributions and the proceeds of redemptions and
exchanges or repurchases of fund shares (except for proceeds of redemptions of
shares in Transamerica Money Market), paid to shareholders who have not
complied with certain IRS regulations. The backup withholding rate is currently
28% and is scheduled to increase to 31% in 2013. In order to avoid this
withholding requirement, shareholders, other than certain exempt entities, must
certify that the Social Security Number or other Taxpayer Identification Number
they provide is correct and that they are not currently subject to backup
withholding, or that they are exempt from backup withholding. A fund may
nevertheless be required to backup withhold if it receives notice from the IRS
or a broker that the number provided is incorrect or backup withholding is
applicable as a result of previous underreporting of interest or dividend
income.
Taxation of Non-U.S.
Shareholders. Dividends from net investment income that are paid
to a shareholder who, as to the United States, is a nonresident alien
individual, a foreign corporation or a foreign estate or foreign trust (each, a
foreign shareholder) may be subject to a withholding tax at a rate of 30% or
any lower applicable tax rate established in a treaty between the United States
and the shareholders country of residence. For fund taxable years beginning
before January 1, 2012, dividends that are derived from qualified net interest
income and dividends that are derived from qualified short-term gain may be
exempt from the 30% withholding tax, provided that the distributing fund
chooses to follow certain procedures. A fund may choose to not follow such
procedures and there can be no assurance as to the amount, if any, of dividends
that would not be subject to withholding. Qualified net interest income is a
funds net income derived from U.S.-source interest and original issue
discount, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. Qualified short-term
gain generally means the excess of the net short-term capital gain of the fund
for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. The
withholding rules described in this paragraph do not apply to a dividend paid
to a foreign shareholder if the
91
dividend income is effectively connected
with the shareholders conduct of a trade or business within the United States
and the shareholder provides appropriate tax forms and documentation. Backup
withholding (described above) will not be imposed on foreign shareholders who
are subject to the 30% withholding tax.
Unless certain non-U.S. entities that hold
fund shares comply with IRS requirements that will generally require them to
report information regarding U.S. persons investing in, or holding accounts
with, such entities, a 30% withholding tax will apply to fund distributions and
redemptions payable to such entities after December 31, 2012.
The treatment of dividends and other distributions by a fund to shareholders under the various state income tax laws may not parallel that under U.S. federal income tax law. Qualification as a RIC does not involve supervision of a funds management or of its investment policies and practices by any governmental authority.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations, including any federal, state, local or foreign tax liabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
B |
|
14.53 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
B |
|
5.10 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
C |
|
14.38 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
C |
|
9.25 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
I |
|
40.94 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
I |
|
24.97 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
I |
|
14.59 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
I2 |
|
27.04 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
I2 |
|
24.50 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
I2 |
|
17.34 |
% |
National Financial
Services |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
I2 |
|
10.78 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
I2 |
|
7.67 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
I2 |
|
6.98 |
% |
National Financial
Services |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
P |
|
28.73 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charles Schwab
& Co Inc |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
P |
|
19.32 |
% |
TD Ameritrade Inc |
|
Transamerica AEGON High Yield Bond |
|
P |
|
13.28 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
36.50 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
25.39 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
14.49 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
13.20 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica AQR Managed Futures Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
10.41 |
% |
Transamerica Life
Insurance Company |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
A |
|
20.40 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
B |
|
14.24 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
C |
|
19.73 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
C |
|
6.50 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
I |
|
66.03 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
I |
|
10.38 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
R |
|
28.97 |
% |
Mark E Rose Ttee |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
R |
|
24.59 |
% |
Raymond James
& Assoc Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
R |
|
9.70 |
% |
John D Paci FBO |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Conservative Portfolio |
|
R |
|
5.72 |
% |
Transamerica Life
Insurance Company |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
A |
|
20.17 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
B |
|
6.66 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
B |
|
5.69 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
C |
|
15.00 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
C |
|
14.46 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
I |
|
38.89 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
I |
|
28.93 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
R |
|
25.66 |
% |
MG Trust Company
Cust. FBO |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
R |
|
25.41 |
% |
Mark E Rose Ttee |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
R |
|
7.21 |
% |
Mid Atlanitc
Capital Corp Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Growth Portfolio |
|
R |
|
5.07 |
% |
Transamerica Life
Insurance Company |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
A |
|
18.93 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
B |
|
6.03 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
C |
|
17.09 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
C |
|
10.97 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
I |
|
45.36 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
I |
|
11.95 |
% |
Ameritrade Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
I |
|
5.65 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
R |
|
27.78 |
% |
MG Trust Company
Cust |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
R |
|
15.51 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ned Kneadler FBO |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
R |
|
10.37 |
% |
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
R |
|
7.86 |
% |
Counsel Trust DBA
MATC FBO |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
R |
|
6.55 |
% |
Transamerica Life
Insurance Company |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
A |
|
19.88 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
B |
|
7.98 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
C |
|
19.36 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
C |
|
7.50 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
I |
|
39.80 |
% |
Prudential Investment
Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
I |
|
8.41 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
I |
|
5.49 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
R |
|
37.79 |
% |
Counsel Trust DBA
MATC FBO |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
R |
|
10.30 |
% |
John Russell FBO |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
R |
|
7.13 |
% |
MG Trust Company
Cust. FBO |
|
Transamerica Asset Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
R |
|
6.07 |
% |
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
C |
|
9.75 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
C |
|
8.10 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
C |
|
7.56 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
I |
|
47.78 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
I |
|
30.84 |
% |
National Financial
Services |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
P |
|
55.58 |
% |
Charles Schwab
& Co Inc |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
P |
|
12.44 |
% |
Transamerica
Occidental Life Insurance |
|
Transamerica Balanced |
|
P |
|
9.79 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
I2 |
|
28.61 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
I2 |
|
14.88 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
I2 |
|
11.24 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
I2 |
|
9.36 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
I2 |
|
9.04 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
I2 |
|
6.51 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Global Allocation |
|
I2 |
|
6.03 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
41.89 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
29.41 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
19.18 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica BlackRock Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
7.85 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
I2 |
|
38.90 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
I2 |
|
24.29 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
I2 |
|
17.38 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
I2 |
|
8.15 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Clarion Global Real Estate Securities |
|
I2 |
|
5.30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
C |
|
8.67 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
I |
|
19.35 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Management Inc |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
I |
|
13.58 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
I |
|
10.23 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
I |
|
5.10 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
I2 |
|
45.81 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
I2 |
|
23.91 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
I2 |
|
20.76 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
I2 |
|
7.98 |
% |
National Financial
Services |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
P |
|
45.62 |
% |
Kansas
Postsecondary Education |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
P |
|
17.10 |
% |
Kansas
Postsecondary Education |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
P |
|
15.16 |
% |
Kansas
Postsecondary Education |
|
Transamerica Diversified Equity |
|
P |
|
7.39 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
I2 |
|
64.36 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
I2 |
|
24.55 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Federated Market Opportunity |
|
I2 |
|
6.57 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro |
|
I2 |
|
30.85 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro |
|
I2 |
|
26.75 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro |
|
I2 |
|
14.14 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro |
|
I2 |
|
11.48 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro |
|
I2 |
|
8.54 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica First Quadrant Global Macro |
|
I2 |
|
8.15 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
A |
|
5.18 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
B |
|
13.20 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
C |
|
31.60 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
C |
|
5.58 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
I |
|
43.84 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
I |
|
25.88 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
I |
|
19.84 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
I2 |
|
39.09 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
I2 |
|
20.21 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
I2 |
|
14.60 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
I2 |
|
14.48 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative VP |
|
Transamerica Flexible Income |
|
I2 |
|
10.17 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
C |
|
7.05 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
C |
|
5.49 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
I |
|
30.46 |
% |
Prudential Investment
Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
I |
|
21.03 |
% |
Pershing LLC |
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
I |
|
6.20 |
% |
ARC Reinsurance
Corporation |
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
P |
|
25.09 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National Financial
Services |
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
P |
|
22.16 |
% |
Charles Schwab
& Co Inc |
|
Transamerica Focus |
|
P |
|
9.27 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
43.31 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
21.98 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
16.95 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
8.29 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Goldman Sachs Commodity Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
7.73 |
% |
Transamerica
Advisors Life Insurance Co |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
A |
|
30.70 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
I |
|
41.55 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
I |
|
33.94 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
I |
|
15.77 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
I2 |
|
39.64 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
I2 |
|
36.21 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
I2 |
|
12.89 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
I2 |
|
10.12 |
% |
National Financial
Services |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
P |
|
46.42 |
% |
ARC Reinsurance
Corporation |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
P |
|
17.37 |
% |
Charles Schwab
& Co Inc |
|
Transamerica Growth Opportunities |
|
P |
|
6.83 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
I2 |
|
19.58 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
I2 |
|
18.43 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
I2 |
|
12.90 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
I2 |
|
11.90 |
% |
Transamerica Multi-Manager
International Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
I2 |
|
11.71 |
% |
Transamerica
International Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
I2 |
|
9.85 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
I2 |
|
6.28 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Hansberger International Value |
|
I2 |
|
5.40 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
I2 |
|
35.45 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
I2 |
|
32.62 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
I2 |
|
20.86 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Jennison Growth |
|
I2 |
|
8.82 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond |
|
I2 |
|
29.17 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond |
|
I2 |
|
26.76 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative VP |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond |
|
I2 |
|
21.59 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond |
|
I2 |
|
7.56 |
% |
Transamerica
International Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Core Bond |
|
I2 |
|
5.79 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
I2 |
|
44.75 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
I2 |
|
20.46 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
I2 |
|
16.30 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
I2 |
|
8.93 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative VP |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan International Bond |
|
I2 |
|
5.70 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
37.64 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
22.32 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
15.78 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
9.67 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
8.89 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Long/Short Strategy |
|
I2 |
|
5.60 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
46.81 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
24.79 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
21.61 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica JPMorgan Mid Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
6.79 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
I2 |
|
26.18 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
I2 |
|
15.37 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
I2 |
|
15.02 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
I2 |
|
14.98 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
I2 |
|
8.68 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
I2 |
|
6.72 |
% |
Transamerica
Blackrock Tactical Allocation VP |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
I2 |
|
6.49 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative VP |
|
Transamerica Loomis Sayles Bond |
|
I2 |
|
5.27 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
I2 |
|
21.47 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
I2 |
|
18.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica
International Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
I2 |
|
15.54 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
I2 |
|
10.12 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
I2 |
|
9.56 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
I2 |
|
7.00 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica MFS International Equity |
|
I2 |
|
5.78 |
% |
Frontier Trust
Company FBO |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
C |
|
9.80 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
C |
|
5.95 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Management Inc |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
I |
|
90.61 |
% |
Raymond James
& Assoc Inc |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
I |
|
9.39 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
I2 |
|
30.36 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
I2 |
|
26.93 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
I2 |
|
24.02 |
% |
Universal Life
Insurance Company |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
I2 |
|
17.14 |
% |
Reid A Evers |
|
Transamerica Money Market |
|
P |
|
6.57 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
I2 |
|
23.53 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
I2 |
|
20.99 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
I2 |
|
16.56 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
I2 |
|
16.52 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
I2 |
|
11.41 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt |
|
I2 |
|
10.11 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth |
|
I2 |
|
34.62 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth |
|
I2 |
|
19.50 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth |
|
I2 |
|
13.06 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth |
|
I2 |
|
10.57 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth |
|
I2 |
|
9.24 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Mid-Cap Growth |
|
I2 |
|
7.06 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
I2 |
|
28.44 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
I2 |
|
16.54 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
I2 |
|
13.55 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
I2 |
|
13.52 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
I2 |
|
8.32 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
I2 |
|
8.25 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative VP |
|
Transamerica Morgan Stanley Small Company Growth |
|
I2 |
|
6.04 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
A |
|
10.79 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
A |
|
7.97 |
% |
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
A |
|
5.97 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
C |
|
14.29 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
C |
|
7.03 |
% |
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
C |
|
6.51 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
I |
|
39.76 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
I |
|
15.89 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Portfolio |
|
I |
|
11.41 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
A |
|
14.71 |
% |
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
A |
|
7.54 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
A |
|
5.21 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
B |
|
12.05 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
B |
|
7.64 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
C |
|
22.92 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
C |
|
18.14 |
% |
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
C |
|
5.04 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
I |
|
64.56 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
I |
|
8.03 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
I |
|
5.54 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
I2 |
|
24.56 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
I2 |
|
19.38 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
I2 |
|
12.79 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
I2 |
|
10.32 |
% |
Transamerica
International Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
I2 |
|
7.82 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
I2 |
|
7.63 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
I2 |
|
5.96 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
104
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Neuberger Berman International |
|
I2 |
|
5.83 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
I2 |
|
27.58 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
I2 |
|
19.53 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
I2 |
|
13.41 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
I2 |
|
10.86 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
I2 |
|
8.58 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
I2 |
|
7.28 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Developing Markets |
|
I2 |
|
5.51 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
30.66 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
19.38 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
12.41 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
12.32 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
10.55 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Oppenheimer Small- & Mid-Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
7.75 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
I2 |
|
29.25 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
I2 |
|
19.77 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative VP |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
I2 |
|
15.74 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
I2 |
|
15.02 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
I2 |
|
11.65 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Real Return TIPS |
|
I2 |
|
5.20 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
I2 |
|
39.48 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
105
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
I2 |
|
29.76 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica PIMCO Total Return |
|
I2 |
|
28.35 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
I2 |
|
24.89 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
I2 |
|
14.32 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
I2 |
|
12.23 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
I2 |
|
8.88 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
I2 |
|
8.20 |
% |
Transamerica
International Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
I2 |
|
7.84 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
I2 |
|
7.68 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Schroders International Small Cap |
|
I2 |
|
7.24 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
A |
|
7.85 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
A |
|
7.64 |
% |
Merrill Lynch Pierce
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
C |
|
16.31 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
C |
|
7.18 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
I |
|
49.98 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
I |
|
19.48 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
I |
|
7.65 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
I2 |
|
26.20 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative VP |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
I2 |
|
21.78 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
I2 |
|
19.79 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
I2 |
|
13.04 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
I2 |
|
11.17 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Short-Term Bond |
|
I2 |
|
6.13 |
% |
Transamerica Life
Insurance Company |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
A |
|
12.65 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
A |
|
6.67 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
A |
|
6.12 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
B |
|
11.99 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
B |
|
9.56 |
% |
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
B |
|
5.28 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
C |
|
17.59 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
C |
|
13.66 |
% |
Morgan Stanley
Smith Barney |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
C |
|
6.79 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
I |
|
63.90 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
I |
|
11.36 |
% |
NFS LLC FEBO |
|
Transamerica Small/Mid Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
100.00 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
I2 |
|
25.02 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
I2 |
|
22.78 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
I2 |
|
13.44 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
I2 |
|
11.06 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
I2 |
|
9.31 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
I2 |
|
9.02 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Third Avenue Value |
|
I2 |
|
5.20 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
I2 |
|
33.26 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
I2 |
|
15.77 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
I2 |
|
12.65 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
I2 |
|
8.20 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
I2 |
|
7.49 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
I2 |
|
5.50 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica Thornburg International Value |
|
I2 |
|
5.34 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
27.46 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
19.22 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
13.40 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
13.29 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - derate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
8.81 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica UBS Large Cap Value |
|
I2 |
|
8.41 |
% |
Transamerica
Advisors Life Insurance Co |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
A |
|
21.06 |
% |
Citigroup Global
Markets Inc |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
C |
|
7.86 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
I |
|
40.16 |
% |
Prudential
Investment Mgmt Svcs LLC |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
I |
|
21.31 |
% |
Merrill Lynch
Fenner & Smith Inc |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
I |
|
13.59 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
I2 |
|
42.26 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
I2 |
|
24.31 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
I2 |
|
22.60 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative Portfolio |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
I2 |
|
7.46 |
% |
National Financial
Services |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
P |
|
40.75 |
% |
Charles Schwab
& Co Inc |
|
Transamerica WMC Diversified Growth |
|
P |
|
33.06 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
I2 |
|
17.82 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
I2 |
|
10.73 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
I2 |
|
9.41 |
% |
Mac & Co |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
I2 |
|
8.07 |
% |
Transamerica
Multi-Manager International Portfolio |
|
Transamerica WMC Emerging Markets |
|
I2 |
|
7.69 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Management Inc |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
A |
|
62.81 |
% |
Pershing LLC |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
A |
|
5.11 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Management Inc |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
C |
|
32.47 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
C |
|
7.75 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
C |
|
6.17 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
C |
|
5.04 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Management Inc |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
I |
|
93.78 |
% |
LPL Financial |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
I |
|
6.22 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth VP |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
I2 |
|
27.52 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name & Address |
|
Portfolio Name |
|
Class |
|
Pct |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
I2 |
|
19.02 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate VP |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
I2 |
|
13.51 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth Portfolio |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
I2 |
|
13.40 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Moderate Portfolio |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
I2 |
|
8.74 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Growth VP |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
I2 |
|
8.34 |
% |
Transamerica Asset
Allocation - Conservative VP |
|
Transamerica WMC Quality Value |
|
I2 |
|
5.35 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 1, 2011, no shareholders owned beneficially or of record 5% of the outstanding shares of Transamerica TS&W International Equity as the fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI.
ORGANIZATION
Each fund is a series of Transamerica Funds, a Delaware statutory trust that currently is governed by an Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (Declaration of Trust) dated November 1, 2007. The Trust, which was organized in 2005, is the successor to a Massachusetts business trust named Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds. Prior to 2004, that Massachusetts business trust was known as IDEX Mutual Funds, and prior to 1999, as IDEX Series Fund. On January 8, 2008, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, unanimously approved the name change of Transamerica IDEX Mutual Funds to Transamerica Funds, effective March 1, 2008.
SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The Declaration of Trust permits Transamerica Funds to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. Shares of Transamerica Funds are fully paid and nonassessable when issued. Shares of Transamerica Funds have no preemptive, cumulative voting, conversion or subscription rights. Shares of Transamerica Funds are fully transferable but Transamerica Funds is not bound to recognize any transfer until it is recorded on the books.
The shares of beneficial interest are divided
into eight classes: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I, Class I2, Class P,
Class R and Class T. Not all Transamerica Funds offer all classes of
shares. Each class represents interests in the same assets of the fund and
differ as follows: each class of shares has exclusive voting rights on matters
pertaining to its plan of distribution or any other matter appropriately
limited to that class; the classes are subject to differing sales charges as
described in the prospectus; Class A, Class B, Class C, Class P and Class R
shares are subject to ongoing distribution and service fees and Class I, Class
I2 and Class T shares have no annual distribution and service fees; each class
may bear differing amounts of certain class-specific expenses; and each class
has a separate exchange privilege.
Effective as of July 15, 2010, Class B shares are longer offered for purchase, including to existing Class B shareholders, except in the limited circumstances as described above.
Class T shares are not available to new investors; only existing Class T shareholders may purchase additional Class T shares.
Class P shares are closed to new investors, except for investors that purchase through certain fund supermarket platforms, certain fee-based programs, retirement plan intermediaries, and registered investment advisers that maintain a sales agreement with the funds distributor. Investors who received Class P shares in connection with the reorganization of a Transamerica Fund may continue to invest in Class P shares, but may not open new accounts.
All shares designated as Class C shares prior to March 1, 2004 were renamed as Class C2 shares on that date. All shares designated as Class L shares prior to March 1, 2004 were renamed as Class C shares with different fees and expenses than the previous Class L shares. All shares previously designated as Class C2 shares on March 1, 2004 were converted to Class C shares on June 15, 2004. On September 24, 2004, Class M shares were converted into Class C shares. On November 30, 2009, all shares previously designated as Class I shares were redesignated as Class I2 shares.
Transamerica Funds does not anticipate that there will be any conflicts between the interests of holders of the different classes of shares of the same fund by virtue of these classes. On an ongoing basis, the Board of Trustees will consider whether any such conflict
110
exists and, if so, take appropriate action. On any matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of a series or class, each full issued and outstanding share of that series or class has one vote.
The Declaration of Trust provides that each of the Trustees will continue in office until the termination of Transamerica Funds or until the next meeting of shareholders called for the purpose of considering the election or re-election of such Trustee or of a successor to such Trustee, and until his successor, if any, is elected, qualified and serving as a Trustee hereunder. Vacancies may be filled by a majority of the remaining trustees, subject to certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act. Subject to the foregoing, shareholders have the power to vote for the election and removal of trustees, and on any other matters on which a shareholder vote is required by the 1940 Act or at the request of the Trustees.
CODES OF ETHICS
Transamerica Funds, TAM, each sub-adviser and TCI each has adopted a code of ethics, as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of Transamerica Funds, TAM, a sub-adviser and TCI from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the funds (which may also be held by persons subject to a code of ethics). There can be no assurance that the codes of ethics will be effective in preventing such activities.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
As detailed in the Transamerica Funds Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures below, Transamerica Funds uses the proxy voting policies and procedures of the sub-advisers to determine how to vote proxies relating to securities held by Transamerica Funds. The proxy voting policies and procedures of TAM and each sub-adviser are attached or summarized in Appendix A.
Transamerica Funds files Form N-PX, with the complete proxy voting records of the funds for the 12 months ended June 30th, no later than August 31st of each year. The form is available without charge: (1) from Transamerica Funds, upon request by calling 1-888-233-4339; and (2) on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
|
|
I. |
Statement of Principle |
|
|
The funds seek to assure that proxies received by the funds are voted in the best interests of the funds stockholders and have accordingly adopted these procedures. |
|
|
|
II. |
Delegation of Proxy Voting/Adoption of Adviser and Sub-Adviser Policies |
|
|
Each fund delegates the authority to vote proxies related to portfolio securities to TAM (the Adviser), as investment adviser to each fund, which in turn delegates proxy voting authority for most portfolios of the fund to the Sub-Adviser retained to provide day-to-day portfolio management for that portfolio. The Board of Trustees (Board) of each fund adopts the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Adviser and Sub-Advisers as the proxy voting policies and procedures (each a Proxy Voting Policy) that will be used by each of these respective entities when exercising voting authority on behalf of the fund. These policies and procedures are herein. |
|
|
|
III. |
Annual Review of Proxy Voting Policies of Adviser and Sub-Advisers |
|
|
No less frequently than once each calendar year, the Proxy Voting Administrator will request each Sub-Adviser to provide a current copy of its Proxy Voting Policy, or certify that there have been no material changes to its Proxy Voting Policy or that all material changes have been previously provided for review, and verify that such Proxy Voting Policy is consistent with those of the funds and Adviser. Any inconsistency between the Sub-Advisers Proxy Voting Policy and that of the funds or Adviser shall be reconciled by the Proxy Voting Administrator before presentation for approval by the Board. |
|
|
|
The Proxy Voting Administrator will provide an electronic copy of each Board approved Proxy Voting Policy to the legal department for inclusion in applicable SEC filings. |
|
|
|
IV. |
Securities on Loan |
|
|
The Board of the funds have authorized the Adviser, in conjunction with State Street Bank and Trust Company (State Street), to lend portfolio securities on behalf of the funds. Securities on loan generally are voted by the borrower of such securities. Should a Sub-Adviser to the fund wish to exercise its vote for a particular proxy, the Adviser will immediately contact State Street and terminate the loan. |
|
|
|
Last Revised: November 13, 2009 |
111
112
AEGON USA Investment Management, LLC
|
|
|
a. Vote in accordance with the recommendation of the Independent Third Party; |
|
b. Obtain the guidance of the client(s) whose account(s) are involved in the conflict; |
|
c. Obtain the review of the General Counsel of AUIM, or |
|
d. Vote in strict accordance with the Guidelines. |
A-1
|
|
|
Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply: |
||
|
|
An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent, |
|
|
Fees for non-audit services are excessive, or |
|
|
There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the companys financial position. |
|
Cumulative Voting |
Vote AGAINST proposals to eliminate cumulative voting. |
Vote proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting on a CASE-BY-CASE basis relative to the companys other governance provisions. |
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4. Proxy Contests |
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Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections |
Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, considering the factors that include the long-term financial performance, managements track record, qualifications of director nominees (both slates), and an evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders. |
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5. Poison Pills |
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Vote FOR shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison |
pill for shareholder ratification. Review on a CASE-BY-CASE basis shareholder proposals to redeem a companys poison pill and management proposals to ratify a poison pill. |
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6. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and corporate restructurings based on such features as the fairness opinion, pricing, strategic rationale, and the negotiating process. |
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7. Reincorporation Proposals |
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Proposals to change a companys state of incorporation should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, giving consideration to both financial and corporate governance concerns, including the reasons for reincorporating, a comparison of the governance provisions, and a comparison of the jurisdictional laws. Vote FOR reincorporation when the economic factors outweigh any neutral or negative governance changes. |
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8. Capital Structure |
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Common Stock Authorization |
Votes on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
Vote on proposals at companies with dual-class capital structures to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
Vote on proposals to approve increases beyond the allowable increase when a companys shares are in danger of being delisted or if a companys ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
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Vote on proposals to create a new class of common stock with superior voting rights on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
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Vote on proposals to create a new class of nonvoting or subvoting common stock on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, reviewing in particular if: |
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It is intended for financing purposes with minimal or no dilution to current shareholders |
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It is not designed to preserve the voting power of an insider or significant shareholder |
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Votes on employee stock purchase plans should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
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Vote FOR employee stock purchase plans where all of the following apply: |
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Purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value |
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Offering period is 27 months or less, and |
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Potential voting power dilution (VPD) is ten percent or less. |
Vote AGAINST employee stock purchase plans where any of the opposite conditions apply. |
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These issues cover a wide range of topics, including consumer and public safety, environment and energy, general corporate issues, labor standards and human rights, military business, and workplace diversity. |
In general, vote CASE-BY-CASE. While a wide variety of factors goes into each analysis, the overall principal guiding all vote recommendations focuses on how the proposal will enhance the economic value of the company. |
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AQR Capital Management, LLC
PROXY POLICY
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1. General |
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 Rule 206(4)-6 imposes a number of requirements on investment advisers that have voting authority with respect to securities held in their clients accounts. The SEC states that the duty of care requires an adviser with proxy voting authority to monitor corporate actions and to vote the proxies. To satisfy its duty of loyalty, an adviser must cast the proxy votes in a manner consistent with the best interests of its clients, and must never put the advisers own interests above those of its clients. These written policies and procedures are designed to reasonably ensure that AQR Capital Management, LLC (AQR) votes proxies in the best interest of clients over whom AQR has voting authority; and describes how AQR addresses material conflicts between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting. |
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2. Proxy Guidelines |
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Generally, AQR will vote based upon the recommendations of ISS Governance Services (ISS), an unaffiliated third party corporate governance research service that provides in-depth analyses of shareholder meeting agendas, vote recommendations, recordkeeping and vote disclosure services. An addendum to this policy contains a summary of the Proxy Voting Guidelines employed by ISS and adopted by AQR for voting proxies. Although ISS analyses are reviewed and considered in making a final voting decision, AQR will make the ultimate decision. As a matter of policy, the employees, officers, or principals of AQR will not be influenced by outside sources whose interests conflict with the interests of its Clients. In addition, unless prior approval is obtained from AQRs CCO the following must be adhered to: |
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(a) AQR shall not engage in conduct that involves an attempt to change or influence the control of a public company. In addition, all communications regarding proxy issues or corporate actions between companies or their agents, or with fellow shareholders shall be for the sole purpose of expressing and discussing AQRs concerns for its advisory clients interests and not for an attempt to influence or control management.
(b) AQR will not announce its voting intentions and the reasons therefore.
(c) AQR shall not participate in a proxy solicitation or otherwise seek proxy-voting authority from any other public company shareholder. AQR has the responsibility to process proxies and maintain proxy records pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. Therefore, AQR will attempt to process every vote it receives for all domestic and foreign proxies. However, there may be situations in which AQR cannot vote proxies. For example:
If the cost of voting a proxy outweighs the benefit of voting, AQR may refrain from processing that vote.
AQR may not be given enough time to process the vote. For example ISS through no fault of its own, may receive a meeting notice from the company too late, or may be unable to obtain a timely translation of the agenda.
If AQR has outstanding sell orders or intends to sell, the proxies for those meetings may not be voted in order to facilitate the sale of those securities. Although AQR may hold shares on a companys record date, should it sell them prior to the companys meeting date, AQR ultimately may decide not to vote those shares.
AQR will generally refrain from voting proxies on foreign securities that are subject to share blocking restrictions.
AQR may vote against an agenda item where no further information is provided, particularly in non-U.S. markets. AQR may also enter an abstain vote on the election of certain directors from time to time based on individual situations, particularly where AQR is not in favor of electing a director and there is no provision for voting against such director.
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If an AQR portfolio manager determines that the interests of clients are best served by voting differently from the ISS recommended vote, approval must be obtained from the CCO or designee. AQR will adhere to the Conflict of Interest (below) section of this policy in all instances where the recommended vote is not taken. AQR will periodically review the outside partys voting standards and guidelines to make certain that proxy issues are voted in accordance with the adopted proxy voting guidelines and the avoidance of conflicts of interest.
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3. Proxy Procedures |
AQR has engaged ISS to assist in the administrative aspects for the voting of proxies. ISS is responsible for coordinating with Clients custodians to ensure that all proxy materials received by the custodians relating to the Clients portfolio securities are processed in a timely fashion. To the extent applicable, ISS votes all proxies in accordance with its own proxy voting guidelines (please see Proxy Guidelines above), which have been reviewed and adopted by AQR. The CCO shall supervise the proxy voting process. |
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Upon request, AQR will furnish a copy of the policies and procedures to the requesting client and information on how the clients proxies were voted. |
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4. Conflicts of Interest |
Occasions may arise where a person or organization involved in the proxy voting process may have a conflict of interest. A conflict of interest may exist, for example, if AQR has a business relationship with (or is actively soliciting business from) either the company soliciting the 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. Any individual with knowledge of a personal conflict of interest (e.g., familial relationship with company management) relating to a particular referral item shall disclose that conflict to the CCO and otherwise remove him or herself from the proxy voting process. The CCO will review each item referred to by AQRs investment professionals to determine if a conflict of interest exists and will draft a Conflicts Report for each referral item that |
(1) describes any conflict of interest;
(2) discusses the procedures used to address such conflict of interest; and (3) discloses any contacts from parties outside AQR (other than routine communications from proxy solicitors) with respect to the referral item not otherwise reported in an investment professionals recommendation. The Conflicts Report will also include written confirmation that any recommendation from an investment professional provided under circumstances where a conflict of interest exists was made solely on the investment merits and without regard to any other consideration.
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
BlackRock Investment Management, LLC
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December 2009 |
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Table of contents |
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Introduction |
5 |
Voting Guidelines |
5 |
Boards and directors |
6 |
Auditors and audit-related issues |
8 |
Capital structure, mergers, asset sales and other special transactions |
8 |
Remuneration and benefits |
9 |
Social, ethical and environmental issues |
11 |
General corporate governance matters |
11 |
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Introduction |
BlackRock, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, BlackRock) seek to make proxy voting decisions in the manner most likely to protect and promote the economic value of the securities held in client accounts. The following issue-specific proxy voting guidelines (the Guidelines) are intended to summarize BlackRocks general philosophy and approach to issues that may commonly arise in the proxy voting context for U.S. Securities. These Guidelines are not intended to limit the analysis of individual issues at specific companies and are not intended to provide a guide to how BlackRock will vote in every instance. Rather, they share our view about corporate governance issues generally, and provide insight into how we typically approach issues that commonly arise on corporate ballots. They are applied with discretion, taking into consideration the range of issues and facts specific to the company and the individual ballot item. |
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Voting Guidelines |
These guidelines are divided into six key themes which group together the issues that frequently appear on the agenda of annual and extraordinary meetings of shareholders. |
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Boards and directors |
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Auditors and audit-related issues |
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Capital structure, mergers, asset sales and other special transactions |
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Remuneration and benefits |
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Social, ethical and environmental issues |
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General corporate governance matters |
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Director elections |
BlackRock generally supports board nominees in most uncontested elections. However, BlackRock may withhold votes from the entire board in certain situations, including, but not limited to: |
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Age limits / term limits |
We typically oppose limits on the pool of directors from which shareholders can choose their representatives, especially where those limits are arbitrary or unrelated to the specific performance or experience of the director in question. |
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Board size |
We generally defer to the board in setting the appropriate size. We believe directors are generally in the best position to assess what size is optimal to ensure a boards effectiveness. However, we may oppose boards that appear too small to allow for effective shareholder representation or too large to function efficiently. |
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Classified board of directors / staggered terms |
A classified board of directors is one that is divided into classes (generally three), each of which is elected on a staggered schedule (generally for three years). At each annual meeting, only a single class of directors is subject to reelection (generally one-third of the entire board). |
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Cumulative voting for directors |
Cumulative voting allocates one vote for each share of stock held, times the number of directors subject to election. A shareholder may cumulate his/her votes and cast all of them in favor of a single candidate, or split them among any combination of candidates. By making it possible to use their cumulated votes to elect at least one board member, cumulative voting is typically a mechanism through which minority shareholders attempt to secure board representation. |
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Director compensation and equity programs |
We believe that compensation for independent directors should be structured to align the interests of the directors with those of shareholders, whom the directors have been elected to represent. We believe that independent director compensation packages based on the companys long-term performance and that include some form of long-term equity compensation are more likely to meet this goal; therefore, we typically support proposals to provide such compensation packages. However, we will generally oppose shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock, as we believe that companies should maintain flexibility in administering compensation and equity programs for independent directors, given each companys and directors unique circumstances. |
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Indemnification of directors and officers |
We generally support reasonable but balanced protection of directors and officers. We believe that failure to provide protection to directors and officers might severely limit a companys ability to attract and retain competent leadership. We generally support proposals to provide indemnification that is limited to coverage of legal expenses. However, we may oppose proposals that provide indemnity for: breaches of the duty of loyalty; transactions from which a director derives an improper personal benefit; and actions or omissions not in good faith or those that involve intentional misconduct. |
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Independent board composition |
We generally support shareholder proposals requesting that the board consist of a two-thirds majority of independent outside directors, as we believe that an independent board faces fewer conflicts and is best prepared to protect shareholder interests. |
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Liability insurance for directors and officers |
Proposals regarding liability insurance for directors and officers often appear separately from indemnification proposals. We will generally support insurance against liability for acts committed in an individuals capacity as a director or officer of a company following the same approach described above with respect to indemnification. |
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Limits on director removal |
Occasionally, proposals contain a clause stipulating that directors may be removed only for cause. We oppose this limitation of shareholders rights. |
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Majority vote requirements |
BlackRock generally supports the concept of director election by majority vote. Majority voting standards assist in ensuring that directors who are not broadly supported by shareholders are not elected to serve as their representatives. However, we also recognize that there are many methods for implementing majority vote proposals. Where we believe that the company already has a sufficiently robust majority voting process in place, we may not support a shareholder proposal seeking an alternative mechanism. |
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Separation of chairman and CEO positions |
We generally support shareholder proposals requesting that the positions of chairman and CEO be separated. We may consider the designation of a lead director to suffice in lieu of an independent chair, but will take into consideration the structure of that lead directors position and overall corporate governance of the company in such cases. |
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Shareholder access to the proxy |
We believe that shareholders should have the opportunity, when necessary and under reasonable conditions, to nominate individuals to stand for election to the boards of the companies they own. In our view, securing a right of shareholders to nominate directors without engaging in a control contest can enhance shareholders ability to participate meaningfully in the director election process, stimulate board attention to shareholder interests, and provide shareholders an effective means of directing that attention where it is lacking. |
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We prefer an access mechanism that is equally applied to companies throughout the market with sufficient protections to limit the potential for abuse. Absent such a mechanism under current law, we consider these proposals on a case-by-case basis. In evaluating a |
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proposal requesting shareholder access at a company, we consider whether access is warranted at that particular company at that time by taking into account the overall governance structure of the company as well as issues specific to that company that may necessitate greater board accountability. We also look for certain minimum ownership threshold requirements, stipulations that access can be used only in non-hostile situations, and reasonable limits on the number of board members that can be replaced through such a mechanism. |
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Auditors and audit-related issues |
BlackRock recognizes the critical importance of financial statements that provide a complete and accurate portrayal of a companys financial condition. Consistent with our approach to voting on boards of directors, we seek to hold the audit committee of the board responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function at a company, and may withhold votes from the audit committees members where the board has failed to facilitate quality, independent auditing. We take particular note of cases involving significant financial restatements or material weakness disclosures. |
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The integrity of financial statements depends on the auditor effectively fulfilling its role. To that end, we favor an independent auditor. In addition, to the extent that an auditor fails to reasonably identify and address issues that eventually lead to a significant financial restatement, or the audit firm has violated standards of practice that protect the interests of shareholders, we may also vote against ratification. |
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From time to time, shareholder proposals may be presented to promote auditor independence or the rotation of audit firms. We may support these proposals when they are consistent with our views as described above. |
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Capital structure, mergers, asset sales and other special transactions |
In reviewing merger and asset sale proposals, BlackRocks primary concern is the best long-term economic interests of shareholders. While these proposals vary widely in scope and substance, we closely examine certain salient features in our analyses. The varied nature of these proposals ensures that the following list will be incomplete. However, the key factors that we typically evaluate in considering these proposals include: |
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Market premium: For mergers and asset sales, we make every attempt to determine the degree to which the proposed transaction represents a premium to the companys trading price. In order to filter out the effects of pre-merger news leaks on the parties share prices, we consider a share price from a time period in advance of the merger announcement. In most cases, business combinations should provide a premium; benchmark premiums vary by industry and direct peer group. Where one party is privately held, we look to the comparable transaction analyses provided by the parties financial advisors. For companies facing insolvency or bankruptcy, a market premium may not apply. |
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Strategic reason for transaction: There should be a favorable business reason for the combination. |
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Board approval/transaction history: Unanimous board approval and arms-length negotiations are preferred. We examine transactions that involve dissenting boards or that were not the result of an arms-length bidding process to evaluate the likelihood that a transaction is in shareholders interests. We also seek to ensure that executive and/or board members financial interests in a given transaction do not affect their ability to place shareholders interests before their own. |
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Financial advisors fairness opinions: We scrutinize transaction proposals that do not include the fairness opinion of a reputable financial advisor to evaluate whether shareholders interests were sufficiently protected in the merger process. |
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Anti-greenmail provisions: Greenmail is typically defined as payments to a corporate raider to terminate a takeover attempt. It may also occasionally refer to payments made to a dissident shareholder in order to terminate a potential proxy contest or shareholder proposal. We typically view such payments as a misuse of corporate assets which denies shareholders the opportunity to review a matter of direct economic concern and potential benefit to them. Therefore, we generally support proposals to prevent boards from making greenmail payments. However, we generally will oppose provisions designed to limit greenmail payments that appear to unduly burden or prohibit legitimate use of corporate funds. |
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Blank check preferred: See Preferred Stock. |
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Eliminate preemptive rights |
Preemptive rights give current shareholders the opportunity to maintain their current percentage ownership despite any subsequent equity offerings. These provisions are no longer common in the U.S., and may restrict managements ability to raise new capital. |
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We generally support the elimination of preemptive rights, but will often oppose the elimination of limited preemptive rights, (e.g., rights that would limit proposed issuances representing more than an acceptable level of dilution). |
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Equal voting rights |
BlackRock supports the concept of equal voting rights for all shareholders. Some management proposals request authorization to allow a class of common stock to have superior voting rights over the existing common or to allow a class of common to elect a majority of the board. We oppose such differential voting power as it may have the effect of denying shareholders the opportunity to vote on matters of critical economic importance to them. |
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However, when a shareholder proposal requests to eliminate an existing dual-class voting structure, we seek to determine whether this action is warranted at that company at that time, and whether the cost of restructuring will have a clear economic benefit to shareholders. We evaluate these proposals on a case-by-case basis, and we consider the level and nature of control associated with |
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12 |
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12 |
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13 |
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13 |
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14 |
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Capital structure, merger, asset sales and other special transactions |
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14 |
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14 |
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15 |
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15 |
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4. BLACKROCKS OVERSIGHT OF ITS CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ACTIVITIES |
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15 |
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15 |
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16 |
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17 |
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17 |
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1 Data is as of September 30, 2009, is subject to change, and is based on a pro forma estimate of assets under management at BlackRock, Inc. and Barclays Global Investors, N.A. |
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Boards and directors |
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Accounting and audit-related issues |
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Capital structure, mergers, asset sales and other special transactions |
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Remuneration and benefits |
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Social, ethical and environmental issues |
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General corporate governance matters |
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establishing an appropriate corporate governance structure; |
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overseeing and supporting management in setting strategy; |
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ensuring the integrity of financial statements; |
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making decisions regarding mergers, acquisitions and disposals; |
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establishing appropriate executive compensation structures; and |
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addressing business issues including social, ethical and environmental issues when they have the potential to materially impact company reputation and performance. |
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current employment at the company or a subsidiary; |
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former employment within the past several years as an executive of the company; |
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providing substantial professional services to the company and/or members of the companys management; |
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having had a substantial business relationship in the past three years; |
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having, or representing a shareholder with, a substantial shareholding in the company; |
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being an immediate family member of any of the aforementioned; and |
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interlocking directorships. |
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First Quadrant, L.P.
Overview
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 Rule 206(4)-6 imposes a number of requirements on investment advisers that have voting authority with respect to securities held in their clients portfolios. The SEC states that the duty of care requires an adviser with proxy voting authority to monitor corporate actions and to vote the proxies. To satisfy its duty of loyalty, an adviser must cast the proxy votes in a manner consistent with the best interests of its clients, and must never put the advisers own interest above those of its clients. First Quadrant defines the best interest of a client to mean the best economic interest of the holders of the same or similar securities of the issuer held in the clients account.
These written policies and procedures are designed to reasonably ensure that First Quadrant, L.P. (First Quadrant) votes proxies in the best interest of clients for whom First Quadrant has voting authority and describe how the adviser addresses material conflicts between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting. First Quadrant utilizes the services of an independent outside proxy service, Glass Lewis & Co (Glass Lewis), to act as agent1 for the proxy process, to maintain records on proxy voting for our clients, and to provide independent research on corporate governance, proxy, and corporate responsibility issues. In addition, First Quadrant has adopted as its own policies those of Glass Lewis proxy voting guidelines.
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First Quadrant maintains a Proxy Committee (the Committee), made up of senior members of management, which is responsible for deciding what is in the best interests of each client when deciding how proxies are voted. The Committee meets at least annually to review, approve, and adopt as First Quadrants own policies, Glass Lewis proxy voting guidelines. Any changes to the Glass Lewis voting guidelines must be reviewed, approved, and adopted by the Committee at the time the changes occur.
A copy of First Quadrants proxy voting policies is available upon request to the individual noted below under How to Obtain Voting Information. Because circumstances differ between clients, some clients contractually reserve the right to vote their own proxies or contractually may direct First Quadrant to vote certain of their proxies in a specific manner, in which case the Committee will assume the responsibility for voting the proxies in accordance with the clients desires.
First Quadrants portfolio management group also monitors corporate actions, ensuring notifications from custodians and/or information from Bloomberg or other electronic surveillance systems is recorded in our portfolio management and accounting systems.
Voting
Client Proxies
When a new
portfolio is opened and First Quadrant has ascertained either through language
found within the investment management agreement or through written
correspondence with the client that First Quadrant is responsible for voting
proxies, a letter is sent to the custodian informing them that Glass Lewis will
act as First Quadrants proxy voting agent and advising them to forward all
proxy material pertaining to the portfolio to Glass Lewis for execution. Additionally,
on a quarterly basis, First Quadrant provides Glass Lewis with a list of the
portfolios for which First Quadrant holds voting authority.
Glass Lewis, as proxy voting agent for First Quadrant, is responsible for analyzing and voting each proxy in a timely manner, maintaining records of proxy statements received and votes cast, and providing reports to First Quadrant, upon request, concerning how proxies were voted for a client. First Quadrants Client Service Dept. is responsible for: setting up new portfolios; determining which portfolios First Quadrant has proxy voting responsibilities; ensuring the custodians and Glass Lewis are appropriately notified; receiving and forwarding to the Committee, and ultimately Glass Lewis, any direction received from a client to vote a proxy in a specific manner; and maintaining client documentation and any communications received by First Quadrant related to proxy voting, including records of all communications received from clients requesting information on how their proxies were voted and First Quadrants responses.
With respect to securities out on loan, please refer to Addendum A for specific policies and procedures regarding the voting of proxies.
Oversight
of GLASS LEWIS
As First
Quadrant retains ultimate responsibility for proxies voted by Glass Lewis,
First Quadrant will monitor Glass Lewis proxy voting to ensure it is completed
in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines adopted by First Quadrant. This
monitoring may be accomplished through discussions with Glass Lewis, reviews,
or a combination of these approaches.
Conflicts
of Interest
The adoption
of the Glass Lewis proxy voting policies provides pre-determined policies for
voting proxies and thereby removes conflict of interest that could affect the
outcome of a vote. The intent of this policy is to remove any discretion that
First Quadrant may have to interpret what is in the best interest of any client
or how to vote proxies in cases where First Quadrant has a material conflict of
interest or the appearance of a material conflict of interest. Although, no
situation under normal circumstances is expected where First Quadrant will
retain discretion from Glass Lewis, the Committee will monitor any situation
where First Quadrant has any discretion to interpret or vote and will confirm
delegation to Glass Lewis if First Quadrant has a material conflict of
interest.
How
to Obtain Voting Information
To obtain
information on how your securities were voted, please contact Client Services
Department at FQClientservice@firstquadrant.com. Please specify the
portfolio and period of time you would like proxy voting information.
1 See Voting Client Proxies section for an explanation of this role.
ADDENDUM A
Securities on Loan
Investment advisers are required by the SEC to recall outstanding securities on loan in order to vote on material events, i.e. mergers and acquisitions which are contentious and controversial in nature. Since clients negotiate the terms of their securities lending program, which affords them the insight into the value of recalling outstanding shares of securities on loan, First Quadrant places the burden of the decision of recalling shares on the client and will treat all correspondences from clients affirming their desire to recall shares on loan as requests to First Quadrants Client Services Department.
In handling such matters, First Quadrants Portfolio Engineering Department will, as part of its research function, monitor for and identify occurrences of mergers and acquisitions which are controversial or contentious in nature. Once the occurrence of such mergers and acquisitions have been identified, Client Services will ascertain the appropriate time frame to recall the security, which will then be noted in a letter forwarded to all clients addressing, in particular, clients who have securities out on loan. The letter will request clients whose securities are out on loan to determine whether or not it is of an economic value to them to recall the shares out on loan for purposes of voting the proxy. If a client expresses his/her desire to recall securities out on loan, the client will be asked to provide a contact from their securities lending program to which First Quadrant can direct all recall requests, which will also allow the client to coordinate the recall with the custodial bank directly. Glass Lewis will also be contacted to coordinate any necessary aspects of the recall on its end. Once shares have been recalled, Glass Lewis will vote on the proxy according to the guidelines adopted by First Quadrant.
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Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.
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POLICY ON PROXY VOTING |
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Effective: August 2010 |
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PROXY VOTING |
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The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has delegated the voting of portfolio securities to the Investment Adviser. The Investment Adviser has adopted policies and procedures (the Policy) for the voting of proxies on behalf of client accounts for which the Investment Adviser has voting discretion, including the Funds. Under the Policy, the Investment Advisers guiding principles in performing proxy voting are to make decisions that: (i) favor proposals that tend to maximize a companys shareholder value; and (ii) are not influenced by conflicts of interest. |
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These principles reflect the Investment Advisers belief that sound corporate governance will create a framework within which a company can be managed in the interests of its shareholders. |
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The principles and positions reflected in the Policy are designed to guide the Investment Adviser in voting proxies, and not necessarily in making investment decisions. The Investment Adviser periodically reviews the Policy to ensure that it continues to be consistent with the Investment Advisers guiding principles. |
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Public Equity Investments. To implement these guiding principles for investments in publicly-traded equities, the Investment Adviser has developed customized proxy voting guidelines (the Guidelines). The Guidelines embody the positions and factors the Investment Adviser generally considers important in casting proxy votes. They address a wide variety of individual topics, including, among other matters, shareholder voting rights, anti-takeover defenses, board structures, the election of directors, executive and director compensation, reorganizations, mergers, issues of corporate social responsibility and various shareholder proposals. Attached as Appendix B is a summary of the Guidelines. |
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The Investment Adviser has retained a third-party proxy voting service (Proxy Service) to assist in the implementation of certain proxy voting-related functions. Among its responsibilities, the Proxy Service prepares a written analysis and recommendation (a Recommendation) of each proxy vote that reflects the Proxy Services application of the GSAM Guidelines to the particular proxy issues. While it is the Investment Advisers policy generally to follow the Guidelines and recommendations, the Investment Advisers portfolio management teams (Portfolio Management Teams) may on certain proxy votes seek approval to diverge from the Guidelines or a recommendation by following an override process. Such decisions are subject to a review and approval process, including a determination that the decision is not influenced by any conflict of interest. In forming their views on particular matters, the Portfolio Management Teams are also permitted to consider applicable regional rules and practices, including codes of conduct and other guides, regarding proxy voting, in addition to the Guidelines and recommendations. |
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The Proxy Service assists in the implementation and administration of the proxy voting function. The Proxy Service assists the Investment Adviser in the proxy voting process by providing operational, recordkeeping and reporting services. In addition, the Proxy Service produces Recommendations as previously discussed and provides assistance in the development and maintenance of the GSAM Guidelines. |
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GSAM conducts periodic due diligence meetings with the Proxy Service which include, but are not limited to, a review of the Proxy Services general organizational structure, new developments with respect to research and technology, work flow improvements and internal due diligence with respect to conflicts of interest. The Investment Adviser may hire other service providers to replace or supplement the Proxy Service with respect to any of the services the Investment Adviser currently receives from the Proxy Service. |
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The Investment Adviser has implemented procedures designed to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing its proxy voting decisions. These procedures include the Investment Advisers use of the Guidelines and recommendations and the override process, and the establishment of information barriers between the Investment Adviser and other businesses within The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. |
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APPENDIX B |
GSAM Proxy Voting Guidelines Summary |
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The following is a summary of the GSAM Proxy Voting Guidelines (the Guidelines), which form the substantive basis of GSAMs Policy on Proxy Voting for Client Accounts (Policy). As described in the main body of the Policy, one or more GSAM portfolio management teams may diverge from the Guidelines and a related Recommendation on any particular proxy vote or in connection with any individual investment decision in accordance with the override process described in the Policy. |
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The following section is a summary of the Guidelines, which form the substantive basis of the Policy with respect to U.S. public equity investments. |
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Operational Items |
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Auditor Ratification |
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Vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply: |
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An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; |
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There is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the companys financial position; |
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Poor accounting practices are identified that rise to a serious level of concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; or material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures; or |
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Fees for non-audit services (Other fees) are excessive. |
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Non-audit fees are excessive if: |
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Non-audit (other) fees exceed audit fees + audit-related fees + tax compliance/preparation fees. |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit or limit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services taking into account issues that are consistent with SEC rules adopted to fulfill the mandate of Sarbanes Oxley such as an audit firm providing services that would impair its independence or the overall scope and disclosure of fees for all services done by the audit firm. |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking for audit firm rotation, taking into account: |
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The tenure of the audit firm; |
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The length of rotation specified in the proposal; |
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Any significant audit-related issues at the company; |
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The number of Audit Committee meetings held each year; |
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The number of financial experts serving on the committee; and |
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Whether the company has a periodic renewal process where the auditor is evaluated for both audit quality and competitive price. |
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2. |
Board of Directors |
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Classification of Directors |
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Where applicable, the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ Listing Standards definition is to be used to classify directors as insiders or affiliated outsiders: |
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Inside Director |
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Employee of the company or one of its affiliates |
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Among the five most highly paid individuals (excluding interim CEO) |
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Listed as an officer as defined under Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 |
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Current interim CEO |
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Beneficial owner of more than 50 percent of the companys voting power (this may be aggregated if voting power is distributed among more than one member of a defined group) |
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Affiliated Outside Director (AO) |
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Board attestation that an outside director is not independent |
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Former CEO or other executive of the company within the last 3 years |
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Former CEO or other executive of an acquired company within the past three years |
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Former interim CEO if the service was longer than 18 months. If the service was between twelve and eighteen months an assessment of the interim CEOs employment agreement will be made |
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Not independent under applicable listing standards |
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Independent Outside Director |
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No material connection to the company other than a board seat |
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Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections |
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Vote on director nominees should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
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Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from individual directors who: |
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Attend less than 75 percent of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse, such as illness, service to the nation, work on behalf of the company, funeral obligations or start date after middle of the year. If the company provides meaningful public or non-material private disclosure explaining the directors absences, evaluate the information on a CASE-BY-CASE basis taking into account the following factors: |
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Degree to which absences were due to an unavoidable conflict; |
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Pattern of absenteeism; and |
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Other extraordinary circumstances underlying the directors absence; |
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Sit on more than six public company boards; |
A-21
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Are CEOs of public companies who sit on the boards of more than two public companies besides their own--withhold only at their outside boards. |
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Other items considered for an AGAINST vote include specific concerns about the individual or the company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities, sanctions from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues related to improper business practice. |
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Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from all nominees of the board of directors (except from new nominees who should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis and except as discussed below) if: |
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The companys poison pill has a dead-hand or modified dead-hand feature for two our more years. Vote against/withhold every year until this feature is removed; however, vote against the poison pill if there is one on the ballot with this feature rather than the director. |
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The board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of an newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold/against recommendation for this issue; |
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The board failed to act on a shareholder proposal that received approval of the majority of shares cast for the previous two consecutive years (a management proposal with other than a FOR recommendation by management will not be considered as sufficient action taken); an adopted proposal that is substantially similar to the original shareholder proposal will be deemed sufficient; (in this case vote AGAINST the members of the committee of the board that is responsible for the issue under consideration, or in the cases of classified boards against the independent Chairman or lead director). |
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The board failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares; |
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At the previous board election, any director received more than 50 percent withhold/against votes of the shares cast and the company has failed to address the underlying issue(s) that caused the high withhold/against vote; (in this case should not be an automatic vote against the entire board; instead should be against the nominating committee if there is one; if there is no nominating committee then vote against the outside directors that are performing nominating committee duties.) |
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The board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers. Sustained poor performance is measured by one- and three-year total shareholder returns in the bottom half of a companys four-digit GICS industry group (Russell 3000 companies only). |
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Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from Inside Directors and Affiliated Outside Directors (per the Classification of Directors below) when: |
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The inside or affiliated outside director serves on any of the three key committees: audit, compensation, or nominating; |
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The company lacks an audit, compensation, or nominating committee so that the full board functions as that committee and insiders are participating in voting on matters that independent committees should be voting on; |
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The company lacks a formal nominating committee, even if the board attests that the independent directors fulfill the functions of such a committee; |
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The full board is less than majority independent. (in this case withhold from affiliated outside directors); At controlled companies, GSAM will vote against the election of affiliated outsiders and nominees affiliated with the parent and will not vote against the executives of the issuer. |
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Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the Audit Committee if: |
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The non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive; |
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The company receives an adverse opinion on the companys financial statements from its auditor; or |
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There is persuasive evidence that the audit committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm. |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on members of the Audit Committee and/or the full board if poor accounting practices, which rise to a level of serious concern are identified, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures. |
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Examine the severity, breadth, chronological sequence and duration, as well as the companys efforts at remediation or corrective actions in determining whether negative vote recommendations are warranted against the members of the Audit Committee who are responsible for the poor accounting practices, or the entire board. |
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Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from the members of the Compensation Committee if one or more of the following poor pay practices exist and there is no Management Say on Pay Proposal (MSOP). If no Compensation Committee members are up for election (i.e., board is classified) and there is not a proposal for which GSAM could instead vote FOR declassification, then WITHHOLD from other members up for reelection if one or more of the following poor pay practices exist: |
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There is a negative correlation between the chief executives pay and company performance (see discussion under Equity Compensation Plans); |
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The company reprices underwater options for stock, cash or other consideration without prior shareholder approval, even if allowed in their equity plan; |
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The company fails to submit one-time transfers of stock options to a shareholder vote; |
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The company fails to fulfill the terms of a burn rate commitment they made to shareholders; |
A-22
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The company has backdated options (see Options Backdating policy); |
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The company has poor compensation practices (see Pay Practices policy). Poor pay practices may warrant withholding votes from the CEO and potentially the entire board as well. |
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Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from directors, individually or the entire board, for egregious actions or failure to replace management as appropriate. |
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Independent Chair (Separate Chair/CEO) |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
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(Apply the below criteria only when management is AGAINST the proposal; if management is FOR it, vote FOR it.) |
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GSAM will generally recommend a vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairmans position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria: |
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Designated lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties; |
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Two-thirds independent board; |
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All independent key committees; or |
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Established, disclosed governance guidelines. |
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Majority Vote Shareholder Proposals |
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Generally vote FOR precatory and binding resolutions requesting that the board change the companys bylaws to stipulate that directors need to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast, provided it does not conflict with the state law where the company is incorporated. Binding resolutions need to allow for a carve-out for a plurality vote standard when there are more nominees than board seats. Majority voting is the voting method preferred by GSAM. |
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Companies are strongly encouraged to also adopt a post-election policy (also known as a director resignation policy) that provides guidelines so that the company will promptly address the situation of a holdover director. |
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Cumulative Vote Shareholder Proposals |
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GSAM will generally support shareholder proposals to restore or provide cumulative voting unless: |
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The company has adopted majority vote standard with a carve-out for plurality voting in situations where there are more nominees than seats, and a director resignation policy to address failed elections. |
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Performance/Governance Evaluation for Directors |
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Vote WITHHOLD/AGAINST on all director nominees if the board lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers, measured by one- and three-year total shareholder returns in the bottom half of a companys four-digit GICS industry group (Russell 3000 companies only). |
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Evaluate board accountability and oversight at companies that demonstrate sustained poor performance. Problematic provisions include but are not limited to: |
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a classified board structure; |
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a supermajority vote requirement; |
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majority vote standard for director elections with no carve out for contested elections; |
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the inability of shareholders to call special meetings or the inability of shareholders to act by written consent; |
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a dual-class structure; and/or |
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a non-shareholder approved poison pill. |
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If a company exhibits sustained poor performance coupled with a lack of board accountability and oversight, also take into consideration the companys five-year total shareholder return and five-year operational metrics in the evaluation. |
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3. |
Proxy Contests |
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Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on the election of directors in contested elections, considering the following factors: |
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Long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry; |
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Managements track record; |
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Background to the proxy contest; |
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Qualifications of director nominees (both slates); |
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Strategic plan of dissident slate and quality of critique against management; |
A-23
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Likelihood that the proposed goals and objectives can be achieved (both slates); |
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Stock ownership positions. |
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Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses. When voting in conjunction with support of a dissident slate, vote FOR the reimbursement of all appropriate proxy solicitation expenses associated with the election. |
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Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for the reimbursement of reasonable costs incurred in connection with nominating one or more candidates in a contested election where the following apply: |
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The election of fewer than 50% of the directors to be elected is contested in the election; |
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One or more of the dissidents candidates is elected; |
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Shareholders are not permitted to cumulate their votes for directors; and |
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The election occurred, and the expenses were incurred, after the adoption of this bylaw. |
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4. |
Antitakeover Defenses and Voting Related Issues |
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Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals/Nominations |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on advance notice proposals, giving support to proposals that allow shareholders to submit proposals/nominations reasonably close to the meeting date and within the broadest window possible, recognizing the need to allow sufficient notice for company, regulatory and shareholder review. |
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To be reasonable, the companys deadline for shareholder notice of a proposal/ nominations must not be more than 60 days prior to the meeting, with a submittal window of at least 30 days prior to the deadline. |
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In general, support additional efforts by companies to ensure full disclosure in regard to a proponents economic and voting position in the company so long as the informational requirements are reasonable and aimed at providing shareholders with the necessary information to review such proposal. |
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Poison Pills |
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Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it UNLESS the company has: (1) A shareholder-approved poison pill in place; or (2) the company has adopted a policy concerning the adoption of a pill in the future specifying that the board will only adopt a shareholder rights plan if either: |
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Shareholders have approved the adoption of the plan; or |
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The board, in exercising its fiduciary responsibilities, determines that it is in the best interest of shareholders under the circumstances to adopt a pill without the delay that would result from seeking stockholder approval (i.e., the fiduciary out provision). A poison pill adopted under this fiduciary out will be put to a shareholder ratification vote within 12 months of adoption or expire. If the pill is not approved by a majority of the votes cast on this issue, the plan will immediately terminate. |
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Vote FOR shareholder proposals calling for poison pills to be put to a vote within a time period of less than one year after adoption. If the company has no non-shareholder approved poison pill in place and has adopted a policy with the provisions outlined above, vote AGAINST the proposal. If these conditions are not met, vote FOR the proposal, but with the caveat that a vote within 12 months would be considered sufficient. |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals on poison pill ratification, focusing on the features of the shareholder rights plan. Rights plans should contain the following attributes: |
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No lower than a 20% trigger, flip-in or flip-over; |
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A term of no more than three years; |
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No dead-hand, slow-hand, no-hand or similar feature that limits the ability of a future board to redeem the pill; |
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Shareholder redemption feature (qualifying offer clause); if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after a qualifying offer is announced, 10 percent of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill. |
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In addition, the rationale for adopting the pill should be thoroughly explained by the company. In examining the request for the pill, take into consideration the companys existing governance structure, including: board independence, existing takeover defenses, and any problematic governance concerns. |
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For management proposals to adopt a poison pill for the stated purpose of preserving a companys net operating losses (NOL pills), the following factors should be considered: |
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the trigger (NOL pills generally have a trigger slightly below 5%); |
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the value of the NOLs; |
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the term; |
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shareholder protection mechanisms (sunset provision, causing expiration of the pill upon exhaustion or expiration of NOLs); and |
A-24
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other factors that may be applicable. |
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In addition, vote WITHHOLD/AGAINST the entire board of directors, (except new nominees, who should be considered on a CASE-BY-CASE basis) if the board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to a shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of a newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), or reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote, and has not yet received a withhold recommendation for this issue. |
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5. |
Mergers and Corporate Restructurings |
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Overall Approach |
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For mergers and acquisitions, review and evaluate the merits and drawbacks of the proposed transaction, balancing various and sometimes countervailing factors including: |
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Valuation - Is the value to be received by the target shareholders (or paid by the acquirer) reasonable? While the fairness opinion may provide an initial starting point for assessing valuation reasonableness, emphasis is placed on the offer premium, market reaction and strategic rationale. |
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Market reaction - How has the market responded to the proposed deal? A negative market reaction should cause closer scrutiny of a deal. |
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Strategic rationale - Does the deal make sense strategically? From where is the value derived? Cost and revenue synergies should not be overly aggressive or optimistic, but reasonably achievable. Management should also have a favorable track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions. |
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Negotiations and process - Were the terms of the transaction negotiated at arms-length? Was the process fair and equitable? A fair process helps to ensure the best price for shareholders. Significant negotiation wins can also signify the deal makers competency. The comprehensiveness of the sales process (e.g., full auction, partial auction, no auction) can also affect shareholder value. |
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Conflicts of interest - Are insiders benefiting from the transaction disproportionately and inappropriately as compared to non-insider shareholders? As the result of potential conflicts, the directors and officers of the company may be more likely to vote to approve a merger than if they did not hold these interests. Consider whether these interests may have influenced these directors and officers to support or recommend the merger. |
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Governance - Will the combined company have a better or worse governance profile than the current governance profiles of the respective parties to the transaction? If the governance profile is to change for the worse, the burden is on the company to prove that other issues (such as valuation) outweigh any deterioration in governance. |
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6. |
State of Incorporation |
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Reincorporation Proposals |
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Evaluate management or shareholder proposals to change a companys state of incorporation on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, giving consideration to both financial and corporate governance concerns including the following: |
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Reasons for reincorporation; |
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Comparison of companys governance practices and provisions prior to and following the reincorporation; and |
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Comparison of corporation laws of original state and destination state. |
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Vote FOR reincorporation when the economic factors outweigh any neutral or negative governance changes. |
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7. |
Capital Structure |
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Common Stock Authorization |
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Votes on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. We consider company-specific factors that include, at a minimum, the following: |
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Past Board performance |
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The companys use of authorized shares during the last three years; |
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One- and three-year total shareholder return; |
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The boards governance structure and practices; |
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The current request; |
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Disclosure in the proxy statement of specific reasons for the proposed increase; |
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The dilutive impact of the request as determined through an allowable cap generated by RiskMetrics (RMG) quantitative model, which examines the companys need for shares and three-year total shareholder return; and |
A-25
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Risks to shareholders of not approving the request. |
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Preferred Stock |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to increase the number of shares of preferred stock authorized for issuance. Take into account company-specific factors which include, at a minimum, the following: |
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Specific reasons/ rationale for the proposed increase; |
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The dilutive impact of the request as determined through an allowable cap generated by RMGs quantitative model; |
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The boards governance structure and practices; and |
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Risks to shareholders of not approving the request. |
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Vote AGAINST proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (blank check preferred stock). |
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Vote FOR proposals to create declawed blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense). |
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Vote FOR proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable. |
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Vote AGAINST proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose. |
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8. |
Executive and Director Compensation |
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Equity Compensation Plans |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on equity-based compensation plans. Vote AGAINST the equity plan if any of the following factors apply: |
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The total cost of the companys equity plans is unreasonable; |
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The plan expressly permits the repricing of stock options/stock appreciation rights (SARs) without prior shareholder approval; |
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The CEO is a participant in the proposed equity-based compensation plan and there is a disconnect between CEO pay and the companys performance where over 50 percent of the year-over-year increase is attributed to equity awards; |
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The companys three year burn rate exceeds the greater of 2% and the mean plus one standard deviation of its industry group (with a 10% tolerance); in conjunction with the qualitative overlay as outlined in the policy guidelines OR the company has a poor record of compensation practices, which is highlighted either in analysis of the compensation plan or the evaluation of the election of directors. |
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The plan provides for the acceleration of vesting of equity awards even though an actual change in control may not occur (e.g., upon shareholder approval of a transaction or the announcement of a tender offer); or |
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The plan is a vehicle for poor pay practices. |
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Pay Practices |
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Good pay practices should align managements interests with long-term shareholder value creation. Detailed disclosure of compensation criteria is required; proof that companies follow the criteria should be evident. Compensation practices should allow a company to attract and retain proven talent. Some examples of poor pay practices include: repricing or replacing of underwater stock options/stock appreciation rights without prior shareholder approval, special bonuses that are not performance based, practices that could incentivize excessive risk-taking, excessive tax reimbursements related to executive perquisites or other payments and multi-year guarantees for salary increases. |
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If the company maintains problematic or poor pay practices, generally vote first: |
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AGAINST Management Say on Pay (MSOP) Proposals or; |
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AGAINST an equity-based incentive plan proposal if excessive non-performance-based equity awards are the major contributor to a pay-for-performance misalignment, then; |
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If no MSOP or equity-based incentive plan proposal item is on the ballot, AGAINST/WITHHOLD on compensation committee members (or, in rare cases where the full board is deemed responsible, all directors including the CEO) in egregious situations. |
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GSAM generally does not penalize a company by double counting a negative vote (i.e., voting against a compensation issue and against the compensation committee members) |
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Vote AGAINST or WITHHOLD from compensation committee members, CEO, and potentially the entire board, if the company has poor compensation practices. Vote AGAINST equity plans if the plan is a vehicle for poor compensation practices. |
A-26
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The following practices, while not exhaustive, are examples of poor compensation practices. The presence of one or more of the following practices when combined with a negative correlation between pay and performance may warrant withhold vote recommendations: |
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Egregious employment contracts - Contracts containing multi-year guarantees for salary increases, bonuses and equity compensation; |
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Excessive perks/tax reimbursements |
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Overly generous perquisites, which may include, but are not limited to the following: personal use of corporate aircraft, personal security system maintenance and/or installation, car allowances; |
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Reimbursement of income taxes on executive perquisites or other payments; (note about tax gross-ups: these may be acceptable in cases where gross-ups are provided pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company, such as relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy); |
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Perquisites for former executives, such as car allowances, personal use of corporate aircraft or other inappropriate arrangements; |
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Abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure |
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Performance metrics that are changed, canceled or replaced during the performance period without adequate explanation of the action and the link to performance; |
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Excessive severance and/or change in control provisions: |
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Inclusion of excessive change in control or severance payments, especially those with a multiple in excess of 3X cash pay; |
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Payments upon an executives termination in connection with performance failure; |
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Change in control payouts without loss of job or substantial diminution of job duties (single-triggered); |
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New or materially amended employment or severance agreements that provide for modified single triggers, under which an executive may voluntarily leave for any reason and still receive the change-in-control severance package; |
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Liberal change in control definition in individual contracts or equity plans which could result in payments to executives without an actual change in control occurring; |
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New or materially amended employment or severance agreements that provide for an excise tax gross-up. Modified gross-ups would be treated in the same manner as full gross-ups; |
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Perquisites for former executives such as car allowances, personal use of corporate aircraft or other inappropriate arrangements; |
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Dividends or dividend equivalents paid on unvested performance shares or units; |
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Poor disclosure practices: |
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Unclear explanation of how the CEO is involved in the pay setting process; |
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Retrospective performance targets and methodology not discussed; |
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Methodology for benchmarking practices and/or peer group not disclosed and explained; |
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Internal Pay Disparity: |
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Excessive differential between CEO total pay and that of next highest paid named executive officer (NEO); |
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Options backdating (covered in a separate policy); |
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Other excessive compensation payouts or poor pay practices at the company. |
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Other Compensation Proposals and Policies |
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Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay) Management Proposals |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals for an advisory vote on executive compensation. Vote AGAINST these resolutions in cases where boards have failed to demonstrate good stewardship of investors interests regarding executive compensation practices. |
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For U.S. companies, consider the following factors in the context of each companys specific circumstances and the boards disclosed rationale for its practices: |
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Relative Considerations: |
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Assessment of performance metrics relative to business strategy, as discussed and explained in the CD&A; |
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Evaluation of peer groups used to set target pay or award opportunities; |
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Alignment of company performance and executive pay trends over time (e.g., performance down: pay down); |
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Assessment of disparity between total pay of the CEO and other Named Executive Officers (NEOs). |
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Design Considerations: |
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Balance of fixed versus performance-driven pay; |
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Assessment of excessive practices with respect to perks, severance packages, supplemental executive pension plans, and burn rates. |
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Communication Considerations: |
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Evaluation of information and board rationale provided in CD&A about how compensation is determined (e.g., why certain elements and pay targets are used, and specific incentive plan goals, especially retrospective goals); |
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Assessment of boards responsiveness to investor input and engagement on compensation issues (e.g., in responding to majority-supported shareholder proposals on executive pay topics). |
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Employee Stock Purchase Plans Non-Qualified Plans
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on nonqualified employee stock purchase plans. Vote FOR nonqualified employee stock purchase plans with all the following features: |
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Broad-based participation (i.e., all employees of the company with the exclusion of individuals with 5 percent or more of beneficial ownership of the company); |
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Limits on employee contribution, which may be a fixed dollar amount or expressed as a percent of base salary; |
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Company matching contribution up to 25 percent of employees contribution, which is effectively a discount of 20 percent from market value; |
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No discount on the stock price on the date of purchase since there is a company matching contribution. |
Vote AGAINST nonqualified employee stock purchase plans when any of the plan features do not meet the above criteria. If the company matching contribution exceeds 25 percent of employees contribution, evaluate the cost of the plan against its allowable cap.
Option Exchange Programs/Repricing Options
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on management proposals seeking approval to exchange/reprice options, taking into consideration: |
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Historic trading patternsthe stock price should not be so volatile that the options are likely to be back in-the-money over the near term; |
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Rationale for the re-pricingwas the stock price decline beyond managements control? |
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Is this a value-for-value exchange? |
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Are surrendered stock options added back to the plan reserve? |
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Option vestingdoes the new option vest immediately or is there a black-out period? |
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Term of the optionthe term should remain the same as that of the replaced option; |
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Exercise priceshould be set at fair market or a premium to market; |
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Participantsexecutive officers and directors should be excluded. |
If the surrendered options are added back to the equity plans for re-issuance, then also take into consideration the companys total cost of equity plans and its three-year average burn rate.
In addition to the above considerations,
evaluate the intent, rationale, and timing of the repricing proposal. The proposal should clearly articulate why
the board is choosing to conduct an exchange program at this point in
time. Repricing underwater options
after a recent precipitous drop in the companys stock price demonstrates poor
timing. Repricing after a recent
decline in stock price triggers additional scrutiny and a potential AGAINST
vote on the proposal. At a minimum, the
decline should not have happened within the past year. Also, consider the terms of the surrendered
options, such as the grant date, exercise price and vesting schedule. Grant dates of surrendered options should be
far enough back (two to three years) so as not to suggest that repricings are
being done to take advantage of short-term downward price movements. Similarly, the exercise price of surrendered
options should be above the 52-week high for the stock price.
Vote FOR shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote.
Other Shareholder Proposals on Compensation
Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation (Say-on-Pay)
Generally, vote FOR shareholder proposals that call for non-binding shareholder ratification of the compensation of the Named Executive Officers and the accompanying narrative disclosure of material factors provided to understand the Summary Compensation Table.
Golden Coffins/Executive Death Benefits
Generally vote FOR proposals calling on companies to adopt a policy of obtaining shareholder approval for any future agreements and corporate policies that could oblige the company to make payments or awards following the death of a senior executive in the form of unearned salary or bonuses, accelerated vesting or the continuation in force of unvested equity grants, perquisites and other payments or awards made in lieu of compensation. This would not apply to any benefit programs or equity plan proposals for which the broad-based employee population is eligible.
Share Buyback Holding Periods
Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals prohibiting executives from selling shares of company stock during periods in which the company has announced that it may or will be repurchasing shares of its stock. Vote FOR the proposal when there is a pattern of abuse by executives exercising options or selling shares during periods of share buybacks.
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Stock Ownership or Holding Period Guidelines
Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals that mandate a minimum amount of stock that directors must own in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board. While stock ownership on the part of directors is favored, the company should determine the appropriate ownership requirement.
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking companies to adopt policies requiring Named Executive Officers to retain 75% of the shares acquired through compensation plans while employed and/or for two years following the termination of their employment, and to report to shareholders regarding this policy. The following factors will be taken into account: |
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Whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio, or officer ownership requirements in place. These should consist of: |
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Rigorous stock ownership guidelines, or |
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A holding period requirement coupled with a significant long-term ownership requirement, or |
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A meaningful retention ratio. |
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Actual officer stock ownership and the degree to which it meets or exceeds the proponents suggested holding period/retention ratio or the companys own stock ownership or retention requirements. |
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Problematic pay practices, current and past, which may promote a short-term versus a long-term focus. |
Tax Gross-Up Proposals
Generally vote FOR proposals asking companies to adopt a policy of not providing tax gross-up payments to executives, except where gross-ups are provided pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company, such as a relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy.
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9. |
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Issues |
Overall Approach
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When evaluating social and environmental shareholder proposals, the following factors should be considered: |
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Whether adoption of the proposal is likely to enhance or protect shareholder value; |
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Whether the information requested concerns business issues that relate to a meaningful percentage of the companys business as measured by sales, assets, and earnings; |
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The degree to which the companys stated position on the issues raised in the proposal could affect its reputation or sales, or leave it vulnerable to a boycott or selective purchasing; |
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Whether the issues presented are more appropriately/effectively dealt with through governmental or company-specific action; |
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Whether the company has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in the proposal; |
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Whether the companys analysis and voting recommendation to shareholders are persuasive; |
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What other companies have done in response to the issue addressed in the proposal; |
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Whether the proposal itself is well framed and the cost of preparing the report is reasonable; |
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Whether implementation of the proposals request would achieve the proposals objectives; |
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Whether the subject of the proposal is best left to the discretion of the board; |
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Whether the requested information is available to shareholders either from the company or from a publicly available source; and |
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Whether providing this information would reveal proprietary or confidential information that would place the company at a competitive disadvantage. |
Genetically Modified Ingredients
Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking suppliers, genetic research companies, restaurants and food retail companies to voluntarily label genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in their products and/or eliminate GE ingredients. The cost of labeling and/or phasing out the use of GE ingredients may not be commensurate with the benefits to shareholders and is an issue better left to regulators.
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals asking for a report on the feasibility of labeling products containing GE ingredients taking into account: |
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The companys business and the proportion of it affected by the resolution; |
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The quality of the companys disclosure on GE product labeling, related voluntary initiatives, and how this disclosure compares with industry peer disclosure; and |
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Companys current disclosure on the feasibility of GE product labeling, including information on the related costs. |
Generally vote AGAINST proposals seeking a report on the social, health, and environmental effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Studies of this sort are better undertaken by regulators and the scientific community.
Generally vote AGAINST proposals to completely phase out GE ingredients from the companys products or proposals asking for reports outlining the steps necessary to eliminate GE ingredients from the companys products. Such resolutions presuppose that there
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are proven health risks to GE ingredients (an issue better left to regulators) that may outweigh the economic benefits derived from biotechnology.
Pharmaceutical Pricing, Access to Medicines, and Product Reimportation
Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting that companies implement specific price restraints on pharmaceutical products unless the company fails to adhere to legislative guidelines or industry norms in its product pricing.
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting that the company report on their product pricing policies or their access to medicine policies, considering: |
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The nature of the companys business and the potential for reputational and market risk exposure; |
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The existing disclosure of relevant policies; |
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Deviation from established industry norms; |
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The companys existing, relevant initiatives to provide research and/or products to disadvantaged consumers; |
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Whether the proposal focuses on specific products or geographic regions; and |
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The potential cost and scope of the requested report. |
Generally vote FOR proposals requesting that companies report on the financial and legal impact of their prescription drug reimportation policies unless such information is already publicly disclosed.
Generally vote AGAINST proposals requesting that companies adopt specific policies to encourage or constrain prescription drug reimportation. Such matters are more appropriately the province of legislative activity and may place the company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its peers.
Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation, and Domestic Partner Benefits
Generally vote FOR proposals seeking to amend a companys EEO statement or diversity policies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, unless the change would result in excessive costs for the company.
Generally vote AGAINST proposals to extend company benefits to, or eliminate benefits from domestic partners. Decisions regarding benefits should be left to the discretion of the company.
Climate Change
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Generally vote FOR resolutions requesting that a company disclose information on the impact of climate change on the companys operations and investments considering whether: |
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The company already provides current, publicly-available information on the impacts that climate change may have on the company as well as associated company policies and procedures to address related risks and/or opportunities; |
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The companys level of disclosure is at least comparable to that of industry peers; and |
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There are no significant, controversies, fines, penalties, or litigation associated with the companys environmental performance. |
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Lobbying Expenditures/Initiatives |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals requesting information on a companys lobbying initiatives, considering: |
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Significant controversies, fines, or litigation surrounding a companys public policy activities, |
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The companys current level of disclosure on lobbying strategy, and |
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The impact that the policy issue may have on the companys business operations. |
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Political Contributions and Trade Association Spending |
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Generally vote AGAINST proposals asking the company to affirm political nonpartisanship in the workplace so long as: |
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There are no recent, significant controversies, fines or litigation regarding the companys political contributions or trade association spending; and |
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The company has procedures in place to ensure that employee contributions to company-sponsored political action committees (PACs) are strictly voluntary and prohibits coercion. |
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Vote AGAINST proposals to publish in newspapers and public media the companys political contributions. Such publications could present significant cost to the company without providing commensurate value to shareholders. |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to improve the disclosure of a companys political contributions and trade association spending, considering: |
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Recent significant controversy or litigation related to the companys political contributions or governmental affairs; and |
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The public availability of a company policy on political contributions and trade association spending including information on the types of organizations supported, the business rationale for supporting these organizations, and the oversight and compliance procedures related to such expenditures of corporate assets. |
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Vote AGAINST proposals barring the company from making political contributions. Businesses are affected by legislation at the federal, state, and local level and barring political contributions can put the company at a competitive disadvantage.
Vote AGAINST proposals asking for a list of company executives, directors, consultants, legal counsels, lobbyists, or investment bankers that have prior government service and whether such service had a bearing on the business of the company. Such a list would be burdensome to prepare without providing any meaningful information to shareholders.
Labor and Human Rights Standards
Generally vote FOR proposals requesting a report on company or company supplier labor and/or human rights standards and policies unless such information is already publicly disclosed.
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals to implement company or company supplier labor and/or human rights standards and policies, considering: |
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The degree to which existing relevant policies and practices are disclosed; |
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Whether or not existing relevant policies are consistent with internationally recognized standards; |
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Whether company facilities and those of its suppliers are monitored and how; |
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Company participation in fair labor organizations or other internationally recognized human rights initiatives; |
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Scope and nature of business conducted in markets known to have higher risk of workplace labor/human rights abuse; |
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Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding human rights at the company or its suppliers; |
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The scope of the request; and |
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Deviation from industry sector peer company standards and practices. |
Sustainability Reporting
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Generally vote FOR proposals requesting the company to report on its policies, initiatives, and oversight mechanisms related to social, economic, and environmental sustainability, unless: |
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The company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies such as an Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) report; a comprehensive Code of Corporate Conduct; and/or a Diversity Report; or |
The company has formally committed to the implementation of a reporting program based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines or a similar standard within a specified time frame. |
The following section is a summary of the Guidelines, which form the substantive basis of the Policy with respect to non-U.S. public equity investments. Note that some items may vary by market based on specific country regulations or practices.
1. Operational Items
Financial Results/Director and Auditor Reports
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Vote FOR approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports, unless: |
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There are concerns about the accounts presented or audit procedures used; or |
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The company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed. |
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Appointment of Auditors and Auditor Fees |
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Vote FOR the reelection of auditors and proposals authorizing the board to fix auditor fees, unless: |
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There are serious concerns about the accounts presented or the audit procedures used; |
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The auditors are being changed without explanation; or |
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Non-audit-related fees are substantial or are routinely in excess of standard annual audit-related fees. |
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Vote AGAINST the appointment of external auditors if they have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company. |
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Appointment of Internal Statutory Auditors |
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Vote FOR the appointment or reelection of statutory auditors, unless: |
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There are serious concerns about the statutory reports presented or the audit procedures used; |
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Questions exist concerning any of the statutory auditors being appointed; or |
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The auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company. |
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Allocation of Income |
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Vote FOR approval of the allocation of income, unless: |
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The dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30 percent without adequate explanation; or |
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The payout is excessive given the companys financial position. |
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Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternative |
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Vote FOR most stock (scrip) dividend proposals. |
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Vote AGAINST proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value. |
Amendments to Articles of Association
Vote amendments to the articles of association on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Change in Company Fiscal Term
Vote FOR resolutions to change a companys fiscal term unless a companys motivation for the change is to postpone its AGM.
Lower Disclosure Threshold for Stock Ownership
Vote AGAINST resolutions to lower the stock ownership disclosure threshold below 5 percent unless specific reasons exist to implement a lower threshold.
Amend Quorum Requirements
Vote proposals to amend quorum requirements for shareholder meetings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Transact Other Business
Vote AGAINST other business when it appears as a voting item.
2. Board of Directors
Director Elections
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Vote FOR management nominees in the election of directors, unless: |
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Adequate disclosure has not been provided in a timely manner; OR |
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There are clear concerns over questionable finances or restatements; OR |
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There have been questionable transactions with conflicts of interest; OR |
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There are any records of abuses against minority shareholder interests; OR |
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The board fails to meet minimum corporate governance standards. OR |
Vote FOR individual nominees unless there are specific concerns about the individual or company, such as criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities. Other considerations may include sanctions from government or authority, violations of laws and regulations, or other issues related to improper business practice.
Vote AGAINST individual directors if repeated absences at board meetings have not been explained (in countries where this information is disclosed).
Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis for contested elections of directors, e.g., the election of shareholder nominees or the dismissal of incumbent directors, determining which directors are best suited to add value for shareholders.
Vote FOR employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee and are required by law to be on those committees.
Vote AGAINST employee and/or labor representatives if they sit on either the audit or compensation committee, if they are not required to be on those committees.
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Executive Director |
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Employee or executive of the company; |
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Any director who is classified as a non-executive, but receives salary, fees, bonus, and/or other benefits that are in line with the highest-paid executives of the company. |
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Non-Independent Non-Executive Director (NED) |
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Any director who is attested by the board to be a non-independent NED; |
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Any director specifically designated as a representative of a significant shareholder of the company; |
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Any director who is also an employee or executive of a significant shareholder of the company; |
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Beneficial owner (direct or indirect) of at least 10% of the companys stock, either in economic terms or in voting rights (this may be aggregated if voting power is distributed among more than one member of a defined group, e.g., family members who beneficially own less than 10% individually, but collectively own more than 10%), unless market best practice dictates a lower ownership and/or disclosure threshold (and in other special market-specific circumstances); |
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Government representative; |
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Currently provides (or a relative provides) professional services to the company, to an affiliate of the company, or to an individual officer of the company or of one of its affiliates in excess of $10,000 per year; |
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Represents customer, supplier, creditor, banker, or other entity with which company maintains transactional/commercial relationship (unless company discloses information to apply a materiality test); |
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Any director who has conflicting or cross-directorships with executive directors or the chairman of the company; |
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Relative of a current employee of the company or its affiliates; |
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Relative of a former executive of the company or its affiliates; |
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A new appointee elected other than by a formal process through the General Meeting (such as a contractual appointment by a substantial shareholder); |
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Founder/co-founder/member of founding family but not currently an employee; |
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Former executive (5 year cooling off period); |
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Years of service is generally not a determining factor unless it is recommended best practice in a market and/or in extreme circumstances, in which case it may be considered. |
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Independent NED |
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No material connection, either directly or indirectly, to the company other than a board seat. |
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Employee Representative |
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Represents employees or employee shareholders of the company (classified as employee representative but considered a non-independent NED). |
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Discharge of Directors |
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Generally vote FOR the discharge of directors, including members of the management board and/or supervisory board, unless there is reliable information about significant and compelling controversies that the board is not fulfilling its fiduciary duties warranted by: |
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A lack of oversight or actions by board members which invoke shareholder distrust related to malfeasance or poor supervision, such as operating in private or company interest rather than in shareholder interest; or |
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Any legal issues (e.g., civil/criminal) aiming to hold the board responsible for breach of trust in the past or related to currently alleged actions yet to be confirmed (and not only the fiscal year in question), such as price fixing, insider trading, bribery, fraud, and other illegal actions; or |
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Other egregious governance issues where shareholders will bring legal action against the company or its directors. |
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For markets which do not routinely request discharge resolutions (e.g., common law countries or markets where discharge is not mandatory), analysts may voice concern in other appropriate agenda items, such as approval of the annual accounts or other relevant resolutions, to enable shareholders to express discontent with the board. |
Director Compensation
Vote FOR proposals to award cash fees to non-executive directors unless the amounts are excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry.
Vote non-executive director compensation proposals that include both cash and share-based components on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote proposals that bundle compensation for both non-executive and executive directors into a single resolution on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote AGAINST proposals to introduce retirement benefits for non-executive directors.
Director, Officer, and Auditor Indemnification and Liability Provisions
Vote proposals seeking indemnification and liability protection for directors and officers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote AGAINST proposals to indemnify auditors.
Board Structure
Vote FOR proposals to fix board size.
Vote AGAINST the introduction of classified boards and mandatory retirement ages for directors.
Vote AGAINST proposals to alter board structure or size in the context of a fight for control of the company or the board.
Chairman CEO combined role (for applicable markets)
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GSAM will generally recommend a vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring that the chairmans position be filled by an independent director, if the company satisfies 3 of the 4 following criteria: |
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2/3 independent board, or majority in countries where employee representation is common practice; |
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A designated, or a rotating, lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties; |
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Fully independent key committees; and/or |
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Established, publicly disclosed, governance guidelines and director biographies/profiles. |
3. Capital Structure
Share Issuance Requests
General Issuances:
Vote FOR issuance requests with preemptive rights to a maximum of 100 percent over currently issued capital.
Vote FOR issuance requests without preemptive rights to a maximum of 20 percent of currently issued capital.
Specific Issuances:
Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on all requests,
with or without preemptive rights.
Increases in Authorized Capital
Vote FOR non-specific proposals to increase authorized capital up to 100 percent over the current authorization unless the increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding.
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Vote FOR specific proposals to increase authorized capital to any amount, unless: |
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The specific purpose of the increase (such as a share-based acquisition or merger) does not meet RMG guidelines for the purpose being proposed; or |
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The increase would leave the company with less than 30 percent of its new authorization outstanding after adjusting for all proposed issuances. |
Vote AGAINST proposals to adopt unlimited capital authorizations.
Reduction of Capital
Vote FOR proposals to reduce capital for routine accounting purposes unless the terms are unfavorable to shareholders.
Vote proposals to reduce capital in connection with corporate restructuring on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Capital Structures
Vote FOR resolutions that seek to maintain or convert to a one-share, one-vote capital structure.
Vote AGAINST requests for the creation or continuation of dual-class capital structures or the creation of new or additional supervoting shares.
Preferred Stock
Vote FOR the creation of a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50 percent of issued capital unless the terms of the preferred stock would adversely affect the rights of existing shareholders.
Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible preferred stock as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets RMG guidelines on equity issuance requests.
Vote AGAINST the creation of a new class of preference shares that would carry superior voting rights to the common shares.
Vote AGAINST the creation of blank check preferred stock unless the board clearly states that the authorization will not be used to thwart a takeover bid.
Vote proposals to increase blank check preferred authorizations on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Debt Issuance Requests
Vote non-convertible debt issuance requests on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, with or without preemptive rights.
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Vote FOR the creation/issuance of convertible debt instruments as long as the maximum number of common shares that could be issued upon conversion meets RMG guidelines on equity issuance requests.
Vote FOR proposals to restructure existing debt arrangements unless the terms of the restructuring would adversely affect the rights of shareholders.
Pledging of Assets for Debt
Vote proposals to approve the pledging of assets for debt on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Increase in Borrowing Powers
Vote proposals to approve increases in a companys borrowing powers on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Share Repurchase Plans
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Generally vote FOR share repurchase programs/market repurchase authorities, provided that the proposal meets the following parameters: |
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Maximum volume: 10 percent for market repurchase within any single authority and 10 percent of outstanding shares to be kept in treasury (on the shelf); |
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Duration does not exceed 18 months. |
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For markets that either generally do not specify the maximum duration of the authority or seek a duration beyond 18 months that is allowable under market specific legislation, RMG will assess the companys historic practice. If there is evidence that a company has sought shareholder approval for the authority to repurchase shares on an annual basis, RMG will support the proposed authority. |
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In addition, vote AGAINST any proposal where: |
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The repurchase can be used for takeover defenses; |
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There is clear evidence of abuse; |
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There is no safeguard against selective buybacks; |
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Pricing provisions and safeguards are deemed to be unreasonable in light of market practice. |
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RMG may support share repurchase plans in excess of 10 percent volume under exceptional circumstances, such as one-off company specific events (e.g. capital re-structuring). Such proposals will be assessed case-by-case based on merits, which should be clearly disclosed in the annual report, provided that following conditions are met: |
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The overall balance of the proposed plan seems to be clearly in shareholders interests; |
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The plan still respects the 10 percent maximum of shares to be kept in treasury. |
Reissuance of Repurchased Shares
Vote FOR requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of this authority in the past.
Capitalization of Reserves for Bonus Issues/Increase in Par Value
Vote FOR requests to capitalize reserves for bonus issues of shares or to increase par value.
4. Other
Reorganizations/Restructurings
Vote reorganizations and restructurings on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Vote CASE-BY-CASE on mergers and acquisitions taking into account the following:
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For every M&A analysis, RMG reviews publicly available information as of the date of the report and evaluates the merits and drawbacks of the proposed transaction, balancing various and sometimes countervailing factors including: |
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While the fairness opinion may provide an initial starting point for assessing valuation reasonableness, RMG places emphasis on the offer premium, market reaction, and strategic rationale. |
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Valuation - Is the value to be received by the target shareholders (or paid by the acquirer) reasonable? |
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Market reaction - How has the market responded to the proposed deal? A negative market reaction will cause RMG to scrutinize a deal more closely. |
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Strategic rationale - Does the deal make sense strategically? From where is the value derived? Cost and revenue synergies should not be overly aggressive or optimistic, but reasonably achievable. |
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Management should also have a favorable track record of successful integration of historical acquisitions. |
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Conflicts of interest - Are insiders benefiting from the transaction disproportionately and inappropriately as compared to non-insider shareholders? RMG will consider whether any special interests may have influenced these directors and officers to support or recommend the merger. |
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Governance - Will the combined company have a better or worse governance profile than the current governance profiles of the respective parties to the transaction? If the governance profile is to change for the worse, the burden is on the company to prove that other issues (such as valuation) outweigh any deterioration in governance. |
Vote AGAINST if the companies do not provide sufficient information upon request to make an informed voting decision.
Mandatory Takeover Bid Waivers
Vote proposals to waive mandatory takeover bid requirements on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Reincorporation Proposals
Vote reincorporation proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Expansion of Business Activities
Vote FOR resolutions to expand business activities unless the new business takes the company into risky areas.
Related-Party Transactions
Vote related-party transactions on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Compensation Plans
Good pay practices should align managements interests with long-term shareholder value creation. Detailed disclosure of compensation criteria is required; proof that companies follow the criteria should be evident. Compensation practices should allow a company to attract and retain proven talent. Some examples of poor pay practices include: repricing or replacing of underwater stock options/stock appreciation rights without prior shareholder approval, special bonuses that are not performance based, practices that could incentivize excessive risk-taking, excessive tax reimbursements related to executive perquisites or other payments and multi-year guarantees for salary increases.
Vote compensation plans on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Antitakeover Mechanisms
Generally vote AGAINST all antitakeover proposals, unless they are structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on any proposal or offer.
Shareholder Proposals
Vote all shareholder proposals on a CASE-BY-CASE basis.
Vote FOR proposals that would improve the companys corporate governance or business profile at a reasonable cost.
Vote AGAINST proposals that limit the companys business activities or capabilities or result in significant costs being incurred with little or no benefit.
Hansberger Global Investors, Inc.
Proxy Voting Guidelines
Revised as of January 1, 2011
Reviewed as December 3, 2010
General Guidelines
The proxy voting guidelines below summarize
HGIs position on various issues of concern to investors and give a general
indication of how portfolio securities held in client accounts will be
voted. The guidelines are not
exhaustive and do not include all potential voting issues. In addition, because proxy voting issues and
circumstances of individual companies are so varied, there may be instances
when HGI may not vote in strict adherence to these guidelines as outlined
below. The following guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals
generally presented to shareholders.
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(i) Board of Directors Issues
HGI will generally vote for all Board of Directors nominees unless certain actions by the Directors warrant votes to be withheld. These instances include Directors who:
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Attend less than 75% of the board and committee meetings; and |
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Are also the CEO of a company where a serious restatement has occurred after the CEO certified the pre-restatement financial statements. |
HGI also feels that the following conflicts of interest may hinder a directors performance and will therefore typically withhold votes from a candidate who is a:
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CFO who presently sits on the board; |
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Director who presently sits on an excessive number of boards; |
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Director, or a director whose immediate family member, provides material professional services to the company at any time during the past five years; |
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Director, or a director whose immediate family member, engages in airplane, real estate or other similar deals with the company, including perquisite type grants from the company; and |
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Director with an interlocking directorship. |
(ii) Auditors
HGI will generally vote for proposals to ratify auditors. However, HGI will generally vote against ratification of the auditor and/or authorizing the board to set auditor fees for the following reasons:
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When audit fees added to audit-related fees total less than one-third of the total fees paid to the auditor by a company; When there have been any recent restatements or late filings by the company where the auditor bears some responsibility for the restatement or late filing (e.g., a restatement due to a reporting error); |
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When the company has aggressive accounting policies; |
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When the company has poor disclosure or lack of transparency in financial statements; |
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When there are other relationships or issues of concern with the auditor that might suggest a conflict between the interest of the auditor and the interests of shareholders; or |
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When the company is changing auditors as a result of a disagreement between the company and the auditor on a matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedures. |
(iii) Executive and Director Compensation
HGI will generally support executive compensation plans that motivate participants to focus on long-term shareholder value and returns, encourage employee stock ownership, and more closely align employee interests with those of shareholders. HGI will also support resolutions regarding directors fees.
In order to allow for meaningful shareholder review, we believe that incentive programs should generally include: (i) specific and appropriate performance goals; (ii) a maximum award pool; and (iii) a maximum award amount per employee. In addition, the payments made should be reasonable relative to the performance of the business, and total compensation to those covered by the plan should be in line with compensation paid by the Companys peers.
In general, HGI will determine votes for the following on a case-by-case basis:
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Stock-based incentive plans; |
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Performance-based stock option proposals; |
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Stock plans in lieu of cash; |
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Proposals to ratify or cancel executive severance agreements; and |
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Management proposals seeking approval to re-price options. |
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HGI will generally vote against: |
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Retirement plans for non-employee directors; |
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Shareholder proposals seeking to set absolute levels on compensation or otherwise dictate the amount or forms of compensation; and |
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Shareholder proposals requiring director fees to be paid in stock only. |
(iv) Takeover/Tender Offer Defenses
Anti-takeover proposals are analyzed on a
case-by-case basis. However, since
investors customarily, in our view, suffer a diminution of power as a result of
the adoption of such proposals, they are generally opposed by HGI unless
structured in such a way that they give shareholders the ultimate decision on
any proposal or offer. Specifically,
HGI will under normal circumstances oppose:
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Dual class exchange offers and dual class recapitalizations (unequal voting rights); |
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Proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and by-law amendments; |
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Proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations; and |
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Fair price provisions with shareholder vote requirements greater than a majority of disinterested shares. |
(v) Capital Structure and Shareholder Rights
This category consists of broad issues concerning capital structure and shareholder rights. These types of issues generally call for revisions to the corporate by-laws, which will impact shareholder ownership rights. All items are reviewed and voted on a case-by-case basis; however, HGI endeavors to balance the ownership rights of shareholders and their best interests with providing management of each corporation the greatest operational latitude.
(vi) Social and Political Responsibility Issues
In the case of social and political responsibility issues that in HGIs view do not primarily involve financial considerations, it is not possible to represent fairly the diverse views of HGIs clients. HGI generally votes in accordance with the recommendations of its proxy voting service on these social and political issues, although HGI sometimes may abstain from voting on these issues.
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
Revised as of January 1, 2011
Reviewed as December 3, 2010
Proxy Voting Policy
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A. |
Objective |
When Hansberger Global Investors, Inc. (HGI) is responsible for voting proxies, we take reasonable steps under the circumstances to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of our clients, which means voting proxies with a view to enhancing the financial value of the securities held in client accounts. The financial interest of our clients is the primary consideration in determining how proxies should be voted. In the case of social and political responsibility issues that, in our view, do not primarily involve financial considerations, it is not possible to represent fairly the diverse views of our clients. Thus, HGI generally votes in accordance with the recommendations of its proxy voting service on such issues, although, on occasion HGI could abstain from voting.
When making proxy-voting decisions, HGI generally adheres to its Proxy Voting Guidelines (the Guidelines), as revised from time to time by HGI, that detail HGIs positions on recurring issues and criteria for addressing non-recurring issues.
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B. |
Accounts for Which HGI Has Proxy Voting Responsibility |
HGI generally will vote proxies for client accounts only if it has been expressly delegated such power in writing. To eliminate ambiguity and to ensure clients who want us to vote proxies understand our policies and procedures, HGI ensures that proxy voting is expressly addressed in our investment management agreements with new clients or revised agreements with existing clients. We generally interpret silence in the agreement as not delegating HGI the right to vote, except for agreements with U.S. employee benefit plans subject to ERISA. For ERISA accounts, HGI assumes that it has voting power unless a written document expressly prohibits HGI from voting proxies, or assigns voting power to another fiduciary.
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C. |
Voting and Non-Voting of Proxies |
HGI generally endeavors to vote proxies it is eligible to vote and timely receives. We generally will not vote proxies under the following circumstances:
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We will not vote proxies for securities not selected by us or for securities over which we have no discretionary authority held in a client account. |
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We will not vote proxies that we do not receive in time to submit a timely vote. The timeliness of notification, distribution of proxy materials, book closure and the actual meeting date will vary by jurisdiction and market practice. |
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We ordinarily will not vote on proposals if a security is on loan at the time of the vote under a clients securities lending arrangement. Absent extraordinary circumstances, we believe that the administrative burden and loss of revenue associated with recalling securities will outweigh the anticipated benefit, particularly since there is no guarantee that loaned securities can be retrieved in time to submit a timely vote. We may ask that a security be recalled to vote under extraordinary circumstances. This decision will be made only when, in our sole judgment, the matter to be voted on has critical significance to the potential value of a long-term holding, and the relative cost and/or administrative inconvenience of retrieving the securities does not outweigh the perceived benefit. |
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We may not vote on a particular proposal or proxy if the costs or burdens of voting outweigh the expected benefit to clients. These decisions are generally made on a case-by-case basis and will be dependent on numerous factors, including the nature of the proposal, the nature of the holding, the direct cost of voting, and whether voting will hinder our ability to sell a security. |
Voting proxies for securities of companies located outside of the United States raises the same issues as voting proxies related to U.S. companies but could involve significantly greater effort or cost that could result in us deciding not to vote. Additional burdens include, but are not limited to:
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Differing rules and practices regarding shareholder notification and voting in different jurisdictions could result in greater instances of HGI being unable to submit a timely vote. |
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Some jurisdictions require that shares to be voted be blocked by the custodian or depository (or bearer shares deposited with a specified financial institution) for a specified number of days (usually five or fewer but sometimes longer) before or after the shareholder meeting. |
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Offering materials may not be available in English at a reasonable cost or received timely to permit informed voting. |
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Some jurisdictions may require that securities be registered in a particular way that differs from ordinary practice (e.g., registered in the companys share registry or taken out of nominee name). |
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D. |
Conflicts |
From time to time, proxy voting proposals may raise conflicts between the interests of HGIs clients and the interests of HGI and/or its employees. Under these circumstances, HGI will take additional steps that are designed to ensure that the proxies are voted based on our clients best interests. Conflicts of interest may arise when:
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Proxy votes regarding non-routine matters are solicited by an issuer that has an institutional separate account relationship with HGI;2 |
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A proponent of a proxy proposal has a business relationship with HGI or an HGI employee; |
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HGI or an HGI employee has a business relationship with a participant in a proxy contests, or a director election. |
HGIs Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for overseeing the proxy voting process, including monitoring and resolving possible material conflicts of interest. Any portfolio manager or research analyst with knowledge of a personal conflict of interest relating to a particular matter shall disclose that conflict to the Chief Compliance Officer or another member of the Proxy Voting Committee, and may be required to recuse him or herself from the proxy voting process. Issues raising possible conflicts of interest are referred to the Proxy Voting Committee for evaluation and resolution. Conflicts of interest may be resolved in different ways by the Proxy Voting Committee. Possible ways that conflicts of interest may be resolved include strict application of our Guidelines, recusal of conflicted personnel, consultation with other unconflicted investment personnel, or voting in accordance with an objective third party recommendation...
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E. |
Arrangement with Proxy Voting Service |
We use an unaffiliated third party proxy administrator to assist in voting proxies. The proxy voting services functions may include notifying us of shareholder meeting dates, translating proxy materials received from companies, providing associated research and recommendations for voting on particular proxy proposals, recordkeeping and physically transmitting votes. Although we may consider the recommendations of the proxy voting service and other parties if appropriate, we make the ultimate decision on how to vote client proxies.
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F. |
Reports |
HGI will provide clients with periodic
reports on our proxy voting decisions and actions for securities in their
accounts, in such forms or intervals as the clients reasonably request. Clients may contact HGI for such
information.
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2 For this purpose, HGI generally will consider as non-routine any matter listed in New York Stock Exchange Rule 452.11, relating to when a member firm may not vote a proxy without instructions from its customer (for example, contested matters are deemed non-routine). |
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ING Clarion Real Estate Securities, LLC
Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders, and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised. When ING Clarion Real Estate Securities (ING CRES) has discretion to vote the proxies of its clients, it will vote those proxies in the best interest of its clients and in accordance with these policies and procedures.
ING CRES has engaged Risk Metrics Group (RMG) to provide services with respect to proxy voting, including the tracking of proxies received for clients, providing notice to ING CRES concerning dates votes are due, the actual casting of ballots and recordkeeping. It is important to recognize that the ability for RMG and ING CRES to process proxy voting decisions in a timely manner is contingent in large part on the custodian banks holding securities for ING CRES clients. On a daily basis, ING CRES provides RMG with a list of securities held in each account over which ING CRES has voting authority. In addition, ING CRES provides RMG with its proxy voting guidelines.
Voting decisions remain within the discretion of ING CRES. On a daily basis, ING CRES reviews an online system maintained by RMG in order to monitor for upcoming votes. When a pending vote is identified, the appropriate analyst reviews the ballots, along with supplemental information about the vote provided by RMG and if available other research providers employed by ING CRES. The analyst makes the voting decision. If the analyst votes in contravention of the ING CRES proxy voting guidelines, the analysts decision must be approved by a senior member of the investment team based on completion of the applicable form containing an explanation documented by the analyst outlining the voting rationale. The Chief Compliance Officer or Compliance Officer must ensure that the appropriate approval has been received and evidence such review by signature.
Except as otherwise noted, operation of the proxy voting process is coordinated by trade settlement operations. Compliance is responsible for oversight of and testing of the process. As noted above, RMG provides recordkeeping services, including retaining a copy of each proxy statement received and each vote cast. This information is available to ING CRES upon request.
For the accounts over which ING CRES maintains proxy voting authority, ING CRES will vote proxies in accordance with its proxy voting guidelines. ING CRES may, in certain circumstances, voluntarily adhere to guidelines established by its clients if doing so can be accomplished within the proxy voting process through RMG as described above. Otherwise, ING CRES will not accept proxy voting authority to the extent clients wish to impose voting guidelines different from those of ING CRES. As the responsibility for proxy voting is defined at the outset of the client relationship (and documented in the Investment Management Agreement), ING CRES does not anticipate any confusion on the part of its clients in this respect.
ING CRES will identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of ING CRES and its clients. This examination will include a review of the relationship of ING CRES with the companies comprising the firms investable universe to determine if the issuer is a client of ING CRES or has some other relationship with the firm. If a material conflict exists, Clarion will determine whether voting in accordance with its voting guidelines is in the best interests of its clients (or particular affected clients). ING CRES will also determine whether it is appropriate to disclose the conflict to the affected clients and, except in the case of clients that are subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA Clients), will give the clients the opportunity to vote their proxies themselves. In the case of ERISA Clients, if the Investment Management Agreement reserves to the ERISA Client the authority to vote proxies when ING CRES determines it has a material conflict that affects its best judgment as an ERISA fiduciary,
ING CRES will give the ERISA Client the opportunity to vote the proxies themselves. ING CRES will maintain files relating to its proxy voting procedures in an easily accessible place. Records will be maintained and preserved for five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on a record, with records for the first two years kept on site. These files will include (1) copies of the proxy voting policies and procedures and any amendments thereto, (2) a copy of any document Clarion created that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies or that memorializes that decision, and (3) a copy of each written client request for information on how Clarion voted such clients proxies and a copy of any written response to any (written or oral) client request for information on how ING CRES voted its proxies.
Clients may contact the Chief Compliance
Officer, Robert Tull, via e-mail at rob.tull@ingclarion.com, or telephone (610)
995-8944, to obtain a copy of these policies and procedures (and, if desired,
the firms proxy voting guidelines) or to request information on the voting of
such clients proxies. A written response will list, with respect to each voted
proxy that the client has inquired about, (1) the name of the issuer, (2) the
proposal voted upon, and (3) how ING CRES voted the clients proxy.
Jennison Associates LLC
Proxy Voting Policy Summary
Conflicts of interest may also arise in voting proxies. Jennison Associates LLC (Jennison) has adopted a proxy voting policy to address these conflicts.
Jennison actively manages publicly traded equity securities and fixed income securities. It is the policy of Jennison that where proxy voting authority has been delegated to and accepted by Jennison, all proxies shall be voted by investment professionals in the best interest of the client without regard to the interests of Jennison or other related parties, based on recommendations as determined by pre-established guidelines either adopted by Jennison or provided by the client. Secondary consideration is permitted to be given to
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the public and social value of each issue. For purposes of this policy, the best interests of clients shall mean, unless otherwise specified by the client, the clients best economic interests over the long term that is, the common interest that all clients share in seeing the value of a common investment increase over time. Any vote that represents a potential material conflict is reviewed by Jennison Compliance and referred to the Proxy voting Committee to determine how to vote the proxy if Compliance determines that a material conflict exists.
In voting proxies for international holdings, which we vote on a best efforts basis, we will generally apply the same principles as those for U.S. holdings. However, in some countries, voting proxies result in additional restrictions that have an economic impact or cost to the security, such as share blocking, where Jennison would be restricted from selling the shares of the security for a period of time if Jennison exercised its ability to vote the proxy. As such, we consider whether the vote, either itself or together with the votes of other shareholders, is expected to have an effect on the value of the investment that will outweigh the cost of voting. Our policy is to not vote these types of proxies when the costs outweigh the benefit of voting, as in share blocking.
In an effort to discharge its responsibility, Jennison has examined third-party services that assist in the researching and voting of proxies and development of voting guidelines. After such review, Jennison has selected an independent third party proxy voting vendor to assist it in researching and voting proxies. Jennison will utilize the research and analytical services, operational implementation and recordkeeping and reporting services provided by the proxy voting vendor. The proxy voting vendor will research each proxy and provide a recommendation to Jennison as to how best to vote on each issue based on its research of the individual facts and circumstances of the proxy issue and its application of its research findings. It is important to note while Jennison may review the research and analysis provided by the vendor, the vendors recommendation does not dictate the actual voting instructions nor Jennisons Guidelines. The proxy voting vendor will cast votes in accordance with Jennisons Guidelines, unless instructed otherwise by a Jennison Investment Professional, as set forth below, or if Jennison has accepted direction from a Client, in accordance with the Clients Guidelines.
In voting proxies for quantitatively derived holdings and Jennison Managed Accounts (i.e., wrap) where the securities are not held elsewhere in the firm, Jennison has established a custom proxy voting policy with respect to the voting of these proxies. Proxies received in these circumstances will be voted utilizing the Jennisons guidelines. Additionally, in those circumstances where no specific Jennison guideline exists, Jennison will vote using the recommendations of the proxy voting vendor.
For securities on loan pursuant to a clients securities lending arrangement, Jennison will work with either custodian banks or the proxy voting vendor to monitor upcoming meetings and call stock loans, if possible, in anticipation of an important vote to be taken among holders of the securities or of the giving or withholding of their consent on a material matter affecting the investment. In determining whether to call stock loans, the relevant investment professional shall consider whether the benefit to the client in voting the matter outweighs the benefit to the client in keeping the stock on loan. It is important to note that in order to recall securities on loan in time to vote, the process must be initiated PRIOR to the record date of the proxy. This is extremely difficult to accomplish as Jennison is rarely made aware of the record date in advance.
It is further the policy of Jennison that complete and accurate disclosure concerning its proxy voting policies and procedures and proxy voting records, as required by the Advisers Act, is to be made available to clients.
These procedures are intended to provide Jennison with the reasonable assurance that all clients accounts are being treated fairly so that no one clients account is systematically advantaged.
J. P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
As an investment adviser, JPMorgan may be granted by its clients the authority to vote the proxies of the securities held in client portfolios. To ensure that the proxies are voted in the best interests of its clients, JPMorgan and its affiliated advisers have adopted detailed proxy voting procedures (Procedures) that incorporate detailed proxy guidelines (Guidelines) for voting proxies on specific types of issues.
JPMorgan is part of a global asset management organization with the capability to invest in securities of issuers located around the globe. Because the regulatory framework and the business cultures and practices vary from region to region the Guidelines are customized for each region to take into account such variations. Separate Guidelines cover the regions of (1) North America, (2) Europe, (3) Asia (ex-Japan) and (4) Japan, respectively. As a general rule, in routine proxies of a particular security, the guidelines of the region in which the issuer of such security is organized will be applied.
Pursuant to the Procedures, most routine proxy matters will be voted in accordance with the Guidelines, which have been developed with the objective of encouraging corporate action that enhances shareholder value. For proxy matters that are not covered by the Guidelines, matters that require a case-by-case determination or where a vote contrary to the Guidelines is considered appropriate, the Procedures require a certification and review process to be completed before the vote is cast. That process is designed to identify actual or potential material conflicts of interest and ensure that the proxy vote is cast in the best interests of clients.
To oversee and monitor the proxy-voting process, JPMorgan has established a proxy committee and appointed a proxy administrator in each global location where proxies are voted. The primary function of each proxy committee is to review periodically general proxy-voting matters, review and approve the Guidelines annually, and provide advice and recommendations on general proxy-voting matters as well as on specific voting issues implemented by JPMorgan. The procedures permit an independent voting service; currently Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. in the United States, to perform certain services otherwise carried out or coordinated by the proxy administrator.
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A copy of the JPMorgan proxy voting procedures and guidelines are available upon request by contacting your client service representative.
Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.
Loomis Sayles uses the services of third
parties (Proxy Voting Service(s)), to research and administer the vote on
proxies for those accounts and funds for which Loomis Sayles has voting
authority. Each Proxy Voting Service has a copy of Loomis Sayles proxy voting
procedures (Procedures) and provides vote recommendations and/or analysis to
Loomis Sayles based on the Proxy Voting Services own research. Loomis Sayles
will generally follow its express policy with input from the Proxy Voting
Services unless the Proxy Committee determines that the clients best interests
are served by voting otherwise.
All issues presented for shareholder vote will be considered under the oversight of the Proxy Committee. All non-routine issues will be directly considered by the Proxy Committee and, when necessary, the equity analyst following the company and/or the portfolio manager of an account holding the security, and will be voted in the best investment interests of the client. All routine for and against issues will be voted according to Loomis Sayles policy approved by the Proxy Committee unless special factors require that they be considered by the Proxy Committee and, when necessary, the equity analyst following the company and/or the portfolio manager of an account holding the security. Loomis Sayles Proxy Committee has established these routine policies in what it believes are the best investment interests of Loomis Sayles clients.
The specific responsibilities of the Proxy Committee, include, (1) developing, authorizing, implementing and updating the Procedures, including an annual review of the Procedures, existing voting guidelines and the proxy voting process in general, (2) oversight of the proxy voting process including oversight of the vote on proposals according to the predetermined policies in the voting guidelines, directing the vote on proposals where there is reason not to vote according to the predetermined policies in the voting guidelines or where proposals require special consideration, and consultation with the portfolio managers and analysts for the accounts holding the security when necessary or appropriate and, (3) engagement and oversight of third-party vendors, including Proxy Voting Services.
Loomis Sayles has established several policies to ensure that proxy votes are voted in its clients best interest and are not affected by any possible conflicts of interest. First, except in certain limited instances, Loomis Sayles votes in accordance with its pre-determined policies set forth in the Procedures. Second, where these Procedures allow for discretion, Loomis Sayles will generally consider the recommendations of the Proxy Voting Services in making its voting decisions. However, if the Proxy Committee determines that the Proxy Voting Services recommendation is not in the best interest of its clients, then the Proxy Committee may use its discretion to vote against the Proxy Voting Services recommendation, but only after taking the following steps: (1) conducting a review for any material conflict of interest Loomis Sayles may have and, (2) if any material conflict is found to exist, excluding anyone at Loomis Sayles who is subject to that conflict of interest from participating in the voting decision in any way. However, if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Proxy Committee after full prior disclosure of any conflict, that person may provide information, opinions or recommendations on any proposal to the Proxy Committee. In such event the Proxy Committee will make reasonable efforts to obtain and consider, prior to directing any vote information, opinions or recommendations from or about the opposing position on any proposal.
There may be instances where Loomis Syles is
not able to vote proxies on a clients behalf, such as when ballot delivery
instructions have not been processed by a clients custodian, the Proxy Voting
Serivce has not received a ballot for a clients account or under other
circumstances beyond Loomis Sayles control. In addition, Loomis Sayles may
abstain from voting if it is in the clients best interest to do so such as
where foreign corporations follow share-blocking practices or where proxy
material is not available in English.
MFS Investment Management
MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES
COMPANY
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
February 1, 2011
Massachusetts Financial Services Company, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc., MFS International (UK) Limited, MFS Heritage Trust Company, and MFS other subsidiaries that perform discretionary investment management activities (collectively, MFS) have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures, as set forth below (MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures), with respect to securities owned by the clients for which MFS serves as investment adviser and has the power to vote proxies, including the registered investment companies sponsored by MFS (the MFS Funds). References to clients in these policies and procedures include the MFS Funds and other clients of MFS, such as funds organized offshore, sub-advised funds and separate account clients, to the extent these clients have delegated to MFS the responsibility to vote proxies on their behalf under the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.
The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures include:
A. Voting Guidelines;
B. Administrative Procedures;
C Records Retention; and
D. Reports.
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A. VOTING GUIDELINES
1. General Policy; Potential Conflicts of Interest
MFS policy is that proxy voting decisions are made in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS clients, and not in the interests of any other party or in MFS corporate interests, including interests such as the distribution of MFS Fund shares and institutional client relationships.
In developing these proxy voting guidelines, MFS reviews corporate governance issues and proxy voting matters that are presented for shareholder vote by either management or shareholders of public companies. Based on the overall principle that all votes cast by MFS on behalf of its clients must be in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of such clients, MFS has adopted proxy voting guidelines, set forth below, that govern how MFS generally will vote on specific matters presented for shareholder vote.
As a general matter, MFS votes consistently on similar proxy proposals across all shareholder meetings. However, some proxy proposals, such as certain excessive executive compensation, environmental, social and governance matters, are analyzed on a case-by-case basis in light of all the relevant facts and circumstances of the proposal. Therefore, MFS may vote similar proposals differently at different shareholder meetings based on the specific facts and circumstances of the issuer or the terms of the proposal. In addition, MFS also reserves the right to override the guidelines with respect to a particular proxy proposal when such an override is, in MFS best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS clients.
MFS also generally votes consistently on the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple client accounts, unless MFS has received explicit voting instructions to vote differently from a client for its own account. From time to time, MFS may also receive comments on the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures from its clients. These comments are carefully considered by MFS when it reviews these guidelines and revises them as appropriate.
These policies and procedures are intended to address any potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that are likely to arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS clients. If such potential material conflicts of interest do arise, MFS will analyze, document and report on such potential material conflicts of interest (see Sections B.2 and D below), and shall ultimately vote the relevant proxies in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of its clients. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring and reporting with respect to such potential material conflicts of interest.
MFS is also a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. In developing these guidelines, MFS considered environmental, social and corporate governance issues in light of MFS fiduciary obligation to vote proxies in the best long-term economic interest of its clients.
B. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
1. MFS Proxy Voting Committee
The administration of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is overseen by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, which includes senior personnel from the MFS Legal and Global Investment Support Departments. The Proxy Voting Committee does not include individuals whose primary duties relate to client relationship management, marketing, or sales. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee:
a. Reviews these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures at least annually and recommends any amendments considered to be necessary or advisable;
b. Determines whether any potential material conflict of interest exists with respect to instances in which MFS (i) seeks to override these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (ii) votes on ballot items not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (iii) evaluates an excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors; or (iv) requests a vote recommendation from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g. mergers and acquisitions); and
c. Considers special proxy issues as they may arise from time to time.
2. Potential Conflicts of Interest
The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible
for monitoring potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or
its subsidiaries that could arise in connection with the voting of proxies on
behalf of MFS clients. Due to the client focus of our investment management
business, we believe that the potential for actual material conflict of
interest issues is small. Nonetheless, we have developed precautions to assure
that all proxy votes are cast in the best long-term economic interest of
shareholders.3 Other MFS internal policies require all MFS employees to avoid actual and
potential conflicts of interests between personal activities and MFS client
activities. If an employee identifies an actual or potential conflict of
interest with respect to any voting decision, then that employee must recuse
himself/herself from participating in the voting process. Additionally, with
respect to decisions concerning all Non-Standard Votes, as defined below, MFS
will review the securities holdings reported by investment professionals that
participate in such decisions
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For clarification purposes, note that MFS votes in what we believe to be the best, long-term economic interest of our clients entitled to vote at the shareholder meeting, regardless of whether other MFS clients hold short positions in the same issuer. |
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to determine whether such person has a direct
economic interest in the decision, in which case such person shall not further
participate in making the decision. Any significant attempt by an employee of
MFS or its subsidiaries to unduly influence MFS voting on a particular proxy
matter should also be reported to the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.
In cases where proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist. In cases where (i) MFS is considering overriding these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (ii) matters presented for vote are not governed by these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, (iii) MFS evaluates a potentially excessive executive compensation issue in relation to the election of directors or advisory pay or severance package vote, or (iv) a vote recommendation is requested from an MFS portfolio manager or investment analyst (e.g. mergers and acquisitions) (collectively, Non-Standard Votes); the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will follow these procedures:
a. Compare the name of the issuer of such proxy against a list of significant current (i) distributors of MFS Fund shares, and (ii) MFS institutional clients (the MFS Significant Client List);
b. If the name of the issuer does not appear on the MFS Significant Client List, then no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist, and the proxy will be voted as otherwise determined by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee;
c. If the name of the issuer appears on the MFS Significant Client List, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will be apprised of that fact and each member of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will carefully evaluate the proposed vote in order to ensure that the proxy ultimately is voted in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS clients, and not in MFS corporate interests; and
d. For all potential material conflicts of interest identified under clause (c) above, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will document: the name of the issuer, the issuers relationship to MFS, the analysis of the matters submitted for proxy vote, the votes as to be cast and the reasons why the MFS Proxy Voting Committee determined that the votes were cast in the best long-term economic interests of MFS clients, and not in MFS corporate interests. A copy of the foregoing documentation will be provided to MFS Conflicts Officer.
The members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee are responsible for creating and maintaining the MFS Significant Client List, in consultation with MFS distribution and institutional business units. The MFS Significant Client List will be reviewed and updated periodically, as appropriate.
From time to time, certain MFS Funds (the top tier fund) may own shares of other MFS Funds (the underlying fund). If an underlying fund submits a matter to a shareholder vote, the top tier fund will generally vote its shares in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the underlying fund. If there are no other shareholders in the top tier fund, the top tier fund will vote in what MFS believes to be in the top tier funds best long-term economic interest.
3. Gathering Proxies
Most proxies received by MFS and its clients originate at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (Broadridge). Broadridge and other service providers, on behalf of custodians, send proxy related material to the record holders of the shares beneficially owned by MFS clients, usually to the clients proxy voting administrator or, less commonly, to the client itself. This material will include proxy ballots reflecting the shareholdings of Funds and of clients on the record dates for such shareholder meetings, as well as proxy materials with the issuers explanation of the items to be voted upon.
MFS, on behalf of itself and certain of its clients (including the MFS Funds) has entered into an agreement with an independent proxy administration firm pursuant to which the proxy administration firm performs various proxy vote related administrative services such as vote processing and recordkeeping functions. Except as noted below, the proxy administration firm for MFS and its clients, including the MFS Funds, is Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc. (ISS). The proxy administration firm for MFS Development Funds, LLC is Glass, Lewis & Co., Inc. (Glass Lewis; Glass Lewis and ISS are each hereinafter referred to as the Proxy Administrator).
The Proxy Administrator receives proxy statements and proxy ballots directly or indirectly from various custodians, logs these materials into its database and matches upcoming meetings with MFS Fund and client portfolio holdings, which are input into the Proxy Administrators system by an MFS holdings data-feed. Through the use of the Proxy Administrator system, ballots and proxy material summaries for all upcoming shareholders meetings are available on-line to certain MFS employees and members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.
It is the responsibility of the Proxy Administrator and MFS to monitor the receipt of ballots. When proxy ballots and materials for clients are received by the Proxy Administrator, they are input into the Proxy Administrators on-line system. The Proxy Administrator then reconciles a list of all MFS accounts that hold shares of a companys stock and the number of shares held on the record date by these accounts with the Proxy Administrators list of any upcoming shareholders meeting of that company. If a proxy ballot has not been received, the Proxy Administrator contacts the custodian requesting the reason as to why a ballot has not been received.
4. Analyzing Proxies
Proxies are voted in accordance with these
MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Proxy Administrator, at the prior
direction of MFS, automatically votes all proxy matters that do not require the
particular exercise of discretion or judgment with respect to these MFS Proxy
Voting Policies and Procedures as determined by MFS. With respect to proxy
matters that require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment, the MFS
Proxy Voting Committee considers and votes on those proxy matters. MFS also
receives research
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and recommendations from the Proxy
Administrator which it may take into account in deciding how to vote. MFS uses
the research of ISS to identify (i) circumstances in which a board may have
approved excessive executive compensation, (ii) environmental and social
proposals that warrant consideration or (iii) circumstances in which a non-U.S.
company is not in compliance with local governance best practices. In those
situations where the only MFS fund that is eligible to vote at a shareholder
meeting has Glass Lewis as its Proxy Administrator, then we will rely on
research from Glass Lewis to identify such issues. Representatives of the MFS
Proxy Voting Committee review, as appropriate, votes cast to ensure conformity
with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.
As a general matter, portfolio managers and investment analysts have little or no involvement in most votes taken by MFS. This is designed to promote consistency in the application of MFS voting guidelines, to promote consistency in voting on the same or similar issues (for the same or for multiple issuers) across all client accounts, and to minimize the potential that proxy solicitors, issuers, or third parties might attempt to exert inappropriate influence on the vote. In limited types of votes (e.g. mergers and acquisitions, capitalization matters, potentially excessive executive compensation issues, or shareholder proposals relating to environmental and social issues), a representative of MFS Proxy Voting Committee may consult with or seek recommendations from MFS portfolio managers or investment analysts.4 However, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee would ultimately determine the manner in which all proxies are voted.
As noted above, MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines when such an override is, in MFS best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS clients. Any such override of the guidelines shall be analyzed, documented and reported in accordance with the procedures set forth in these policies.
5. Voting Proxies
In accordance with its contract with MFS, the Proxy Administrator also generates a variety of reports for the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, and makes available on-line various other types of information so that the MFS Proxy Voting Committee may review and monitor the votes cast by the Proxy Administrator on behalf of MFS clients.
6. Securities Lending
From time to time, the MFS Funds or other pooled investment vehicles sponsored by MFS may participate in a securities lending program. In the event MFS or its agent receives timely notice of a shareholder meeting for a U.S. security, MFS and its agent will attempt to recall any securities on loan before the meetings record date so that MFS will be entitled to vote these shares. However, there may be instances in which MFS is unable to timely recall securities on loan for a U.S. security, in which cases MFS will not be able to vote these shares. MFS will report to the appropriate board of the MFS Funds those instances in which MFS is not able to timely recall the loaned securities. MFS generally does not recall non-U.S. securities on loan because there may be insufficient advance notice of proxy materials, record dates, or vote cut-off dates to allow MFS to timely recall the shares in certain markets. As a result, non-U.S. securities that are on loan will not generally be voted. If MFS receives timely notice of what MFS determines to be an unusual, significant vote for a non-U.S. security whereas MFS shares are on loan, and determines that voting is in the best long-term economic interest of shareholders, then MFS will attempt to timely recall the loaned shares.
7. Engagement
The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are available on www.mfs.com and may be accessed by both MFS clients and the companies in which MFS clients invest. From time to time, MFS may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial for representatives from the MFS Proxy Voting Committee to engage in a dialogue or written communication with a company or other shareholder regarding certain matters on the companys proxy statement that are of concern to shareholders, including environmental, social and governance matters. A company or shareholder may also seek to engage with representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee in advance of the companys formal proxy solicitation to review issues more generally or gauge support for certain contemplated proposals.
C. RECORDS RETENTION
MFS will retain copies of these MFS Proxy
Voting Policies and Procedures in effect from time to time and will retain all
proxy voting reports submitted to the Board of Trustees and Board of Managers
of the MFS Funds for the period required by applicable law. Proxy solicitation
materials, including electronic versions of the proxy ballots completed by
representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, together with their
respective notes and comments, are maintained in an electronic format by the
Proxy Administrator and are accessible on-line by the MFS Proxy Voting
Committee. All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation, including
records generated by the Proxy Administrators system as to proxies processed,
including the dates when proxy ballots were received and submitted, and the
votes on each companys proxy issues, are retained as required by applicable
law.
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From time to time, due to travel schedules and other commitments, an appropriate portfolio manager or research analyst may not be available to provide a vote recommendation. If such a recommendation cannot be obtained within a reasonable time prior to the cut-off date of the shareholder meeting, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee may determine to abstain from voting. |
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D. REPORTS
All MFS Advisory Clients
MFS may publicly disclose the proxy voting records of certain clients or the votes it casts with respect to certain matters as required by law. At any time, a report can also be printed by MFS for each client who has requested that MFS furnish a record of votes cast. The report specifies the proxy issues which have been voted for the client during the year and the position taken with respect to each issue and, upon request, may identify situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.
Except as
described above, MFS generally will not divulge actual voting practices to any
party other than the client or its representatives because we consider that
information to be confidential and proprietary to the client. However, as noted
above, MFS may determine that it is appropriate and
beneficial to engage in a dialogue with a company regarding certain matters.
During such dialogue with the company, MFS may disclose the vote it intends to
cast in order to potentially effect positive change at a company in regards to
environmental, social or governance issues.
Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
October 1, 2010
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
I. POLICY STATEMENT
Morgan Stanley Investment Managements (MSIM) policy and procedures for voting proxies (Policy) with respect to securities held in the accounts of clients applies to those MSIM entities that provide discretionary investment management services and for which an MSIM entity has authority to vote proxies. This Policy is reviewed and updated as necessary to address new and evolving proxy voting issues and standards.
The MSIM entities covered by this Policy currently include the following: Morgan Stanley Investment Advisors Inc., Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company, Morgan Stanley Asset & Investment Trust Management Co., Limited, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Private Limited and Private Investment Partners Inc. (each an MSIM Affiliate and collectively referred to as the MSIM Affiliates or as we below).
Each MSIM Affiliate will use its best efforts to vote proxies as part of its authority to manage, acquire and dispose of account assets. With respect to the MSIM registered management investment companies (MSIM Funds), each MSIM Affiliate will vote proxies under this Policy pursuant to authority granted under its applicable investment advisory agreement or, in the absence of such authority, as authorized by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the MSIM Funds. An MSIM Affiliate will not vote proxies unless the investment management or investment advisory agreement explicitly authorizes the MSIM Affiliate to vote proxies.
MSIM Affiliates will vote proxies in a prudent and diligent manner and in the best interests of clients, including beneficiaries of and participants in a clients benefit plan(s) for which the MSIM Affiliates manage assets, consistent with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns (Client Proxy Standard). In certain situations, a client or its fiduciary may provide an MSIM Affiliate with a proxy voting policy. In these situations, the MSIM Affiliate will comply with the clients policy.
Proxy Research Services - ISS and Glass Lewis (together with other proxy research providers as we may retain from time to time, the Research Providers) are independent advisers that specialize in providing a variety of fiduciary-level proxy-related services to institutional investment managers, plan sponsors, custodians, consultants, and other institutional investors. The services provided include in-depth research, global issuer analysis, and voting recommendations. While we may review and utilize the recommendations of one or more Research Providers in making proxy voting decisions, we are in no way obligated to follow such recommendations. In addition to research, ISS provides vote execution, reporting, and recordkeeping services.
Voting Proxies for Certain Non-U.S. Companies - Voting proxies of companies located in some jurisdictions may involve several problems that can restrict or prevent the ability to vote such proxies or entail significant costs. These problems include, but are not limited to: (i) proxy statements and ballots being written in a language other than English; (ii) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings; (iii) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuers jurisdiction of organization to exercise votes; (iv) requirements to vote proxies in person; (v) the imposition of restrictions on the sale of the securities for a period of time in proximity to the shareholder meeting; and (vi) requirements to provide local agents with power of attorney to facilitate our voting instructions. As a result, we vote clients non-U.S. proxies on a best efforts basis only, after weighing the costs and benefits of voting such proxies, consistent with the Client Proxy Standard. ISS has been retained to provide assistance in connection with voting non-U.S. proxies.
II. GENERAL PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
To promote consistency in voting proxies on
behalf of its clients, we follow this Policy (subject to any exception set
forth herein). The Policy addresses a broad range of issues, and provides
general voting parameters on proposals that arise most frequently. However, details
of specific proposals vary, and those details affect particular voting
decisions, as do factors specific to a given company.
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Pursuant to the procedures set forth herein,
we may vote in a manner that is not in accordance with the following general
guidelines, provided the vote is approved by the Proxy Review Committee (see
Section III for description) and is consistent with the Client Proxy Standard.
Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP will follow the procedures as described in Appendix A.
We endeavor to integrate governance and proxy voting policy with investment goals, using the vote to encourage portfolio companies to enhance long-term shareholder value and to provide a high standard of transparency such that equity markets can value corporate assets appropriately.
We seek to follow the Client Proxy Standard for each client. At times, this may result in split votes, for example when different clients have varying economic interests in the outcome of a particular voting matter (such as a case in which varied ownership interests in two companies involved in a merger result in different stakes in the outcome). We also may split votes at times based on differing views of portfolio managers.
We may abstain on matters for which disclosure is inadequate.
A. Routine Matters. We generally support routine management proposals. The following are examples of routine management proposals:
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Approval of financial statements and auditor reports if delivered with an unqualified auditors opinion. |
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General updating/corrective amendments to the charter, articles of association or bylaws, unless we believe that such amendments would diminish shareholder rights. |
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Most proposals related to the conduct of the annual meeting, with the following exceptions. We generally oppose proposals that relate to the transaction of such other business which may come before the meeting, and open-ended requests for adjournment. However, where management specifically states the reason for requesting an adjournment and the requested adjournment would facilitate passage of a proposal that would otherwise be supported under this Policy (i.e. an uncontested corporate transaction), the adjournment request will be supported. |
We generally support shareholder proposals advocating confidential voting procedures and independent tabulation of voting results.
B. Board of Directors.
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Election of directors: Votes on board nominees can involve balancing a variety of considerations. In vote decisions, we may take into consideration whether the company has a majority voting policy in place that we believe makes the director vote more meaningful. In the absence of a proxy contest, we generally support the boards nominees for director except as follows: |
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We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if we believe a direct conflict exists between the interests of the nominee and the public shareholders, including failure to meet fiduciary standards of care and/or loyalty. We may oppose directors where we conclude that actions of directors are unlawful, unethical or negligent. We consider opposing individual board members or an entire slate if we believe the board is entrenched and/or dealing inadequately with performance problems; if we believe the board is acting with insufficient independence between the board and management; or if we believe the board has not been sufficiently forthcoming with information on key governance or other material matters. |
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We consider withholding support from or voting against interested directors if the companys board does not meet market standards for director independence, or if otherwise we believe board independence is insufficient. We refer to prevalent market standards as promulgated by a stock exchange or other authority within a given market (e.g., New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq rules for most U.S. companies, and The Combined Code on Corporate Governance in the United Kingdom). Thus, for an NYSE company with no controlling shareholder, we would expect that at a minimum a majority of directors should be independent as defined by NYSE. Where we view market standards as inadequate, we may withhold votes based on stronger independence standards. Market standards notwithstanding, we generally do not view long board tenure alone as a basis to classify a director as non-independent. |
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At a company with a shareholder or group that controls the company by virtue of a majority economic interest in the company, we have a reduced expectation for board independence, although we believe the presence of independent directors can be helpful, particularly in staffing the audit committee, and at times we may withhold support from or vote against a nominee on the view the board or its committees are not sufficiently independent. In markets where board independence is not the norm (e.g. Japan), however, we consider factors including whether a board of a controlled company includes independent members who can be expected to look out for interests of minority holders. |
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We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee if he or she is affiliated with a major shareholder that has representation on a board disproportionate to its economic interest. |
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Depending on market standards, we consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who is interested and who is standing for election as a member of the companys compensation/remuneration, nominating/governance or audit committee. |
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We consider withholding support from or voting against nominees if the term for which they are nominated is excessive. We consider this issue on a market-specific basis. |
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We consider withholding support from or voting against nominees if in our view there has been insufficient board renewal (turnover), particularly in the context of extended poor company performance. |
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We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee standing for election if the board has not taken action to implement generally accepted governance practices for which there is a bright line test. For example, in the context of the U.S. market, failure to eliminate a dead hand or slow hand poison pill would be seen as a basis for opposing one or more incumbent nominees. |
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In markets that encourage designated audit committee financial experts, we consider voting against members of an audit committee if no members are designated as such. We also may not support the audit committee members if the company has faced financial reporting issues and/or does not put the auditor up for ratification by shareholders. |
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We believe investors should have the ability to vote on individual nominees, and may abstain or vote against a slate of nominees where we are not given the opportunity to vote on individual nominees. |
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We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who has failed to attend at least 75% of the nominees board and board committee meetings within a given year without a reasonable excuse. We also consider opposing nominees if the company does not meet market standards for disclosure on attendance. |
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We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee who appears overcommitted, particularly through service on an excessive number of boards. Market expectations are incorporated into this analysis; for U.S. boards, we generally oppose election of a nominee who serves on more than six public company boards (excluding investment companies), although we also may reference National Association of Corporate Directors guidance suggesting that public company CEOs, for example, should serve on no more than two outside boards given level of time commitment required in their primary job. |
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We consider withholding support from or voting against a nominee where we believe executive remuneration practices are poor, particularly if the company does not offer shareholders a separate say-on-pay advisory vote on pay. |
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Discharge of directors duties: In markets where an annual discharge of directors responsibility is a routine agenda item, we generally support such discharge. However, we may vote against discharge or abstain from voting where there are serious findings of fraud or other unethical behavior for which the individual bears responsibility. The annual discharge of responsibility represents shareholder approval of disclosed actions taken by the board during the year and may make future shareholder action against the board difficult to pursue. |
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Board independence: We generally support U.S. shareholder proposals requiring that a certain percentage (up to 66⅔%) of the companys board members be independent directors, and promoting all-independent audit, compensation and nominating/governance committees. |
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Board diversity: We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals urging diversity of board membership with respect to gender, race or other factors. |
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Majority voting: We generally support proposals requesting or requiring majority voting policies in election of directors, so long as there is a carve-out for plurality voting in the case of contested elections. |
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Proxy access: We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals on particular procedures for inclusion of shareholder nominees in company proxy statements. |
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Reimbursement for dissident nominees: We generally support well-crafted U.S. shareholder proposals that would provide for reimbursement of dissident nominees elected to a board, as the cost to shareholders in electing such nominees can be factored into the voting decision on those nominees. |
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Proposals to elect directors more frequently: In the U.S. public company context, we usually support shareholder and management proposals to elect all directors annually (to declassify the board), although we make an exception to this policy where we believe that long-term shareholder value may be harmed by this change given particular circumstances at the company at the time of the vote on such proposal. As indicated above, outside the United States we generally support greater accountability to shareholders that comes through more frequent director elections, but recognize that many markets embrace longer term lengths, sometimes for valid reasons given other aspects of the legal context in electing boards. |
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Cumulative voting: We generally support proposals to eliminate cumulative voting in the U.S. market context. (Cumulative voting provides that shareholders may concentrate their votes for one or a handful of candidates, a system that can enable a minority bloc to place representation on a board.) U.S. proposals to establish cumulative voting in the election of directors generally will not be supported. |
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Separation of Chairman and CEO positions: We vote on shareholder proposals to separate the Chairman and CEO positions and/or to appoint an independent Chairman based in part on prevailing practice in particular markets, since the context for such a practice varies. In many non-U.S. markets, we view separation of the roles as a market standard practice, and support division of the roles in that context. In the United States, we consider such proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering, among other things, the existing board leadership structure, company performance, and any evidence of entrenchment or perceived risk that power is overly concentrated in a single individual. |
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Director retirement age and term limits: Proposals setting or recommending director retirement ages or director term limits are voted on a case-by-case basis that includes consideration of company performance, the rate of board renewal, evidence of effective individual director evaluation processes, and any indications of entrenchment. |
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Proposals to limit directors liability and/or broaden indemnification of officers and directors: Generally, we will support such proposals provided that an individual is eligible only if he or she has not acted in bad faith, with gross negligence or with reckless disregard of their duties. |
C. Statutory auditor boards. The statutory auditor board, which is separate from the main board of directors, plays a role in corporate governance in several markets. These boards are elected by shareholders to provide assurance on compliance with legal and accounting standards and the companys articles of association. We generally vote for statutory auditor nominees if they meet independence standards. In markets that require disclosure on attendance by internal statutory auditors, however, we consider voting against nominees for these positions who failed to attend at least 75% of meetings in the previous year. We also consider opposing nominees if the company does not meet market standards for disclosure on attendance.
D. Corporate transactions and proxy fights. We examine proposals relating to mergers, acquisitions and other special corporate transactions (i.e., takeovers, spin-offs, sales of assets, reorganizations, restructurings and recapitalizations) on a case-by-case basis in the interests of each fund or other account. Proposals for mergers or other significant transactions that are friendly and approved by the Research Providers usually are supported if there is no portfolio manager objection. We also analyze proxy contests on a case-by-case basis.
E. Changes in capital structure.
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We generally support the following: |
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Management and shareholder proposals aimed at eliminating unequal voting rights, assuming fair economic treatment of classes of shares we hold. |
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U.S. management proposals to increase the authorization of existing classes of common stock (or securities convertible into common stock) if: (i) a clear business purpose is stated that we can support and the number of shares requested is reasonable in relation to the purpose for which authorization is requested; and/or (ii) the authorization does not exceed 100% of shares currently authorized and at least 30% of the total new authorization will be outstanding. (We consider proposals that do not meet these criteria on a case-by-case basis.) |
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U.S. management proposals to create a new class of preferred stock or for issuances of preferred stock up to 50% of issued capital, unless we have concerns about use of the authority for anti-takeover purposes. |
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Proposals in non-U.S. markets that in our view appropriately limit potential dilution of existing shareholders. A major consideration is whether existing shareholders would have preemptive rights for any issuance under a proposal for standing share issuance authority. We generally consider market-specific guidance in making these decisions; for example, in the U.K. market we usually follow Association of British Insurers (ABI) guidance, although company-specific factors may be considered and for example, may sometimes lead us to voting against share authorization proposals even if they meet ABI guidance. |
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Management proposals to authorize share repurchase plans, except in some cases in which we believe there are insufficient protections against use of an authorization for anti-takeover purposes. |
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Management proposals to reduce the number of authorized shares of common or preferred stock, or to eliminate classes of preferred stock. |
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Management proposals to effect stock splits. |
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Management proposals to effect reverse stock splits if management proportionately reduces the authorized share amount set forth in the corporate charter. Reverse stock splits that do not adjust proportionately to the authorized share amount generally will be approved if the resulting increase in authorized shares coincides with the proxy guidelines set forth above for common stock increases. |
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Management dividend payout proposals, except where we perceive company payouts to shareholders as inadequate. |
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We generally oppose the following (notwithstanding management support): |
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Proposals to add classes of stock that would substantially dilute the voting interests of existing shareholders. |
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Proposals to increase the authorized or issued number of shares of existing classes of stock that are unreasonably dilutive, particularly if there are no preemptive rights for existing shareholders. However, depending on market practices, we consider voting for proposals giving general authorization for issuance of shares not subject to pre-emptive rights if the authority is limited. |
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Proposals that authorize share issuance at a discount to market rates, except where authority for such issuance is de minimis, or if there is a special situation that we believe justifies such authorization (as may be the case, for example, at a company under severe stress and risk of bankruptcy). |
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Proposals relating to changes in capitalization by 100% or more. |
We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to increase dividend payout ratios, in light of market practice and perceived market weaknesses, as well as individual company payout history and current circumstances. For example, currently we perceive low payouts to shareholders as a concern at some Japanese companies, but may deem a low payout ratio as appropriate for a growth company making good use of its cash, notwithstanding the broader market concern.
F. Takeover Defenses and Shareholder Rights.
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1. |
Shareholder rights plans: We generally support proposals to require shareholder approval or ratification of shareholder rights plans (poison pills). In voting on rights plans or similar takeover defenses, we consider on a case-by-case basis whether the company has demonstrated a need for the defense in the context of promoting long-term share value; whether provisions of the defense are in line with generally accepted governance principles in the market (and specifically the presence of an adequate qualified offer provision that would exempt offers meeting certain conditions from the pill); and the specific context if the proposal is made in the midst of a takeover bid or contest for control. |
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2. |
Supermajority voting requirements: We generally oppose requirements for supermajority votes to amend the charter or bylaws, unless the provisions protect minority shareholders where there is a large shareholder. In line with this view, in the absence of a large shareholder we support reasonable shareholder proposals to limit such supermajority voting requirements. |
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Shareholder rights to call meetings: We consider proposals to enhance shareholder rights to call meetings on a case-by-case basis. At large-cap U.S. companies, we generally support efforts to establish the right of holders of 10% or more of shares to call special meetings, unless the board or state law has set a policy or law establishing such rights at a threshold that we believe to be acceptable. |
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4. |
Written consent rights: In the U.S. context, we examine proposals for shareholder written consent rights on a case-by-case basis. |
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5. |
Reincorporation: We consider management and shareholder proposals to reincorporate to a different jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis. We oppose such proposals if we believe the main purpose is to take advantage of laws or judicial precedents that reduce shareholder rights. |
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6. |
Anti-greenmail provisions: Proposals relating to the adoption of anti-greenmail provisions will be supported, provided that the proposal: (i) defines greenmail; (ii) prohibits buyback offers to large block holders (holders of at least 1% of the outstanding shares and in certain cases, a greater amount) not made to all shareholders or not approved by disinterested shareholders; and (iii) contains no anti-takeover measures or other provisions restricting the rights of shareholders. |
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7. |
Bundled proposals: We may consider opposing or abstaining on proposals if disparate issues are bundled and presented for a single vote. |
G. Auditors. We generally support management proposals for selection or ratification of independent auditors. However, we may consider opposing such proposals with reference to incumbent audit firms if the company has suffered from serious accounting irregularities and we believe rotation of the audit firm is appropriate, or if fees paid to the auditor for non-audit-related services are excessive. Generally, to determine if non-audit fees are excessive, a 50% test will be applied (i.e., non-audit-related fees should be less than 50% of the total fees paid to the auditor). We generally vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.
H. Executive and Director Remuneration.
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1. |
We generally support the following: |
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Proposals for employee equity compensation plans and other employee ownership plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest. Such approval may be against |
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shareholder interest if it authorizes excessive dilution and shareholder cost, particularly in the context of high usage (run rate) of equity compensation in the recent past; or if there are objectionable plan design and provisions. |
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Proposals relating to fees to outside directors, provided the amounts are not excessive relative to other companies in the country or industry, and provided that the structure is appropriate within the market context. While stock-based compensation to outside directors is positive if moderate and appropriately structured, we are wary of significant stock option awards or other performance-based awards for outside directors, as well as provisions that could result in significant forfeiture of value on a directors decision to resign from a board (such forfeiture can undercut director independence). |
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Proposals for employee stock purchase plans that permit discounts, but only for grants that are part of a broad-based employee plan, including all non-executive employees, and only if the discounts are limited to a reasonable market standard or less. |
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Proposals for the establishment of employee retirement and severance plans, provided that our research does not indicate that approval of the plan would be against shareholder interest. |
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2. |
We generally oppose retirement plans and bonuses for non-executive directors and independent statutory auditors. |
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3. |
In the U.S. context, shareholder proposals requiring shareholder approval of all severance agreements will not be supported, but proposals that require shareholder approval for agreements in excess of three times the annual compensation (salary and bonus) generally will be supported. We generally oppose shareholder proposals that would establish arbitrary caps on pay. We consider on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals that seek to limit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs), but support such proposals where we consider SERPs to be excessive. |
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4. |
Shareholder proposals advocating stronger and/or particular pay-for-performance models will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with consideration of the merits of the individual proposal within the context of the particular company and its labor markets, and the companys current and past practices. While we generally support emphasis on long-term components of senior executive pay and strong linkage of pay to performance, we consider factors including whether a proposal may be overly prescriptive, and the impact of the proposal, if implemented as written, on recruitment and retention. |
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5. |
We generally support proposals advocating reasonable senior executive and director stock ownership guidelines and holding requirements for shares gained in executive equity compensation programs. |
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6. |
We generally support shareholder proposals for reasonable claw-back provisions that provide for company recovery of senior executive bonuses to the extent they were based on achieving financial benchmarks that were not actually met in light of subsequent restatements. |
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7. |
Management proposals effectively to re-price stock options are considered on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include the companys reasons and justifications for a re-pricing, the companys competitive position, whether senior executives and outside directors are excluded, potential cost to shareholders, whether the re-pricing or share exchange is on a value-for-value basis, and whether vesting requirements are extended. |
I. Social, Political and Environmental Issues. Shareholders in the United States and certain other markets submit proposals encouraging changes in company disclosure and practices related to particular corporate social, political and environmental matters. We consider how to vote on the proposals on a case-by-case basis to determine likely impacts on shareholder value. We seek to balance concerns on reputational and other risks that lie behind a proposal against costs of implementation, while considering appropriate shareholder and management prerogatives. We may abstain from voting on proposals that do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value. We support proposals that if implemented would enhance useful disclosure, but we generally vote against proposals requesting reports that we believe are duplicative, related to matters not material to the business, or that would impose unnecessary or excessive costs. We believe that certain social and environmental shareholder proposals may intrude excessively on management prerogatives, which can lead us to oppose them.
J. Fund of Funds. Certain Funds advised by an MSIM Affiliate invest only in other MSIM Funds. If an underlying fund has a shareholder meeting, in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest, such proposals will be voted in the same proportion as the votes of the other shareholders of the underlying fund, unless otherwise determined by the Proxy Review Committee.
III. ADMINISTRATION OF POLICY
The MSIM Proxy Review Committee (the Committee) has overall
responsibility for the Policy. The Committee, which is appointed by MSIMs
Long-Only Executive Committee, consists of investment professionals who
represent the different investment disciplines and geographic locations of the
firm, and is chaired by the director of the Corporate Governance Team (CGT).
Because proxy voting is an investment responsibility and impacts shareholder
value, and because of their knowledge of companies and markets, portfolio
managers and other members of investment staff play a key role in proxy voting,
although the Committee has final authority over proxy votes.
A-51
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A. Committee Procedures |
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B. Material Conflicts of Interest |
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1. |
The issuer soliciting the vote is a client of MSIM or an affiliate of MSIM and the vote is on a matter that materially affects the issuer. |
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2. |
The proxy relates to Morgan Stanley common stock or any other security issued by Morgan Stanley or its affiliates except if echo voting is used, as with MSIM Funds, as described herein. |
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3. |
Morgan Stanley has a material pecuniary interest in the matter submitted for a vote (e.g., acting as a financial advisor to a party to a merger or acquisition for which Morgan Stanley will be paid a success fee if completed). |
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If the CGT Director determines that an issue raises a potential material conflict of interest, depending on the facts and circumstances, the issue will be addressed as follows: |
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1. |
If the matter relates to a topic that is discussed in this Policy, the proposal will be voted as per the Policy. |
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2. |
If the matter is not discussed in this Policy or the Policy indicates that the issue is to be decided case-by-case, the proposal will be voted in a manner consistent with the Research Providers, provided that all the Research Providers consulted have the same recommendation, no portfolio manager objects to that vote, and the vote is consistent with MSIMs Client Proxy Standard. |
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3. |
If the Research Providers recommendations differ, the CGT Director will refer the matter to a Special Committee to vote on the proposal, as appropriate. |
A-52
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C. Proxy Voting Reporting |
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Waiver of Voting Rights |
For regulatory reasons, AIP may either 1) invest in a class of securities of an underlying fund (the Fund) that does not provide for voting rights; or 2) waive 100% of its voting rights with respect to the following: |
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1. |
Any rights with respect to the removal or replacement of a director, general partner, managing member or other person acting in a similar capacity for or on behalf of the Fund (each individually a Designated Person, and collectively, the Designated Persons), which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the election or removal of a Designated Person in the event of such Designated Persons death, disability, insolvency, bankruptcy, incapacity, or other event requiring a vote of interest holders of the Fund to remove or replace a Designated Person; and |
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2. |
Any rights in connection with a determination to renew, dissolve, liquidate, or otherwise terminate or continue the Fund, which may include, but are not limited to, voting on the renewal, dissolution, liquidation, termination or continuance of the Fund upon the occurrence of an event described in the Funds organizational documents; provided, however, that, if the Funds organizational documents require the consent of the Funds general partner or manager, as the case may be, for any such termination or continuation of the Fund to be effective, then AIP may exercise its voting rights with respect to such matter. |
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Neuberger Berman, LLC
Neuberger Berman Management LLC
A-53
OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
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A. |
Funds for which OFI has Proxy Voting Responsibility |
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B. |
Proxy Voting Committee |
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C. |
Administration and Voting of Portfolio Proxies |
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1. |
Fiduciary Duty and Objective |
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2. |
Proxy Voting Agent |
A-54
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3. |
Material Conflicts of Interest |
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OFI provides significant investment advisory or other services to a company whose management is soliciting proxies or OFI is seeking to provide such services; |
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a company that is a significant selling agent of OFIs products and services solicits proxies; |
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OFI serves as an investment adviser to the pension or other investment account of the portfolio company or OFI is seeking to serve in that capacity; or |
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OFI and the company have a lending or other financial-related relationship. |
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If the proposal for a company on the Conflicts List is specifically addressed in the Guidelines, OFI will vote the portfolio proxy in accordance with the Guidelines, unless: (i) the Guidelines provide discretion to OFI on how to vote on the matter (i.e., case-by-case); or (ii) to the extent a portfolio manager has requested that OFI vote in a manner inconsistent with the Guidelines, the Committee has determined that such a request is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and does not pose an actual material conflict of interest. (Examples include, but are not limited to, a determination that the portfolio manager is unaware of the business relationship with the company or is sufficiently independent from the business relationship, and to the Committees knowledge, OFI has not been contacted or influenced by the company in connection with the proposal). |
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If the proposal for the company on the Conflicts List is not specifically addressed in the Guidelines or if the Guidelines provides discretion to OFI on how to vote, OFI will vote in accordance with its proxy voting agents general recommended guidelines on the proposal provided that OFI has reasonably determined there is no conflict of interest on the part of the proxy voting agent or item (ii) above is not applicable; |
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If neither of the previous two procedures provides an appropriate voting recommendation the Committee may determine how to vote on the proposal, OFI may retain an independent fiduciary to advise OFI on how to vote the proposal, or the Committee may determine that voting on the particular proposal is impracticable and/or is outweighed by the cost of voting and direct OFI to abstain from voting. |
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4. |
Certain Foreign Securities |
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5. |
Securities Lending Programs |
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6. |
Shares of Registered Investment Companies (Fund of Funds) |
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D. |
Fund Board Reports and Recordkeeping |
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OFI will prepare periodic reports for submission to the Board describing: |
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any issues arising under these Policies and Procedures since the last report to the Board and the resolution of such issues, including but not limited to, information about conflicts of interest not addressed in the Policies and Procedures; and |
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any proxy votes taken by OFI on behalf of the Funds since the last report to the Board which were deviations from the Policies and Procedures and the reasons for any such deviations. |
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these Policies and Procedures, as amended from time to time; |
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records of votes cast with respect to portfolio proxies, reflecting the information required to be included in Form N-PX; |
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records of written client requests for proxy voting information and any written responses of OFI to such requests; and |
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any written materials prepared by OFI that were material to making a decision in how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision. |
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E. |
Amendments to these Procedures |
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F. |
Proxy Voting Guidelines |
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1.0 |
OPERATIONAL ITEMS |
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1.1.1 |
Amend Quorum Requirements. |
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Vote AGAINST proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding unless there are compelling reasons to support the proposal. |
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1.1.2 |
Amend Articles of Incorporation/Association or Bylaws |
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Vote amendments to the bylaws/charter on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
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Vote FOR bylaw/charter changes if: |
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shareholder rights are protected; |
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there is a negligible or positive impact on shareholder value; |
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management provides sufficiently valid reasons for the amendments; and/or |
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the company is required to do so by law (if applicable); and |
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they are of a housekeeping nature (updates or corrections). |
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A-56
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1.1.3 |
Change Company Name. |
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Vote WITH Management. |
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1.1.4 |
Change Date, Time, or Location of Annual Meeting. |
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Vote FOR management proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable. |
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Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable. |
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1.1.5 |
Transact Other Business. |
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Vote AGAINST proposals to approve other business when it appears as voting item. |
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1.1.6 |
Change in Company Fiscal Term |
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Vote FOR resolutions to change a companys fiscal term for sufficiently valid business reasons. |
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Vote AGAINST if a companys motivation for the change is to postpone its AGM. |
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1.2 |
Ratifying Auditors |
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Vote FOR Proposals to ratify auditors, unless any of the following apply: |
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an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; |
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fees for non-audit services are excessive; |
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there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the companys financial position; or |
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poor accounting practices are identified that rise to a serious level of concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); or material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures. |
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Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit or limit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services. |
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Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals asking for audit firm rotation. |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on shareholder proposals asking the company to discharge the auditor(s). |
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Proposals are adequately covered under applicable provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley Act or NYSE or SEC regulations. |
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Vote AGAINST the appointment of external auditors if they have previously served the company in an executive capacity or can otherwise be considered affiliated with the company. |
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2.0 |
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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2.1 |
Voting on Director Nominees |
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Vote on director nominees should be made on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, examining the following factors: |
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composition of the board and key board committees; |
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attendance at board meetings; |
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corporate governance provisions and takeover activity; |
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long-term company performance relative to a market index; |
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directors investment in the company; |
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whether the chairman is also serving as CEO; |
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whether a retired CEO sits on the board. |
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WITHHOLD/AGAINST (whichever vote option is applicable on the ballot) VOTES: However, there are some actions by directors that should result in votes being WITHHELD/AGAINST. These instances include directors who: |
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attend less than 75% of the board and committee meetings without a valid excuse; |
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implement or renew a dead-hand or modified dead-hand poison pill; |
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ignore a shareholder proposal that is approved by a majority of the shares outstanding; |
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ignore a shareholder proposal that is approved by a majority of the votes cast for two consecutive years; |
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failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders tendered their shares; |
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are inside directors or affiliated outsiders; and sit on the audit, compensation, or nominating committees or the company does not have one of these committees; |
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re audit committee members and any of the following has applied and become public information since the last vote, and has not been otherwise corrected or proper controls have not been put in place: |
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the non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive; |
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a material weakness is identified in the Section 404 Sarbanes-Oxley Act disclosures which rises to a level of serious concern, there are chronic internal control issues and an absence of established effective control mechanisms; |
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there is persuasive evidence that the audit committee entered into an inappropriate indemnification agreement with its auditor that limits the ability of the company, or its shareholders, to pursue legitimate legal recourse against the audit firm; or |
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the company receives an adverse opinion on the companys financial statements from its auditors. |
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are compensation committee members and any of the following has applied and become public information since the last vote, and has not been otherwise corrected or proper controls have not been put in place: |
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A-57
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there is a clearly negative correlation between the chief executives pay and company performance under standards adopted in this policy; |
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the company reprices underwater options for stock, cash or other consideration without prior shareholder approval, even if allowed in their equity plan; |
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the company fails to submit one-time transfers of stock options to a shareholder vote; |
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the company fails to fulfill the terms of a burn rate commitment they made to shareholders; |
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the company has inappropriately backdated options; or |
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the company has egregious compensation practices including, but not limited to, the following: |
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egregious employment contracts; |
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excessive perks/tax reimbursements; |
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abnormally large bonus payouts without justifiable performance linkage or proper disclosure; |
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egregious pension/supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) payouts; |
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new CEO with overly generous new hire package; |
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excessive severance and/or change in control provisions; or |
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dividends or dividend equivalents paid on unvested performance shares or units. |
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enacted egregious corporate governance policies or failed to replace management as appropriate; |
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are inside directors or affiliated outside directors; and the full board is less than majority independent; |
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are CEOs of public companies who serve on more than three public company boards, i.e., more than two public company boards other than their own board (the term public company excludes an investment company). Vote should be WITHHELD only at their outside board elections; |
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serve on more than five public company boards. (The term public company excludes an investment company.) |
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WITHHOLD/AGAINST on all incumbents if the board clearly lacks accountability and oversight, coupled with sustained poor performance relative to its peers. |
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Additionally, the following should result in votes being WITHHELD/AGAINST (except from new nominees): |
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if the director(s) receive more than 50% withhold votes of votes cast and the issue that was the underlying cause of the high level of withhold votes in the prior election has not been addressed; or |
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if the company has adopted or renewed a poison pill without shareholder approval since the companys last annual meeting, does not put the pill to a vote at the current annual meeting, and there is no requirement to put the pill to shareholder vote within 12 months of its adoption; |
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if a company that triggers this policy commits to putting its pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months of its adoption, OFI will not recommend a WITHHOLD vote. |
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2.2 |
Board Size |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on shareholder proposals to maintain or improve ratio of independent versus non-independent directors. |
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Vote FOR proposals seeking to fix the board size or designate a range for the board size. |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board outside of a specified range without shareholder approval. |
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2.3 |
Classification/Declassification of the Board |
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Vote AGAINST proposals to classify the board. |
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Vote FOR proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually. In addition, if 50% of voting shareholders request repeal of the classified board and the board remains classified, WITHHOLD votes for those directors at the next meeting at which directors are elected, provided however, if the company has majority voting for directors that meets the standards under this policy, WITHHOLD votes only from directors having responsibility to promulgate classification/declassification policies, such as directors serving on the governance committee, nominating committee or either of its equivalent. |
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2.4 |
Cumulative Voting |
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Vote FOR proposal to eliminate cumulative voting. |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on cumulative voting proposals at controlled companies (where insider voting power is greater than 50%). |
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2.5 |
Establishment of Board Committees |
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Generally vote AGAINST shareholder proposals to establish a new board committee, as such proposals seek a specific oversight mechanism/structure that potentially limits a companys ability to maintain its own affairs. However, exceptions may be made if determined that it would be in the best interest of the companys governance structure. |
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2.6 |
Require Majority Vote for Approval of Directors |
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OFI will generally vote FOR precatory and binding resolutions requesting that the board change the companys bylaws to stipulate that directors need to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast, provided it does not conflict with state law where the company is incorporated. Binding resolutions need to allow for a carve-out for a plurality vote standard when there are more nominees than board seats. |
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Companies are strongly encouraged to also adopt a post-election policy (also known as a director resignation policy) that will provide guidelines so that the company will promptly address the situation of a holdover director. |
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2. 7 |
Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection |
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Proposals on director and officer indemnification and liability protection should be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, using Delaware law as the standard. |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to eliminate entirely directors and officers liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care, provided the liability for gross negligence is not eliminated. |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligation than mere carelessness, provided coverage is not provided for gross negligence acts. |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals to expand the scope of indemnification to provide for mandatory indemnification of company officials in connection with acts that previously the company was permitted to provide indemnification for at the discretion of the companys board (i.e. permissive indemnification) but that previously the company was not required to indemnify. |
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Vote FOR only those proposals providing such expanded coverage in cases when a directors or officers legal defense was unsuccessful if both of the following apply: |
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o |
the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonable believed was in the best interests of the company; and |
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o |
only if the directors legal expenses would be covered. |
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2.8 |
Establish/Amend Nominee Qualifications |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on proposals that establish or amend director qualifications. |
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Votes should be based on how reasonable the criteria are and to what degree they may preclude dissident nominees from joining the board. |
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Vote AGAINST shareholder proposals requiring two candidates per board seat. |
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2.9 |
Filling Vacancies/Removal of Directors. |
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Vote AGAINST proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause. |
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Vote FOR proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause. |
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Vote AGAINST proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies. |
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Vote FOR proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies. |
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2.10 |
Independent Chairman (Separate Chairman/CEO) |
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Generally vote FOR shareholder proposals requiring the position of chairman to be filled by an independent director unless there are compelling reasons to recommend against the proposal such as a counterbalancing governance structure. This should include all of the following: |
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designated lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated and comprehensive duties; |
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two-thirds independent board; |
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all-independent key committees; |
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established governance guidelines; |
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the company should not have underperformed its peers and index on a one-year and three-year basis, unless there has been a change in the Chairman/CEO position within that time (performance will be measured according to shareholder returns against index and peers from the performance summary table); |
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the company does not have any problematic governance or management issues, examples of which include, but are not limited to: |
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egregious compensation practices; |
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multiple related-party transactions or other issues putting director independence at risk; |
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corporate and/or management scandal; |
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excessive problematic corporate governance provisions; or |
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flagrant actions by management or the board with potential or realized negative impacts on shareholders. |
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2.11 |
Majority of Independent Directors/Establishment of Committees |
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Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that a majority of directors be independent but vote CASE-BY-CASE on proposals that more than a majority of directors be independent. NYSE and NASDAQ already require that listed companies have a majority of independent directors. |
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Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that board audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors if they currently do not meet that standard. |
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For purposes of Special Purpose Acquisition Corporations (SPAC), when a former CEO of a SPAC company serves on the board of an acquired company, that director will generally be classified as independent unless determined otherwise taking into account the following factors: |
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the applicable listing standards determination of such directors independence; |
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any operating ties to the firm; and |
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if there are any other conflicting relationships or related party transactions. |
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A-59
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A director who is a party to an agreement to vote in line with management on proposals being brought to a shareholder vote shall be classified as an affiliated outside director. However, when dissident directors are parties to a voting agreement pursuant to a settlement arrangement, such directors shall be classified as independent unless determined otherwise taking into account the following factors: |
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the terms of the agreement; |
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the duration of the standstill provision in the agreement; |
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the limitations and requirements of actions that are agreed upon; |
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if the dissident director nominee(s) is subject to the standstill; and |
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if there are any conflicting relationships or related party transactions. |
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2.12 |
Open Access |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on shareholder proposals asking for open access taking into account the ownership threshold specified in the proposal and the proponents rationale for targeting the company in terms of board and director conduct. |
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2.13 |
Stock Ownership Requirements |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on shareholder proposals that mandate a minimum amount of stock that a director must own in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board. While stock ownership on the part of directors is favored, the company should determine the appropriate ownership requirement. |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on shareholder proposals asking companies to adopt holding periods or retention ratios for their executives, taking into account: |
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whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio or officer ownership requirements in place. These should consist of rigorous stock ownership guidelines or short-term holding period requirement (six months to one year) coupled with a significant long-term ownership requirement or a meaningful retention ratio. |
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Actual officer stock ownership and the degree to which it meets or exceeds the proponents suggested holding period/retention ratio or the companys own stock ownership or retention requirements. |
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2.14 |
Age or Term Limits |
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Vote AGAINST shareholder or management proposals to limit the tenure of directors either through term limits or mandatory retirement ages. OFI views as management decision. |
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3.0 |
PROXY CONTESTS |
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3.1 |
Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections |
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Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a CASE-BY-CASE basis considering the following factors: |
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long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry; |
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managements track record; |
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background to the proxy contest; |
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qualifications of director nominees (both slates); |
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evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met; and |
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stock ownership position. |
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3.2 |
Reimbursing Proxy Solicitation Expenses |
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Voting to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses should be analyzed on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. In cases, which OFI recommends in favor of the dissidents, OFI also recommends voting for reimbursing proxy solicitation expenses. |
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3.3 |
Confidential Voting |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis on shareholder proposals requesting that corporations adopt confidential voting, use independent vote tabulators and use independent inspectors of election. |
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4.0 |
ANTITAKEOVER DEFENSES AND VOTING RELATED ISSUES |
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4.1 |
Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals/Nominations. |
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Votes on advance notice proposals are determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis, generally giving support to those proposals which allow shareholders to submit proposals as close to the meeting date as reasonably possible and within the broadest window possible. |
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4.2 |
Amend Bylaws without Shareholder Consent |
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Vote AGAINST proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the bylaws. |
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Vote FOR proposals giving the board the ability to amend the bylaws in addition to shareholders. |
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A-60
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4.3 |
Poison Pills |
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Vote AGAINST proposals that increase authorized common stock for the explicit purpose of implementing a shareholder rights plan (poison pill). |
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Vote FOR shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it. |
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Vote FOR shareholder proposals asking that any future pill be put to a shareholder vote. |
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Votes regarding management proposals to ratify a poison pill should be determined on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. Ideally, plans should embody the following attributes: |
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20% or higher flip-in or flip-over; |
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two to three-year sunset provision; |
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no dead-hand, slow-hand, no-hand or similar features; |
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shareholder redemption feature-if the board refuses to redeem the pill 90 days after an offer is announced, ten percent of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the pill; |
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considerations of the companys existing governance structure including: board independence, existing takeover defenses, and any problematic governance concerns; |
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for management proposals to adopt a poison pill for the stated purpose of preserving a companys net operating losses (NOL pills), the following factors will be considered: |
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the trigger (NOL pills generally have a trigger slightly below 5%); |
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the value of the NOLs; |
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the term; |
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shareholder protection mechanisms (sunset provision, causing expiration of the pill upon exhaustion or expiration of NOLs); and |
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other factors that may be applicable. |
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4.4 |
Net Operating Loss (NOL) Protective Amendments |
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OFI will evaluate amendments to the companys NOL using the same criteria as a NOL pill. |
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4.5 |
Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent |
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Vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent. |
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Vote FOR proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent. |
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4.6 |
Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings |
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Vote AGAINST proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings. |
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Generally vote FOR proposals that remove restrictions on or provide the right of shareholders to call special meetings and act independently of management taking into account the companys specific governance provisions. |
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4.7 |
Establish Shareholder Advisory Committee |
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Vote on a CASE-BY-CASE basis. |
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4.8 |
Supermajority Vote Requirements |
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Vote AGAINST proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote. |
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Vote FOR management or shareholder proposals to reduce supermajority vote requirements. However, for companies with shareholder(s) who have significant ownership levels, vote CASE-BY-CASE. |
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5.0 |
MERGERS AND CORPORATE RESTRUCTURINGS |
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5.1 |
Appraisal Rights |
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Vote FOR proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal. |
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5.2 |
Asset Purchases |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on asset purchase proposals, considering the following factors: |
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purchase price; |
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fairness opinion; |
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financial and strategic benefits; |
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how the deal was negotiated; |
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conflicts of interest; |
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other alternatives for the business; and |
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non-completion risk. |
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5.3 |
Asset Sales |
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Vote CASE-BY-CASE on asset sale proposals, considering the following factors: |
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impact on the balance sheet/working capital; |
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potential elimination of diseconomies; |
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anticipated financial and operating benefits; |
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anticipated use of funds; |
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value received for the asset; |
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A-61
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fairness opinion; |
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how the deal was negotiated; and |
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conflicts of interest. |
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5.4 |