497 1 c93398_497.htm 93398_485bpos

Lazard Funds Prospectus
May 1, 2019

           
 

Shares

 

Shares

 

Institutional

Open

R6

 

Institutional

Open

R6

Equity

       

Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio

LDMIX

LDMOX

RLDMX

Lazard US Equity Select Portfolio

LZUSX

LZUOX

RLUSX

Lazard Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio

ECEIX

ECEOX

RLEOX

Lazard US Realty Equity Portfolio

LREIX

LREOX

RLREX

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio

LEAIX

LEAOX

READX

Lazard US Small-Mid Cap Equity Portfolio

LZSCX

LZCOX

RLSMX

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio

EMBIX

EMBOX

RLEBX

    

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

LZEMX

LZOEX

RLEMX

Fixed Income

   

Lazard Equity Franchise Portfolio

LZFIX

LZFOX

RLZFX

Lazard Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

LEDIX

LEDOX

RLEDX

Lazard Global Equity Select Portfolio

GESIX

GESOX

RLGEX

Lazard Global Fixed Income Portfolio

LZGIX

LZGOX

RLGFX

Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio

GLIFX

GLFOX

RLGLX

Lazard US Corporate Income Portfolio

LZHYX

LZHOX

RLCIX

Lazard Global Strategic Equity Portfolio

LSTIX

LSTOX

RGSTX

Lazard US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio

UMNIX

UMNOX

RLSDX

Lazard International Compounders Portfolio

ICMPX

OCMPX

RCMPX

    

Lazard International Equity Advantage Portfolio

IEAIX

IEAOX

RIADX

Multi-Asset

   

Lazard International Equity Concentrated Portfolio

LCNIX

LCNOX

RICNX

Lazard Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio

GDMIX

GDMOX

GDMAX

Lazard International Equity Portfolio

LZIEX

LZIOX

RLIEX

Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio

LCAIX

LCAOX

RLCPX

Lazard International Equity Select Portfolio

LZSIX

LZESX

RLIQX

Lazard Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio

RALIX

RALOX

RALYX

Lazard International Equity Value Portfolio

IEVIX

IEVOX

REIVX

    

Lazard International Small Cap Equity Portfolio

LZISX

LZSMX

RLICX

Alternatives

   

Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio

LISIX

LISOX

RLITX

Lazard Emerging Markets Income Portfolio

LEIIX

LEIOX

RLEIX

Lazard Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio

MEVIX

MEVOX

RMEVX

Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio

LEOIX

LEOOX

RLZEX

Lazard US Equity Concentrated Portfolio

LEVIX

LEVOX

RLUEX

Lazard Explorer Total Return Portfolio

LETIX

LETOX

RLETX

        

Important Information on Paperless Delivery

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports like this one will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. Shareholders who hold accounts directly with the Fund may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by signing up for paperless delivery at www.icsdelivery.com/lazardassetmanagement. If you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by following the instructions included with this disclosure and visiting www.fundreports.com. If you own these shares through a financial intermediary, you may contact your financial intermediary or follow instructions included with this disclosure to elect to continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the fund complex or your financial intermediary.

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission have not approved or disapproved the shares described in this Prospectus or determined whether this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


Lazard Funds Table of Contents

   

 Summary Section 2

 Lazard US Equity Concentrated Portfolio 2

 Lazard US Equity Select Portfolio 6

 Lazard US Small-Mid Cap Equity Portfolio 10

 Lazard International Equity Portfolio 14

 Lazard International Equity Select Portfolio 18

 Lazard International Equity Advantage Portfolio 22

 Lazard International Equity Concentrated Portfolio 27

 Lazard International Compounders Portfolio 31

 Lazard International Equity Value Portfolio 34

 Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio 38

 Lazard International Small Cap Equity Portfolio 42

 Lazard Global Equity Select Portfolio 46

 Lazard Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio 50

 Lazard Global Strategic Equity Portfolio 55

 Lazard Equity Franchise Portfolio 59

 Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio 64

 Lazard Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio 68

 Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio 72

 Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio 77

 Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio 81

 Lazard Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio 86

 Lazard Emerging Markets Income Portfolio 92

 Lazard Explorer Total Return Portfolio 98

 Lazard US Corporate Income Portfolio 104

 Lazard US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio 108

 Lazard Global Fixed Income Portfolio 114

 Lazard US Realty Equity Portfolio 120

 Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio 127

 Lazard Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio 132

 Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio 141

 Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio 148

 Lazard Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio 154

 

Carefully review this important section for information on the Portfolios’ investment objectives, fees and past performance and a summary of the Portfolios’ principal investment strategies and risks.

 Investment Strategies and Investment Risks 161

 Overview 161

 Investment Strategies 161

 Investment Risks 197

 Glossary—Investment Risks 204

 

Review this section for additional information on the Portfolios’ investment strategies and risks.

 Fund Management 217

 Investment Manager 217

 Portfolio Management 219

 Biographical Information of Principal Portfolio Managers 221

 Administrator 227

 Distributor 227

 Custodian 227

 

Review this section for details on the people and organizations who oversee the Portfolios.

 Shareholder Information 228

 General 228

 How to Buy Shares 230

 Distribution and Servicing Arrangements 233

 How to Sell Shares 234

 Investor Services 235

 General Policies 236

 Account Policies, Dividends and Taxes 237

 

Review this section for details on how shares are valued, how to purchase and sell shares and payments of dividends and distributions.

 Financial Highlights 239

 

Review this section for recent financial information.

 Other Performance of the Investment Manager 311

  

 Back Cover

 

Where to learn more about the Portfolios.

1


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard US Equity Concentrated Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.70%

 

.70%

 

.70%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.05%

 

.08%

 

1.46%

 

        

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

.76%

 

1.04%

 

2.17%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement*

 

 

 

1.41%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.76%

 

1.04%

 

.76%

 

* To the extent the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the R6 Shares of the Portfolio exceed the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares (in each case, not including management fees, custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Portfolio’s assets), Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) has contractually agreed, until May 1, 2020, to bear the expenses of the R6 Shares in the amount of such excess. This expense limitation agreement will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

** Excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement are .75%, 1.03% and .75% of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 78

$ 243

$ 422

$ 942

Open Shares

$ 106

$ 331

$ 574

$ 1,271

R6 Shares

$ 78

$ 264

$ 467

$ 1,052

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 69% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of US companies of any market capitalization. The Portfolio has a concentrated portfolio of investments, typically investing in 15 to 35 companies

2


with market capitalizations generally greater than $350 million. The Portfolio seeks to outperform broad-based securities market indices, such as the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 1000® Index and the Russell 3000® Index. The Investment Manager's philosophy employed for the Portfolio is based on value creation through its process of bottom-up stock selection, and the Investment Manager implements a disciplined portfolio construction process. The Investment Manager’s fundamental research seeks to identify investments typically featuring robust organic cash flow, balance sheet strength and operational flexibility.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of US companies. The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities of non-US companies.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Emerging market countries can generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries.

3


Non-Diversification Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Concentration Risk. A Portfolio’s ability to concentrate its investments may be limited by applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for qualification as a regulated investment company.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard US Equity Concentrated Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of broad measures of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

19.10%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-17.12%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

The Russell 1000 Value/S&P 500 Linked Index shown in the table is an unmanaged index created by the Investment Manager, which links the performance of the Russell 1000 Value Index for all periods through May 30, 2012 (when the Portfolio’s investment strategy changed) and the S&P 500 Index for all periods thereafter.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

9/30/05

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-6.07%

8.18%

11.94%

7.23%

4


      

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-8.47%

6.10%

10.37%

5.77%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-1.96%

6.10%

9.54%

5.49%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

9/30/05

-6.35%

7.83%

11.59%

6.91%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

11/15/16

-6.08%

 

 

3.99%

S&P 500 Index

 

-4.38%

8.49%

13.12%

7.77%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional

 

 

 

 

 

and Open)

 

 

 

 

 

8.93%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      
      

Russell 1000 Value/S&P 500 Linked Index

 

-4.38%

8.49%

12.14%

7.01%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional

 

 

 

 

 

and Open)

 

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Christopher H. Blake, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2012.

Martin Flood, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since March 2011.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

5


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard US Equity Select Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.65%

 

.65%

 

.65%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.22%

 

1.38%

 

.31%

 

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

.87%

 

2.28%

 

.96%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement*

 

.12%

 

1.23%

 

.21%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.75%

 

1.05%

 

.75%

 

* Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .75%, 1.05% and .75% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 77

$ 276

$ 493

$ 1,116

Open Shares

$ 107

$ 605

$ 1,129

$ 2,567

R6 Shares

$ 77

$ 296

$ 533

$ 1,213

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 62% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of US companies that the Investment Manager believes have strong and/or improving financial productivity and are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. Although the Portfolio generally focuses on large cap companies, the

6


market capitalizations of issuers in which the Portfolio invests may vary with market conditions and the Portfolio also may invest in mid cap and small cap companies.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of US companies. The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities of non-US companies.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Emerging market countries can generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard US Equity Select Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to

7


that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

16.46%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-14.20%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

12/30/04

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-3.12%

6.59%

11.54%

6.39%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-6.87%

3.93%

99.70%

4.97%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

0.39%

4.85%

9.42%

5.01%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

12/30/04

-3.40%

6.28%

11.21%

6.08%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

5/19/14

-3.13%

 

 

6.59%

S&P 500 Index

 

-4.38%

8.49%

13.12%

7.53%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional

 

 

 

 

 

and Open)

 

 

 

 

 

8.64%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Andrew D. Lacey, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2004.

8


H. Ross Seiden, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2018.

Louis Florentin-Lee, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Equity Select team, has been with the Portfolio since December 2018.

Martin Flood, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since March 2011.

Ronald Temple, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since February 2009.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

9


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard US Small-Mid Cap Equity Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.12%

 

.18%

 

.12%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

.87%

 

1.18%

 

.87%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 89

$ 278

$ 482

$ 1,073

Open Shares

$ 120

$ 375

$ 649

$ 1,432

R6 Shares

$ 89

$ 278

$ 482

$ 1,073

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 81% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of small to mid cap US companies. Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) considers “small-mid cap companies” to be those companies that, at the time of initial purchase by the Portfolio, have market capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell 2500® Index (ranging from approximately $8.4 million to $25.5 billion as of March 29, 2019).

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of small-mid cap US companies. The Investment Manager focuses on relative value in seeking to construct a diversified portfolio of investments for the Portfolio that maintains sector and industry balance, using investment opportunities identified

10


through bottom-up fundamental research conducted by the Investment Manager’s small cap, mid cap and global research analysts.

The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in the securities of larger or smaller US or non-US companies.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Emerging market countries can generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard US Small-Mid Cap Equity Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

11


  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

28.30%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-26.02%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

10/30/91

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-13.27%

4.64%

13.05%

10.10%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-16.73%

1.30%

10.50%

7.57%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-6.06%

3.07%

10.37%

7.82%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

1/30/97

-13.49%

4.33%

12.71%

7.46%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-13.27%

4.64%

13.05%

10.10%

Russell 2500 Index

 

-10.00%

5.15%

13.15%

10.27%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

8.71%

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

10.27%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      
      

Russell 2000/2500 Linked Index

 

-10.00%

5.15%

13.15%

9.43%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

7.88%

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

9.43%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

12


Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Daniel Breslin, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Small-Mid Cap Equity team, has been with the Portfolio since May 2007.

Michael DeBernardis, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Small-Mid Cap Equity and Global Small Cap Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since October 2010.

Martin Flood, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2014.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

13


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard International Equity Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.06%

 

.06%

 

.06%

 

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

.81%

 

1.06%

 

.81%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement*

 

 

 

.01%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.81%

 

1.06%

 

.80%

 

*Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .85%, 1.15% and .80% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 83

$ 259

$ 450

$ 1,002

Open Shares

$ 108

$ 337

$ 585

$ 1,294

R6 Shares

$ 82

$ 258

$ 449

$ 1,001

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 36% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of relatively large non-US companies with market capitalizations in the range of companies included in the MSCI® Europe, Australasia and Far East (“EAFE®”) Index (ranging from approximately $1.3 billion to $291.9 billion as of March 29, 2019) that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values.

14


In choosing stocks for the Portfolio, the Investment Manager looks for established companies in economically developed countries and may invest up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

15


Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard International Equity Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

21.90%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-17.77%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

10/29/91

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-13.61%

-0.23%

6.29%

5.42%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-14.89%

-0.56%

6.05%

4.65%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-6.74%

0.04%

5.32%

4.44%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

1/23/97

-13.83%

-0.49%

6.00%

4.14%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

4/01/15

-13.62%

 

 

-0.67%

MSCI EAFE Index

 

-13.79%

0.53%

6.32%

4.85%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

4.31%

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

0.74%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      
      
      

16


Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Michael G. Fry, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since November 2005.

Michael A. Bennett, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2003.

Kevin J. Matthews, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2013.

Michael Powers, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2003.

Giles Edwards, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2019.

John R. Reinsberg, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity and International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since January 1992.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

17


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard International Equity Select Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.30%

 

.83%

 

.30%

*

        

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.06%

 

1.84%

 

1.06%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

 

.48%

 

.05%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement***

 

1.06%

 

1.36%

 

1.01%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020 to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.05%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, and from May 1, 2020 to May 1, 2029, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.15%, 1.45% and 1.10% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively. All limitations on Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses are exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund's Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

*** Excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement are 1.05%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 108

$ 337

$ 585

$ 1,294

Open Shares

$ 138

$ 431

$ 745

$ 1,635

R6 Shares

$ 103

$ 322

$ 558

$ 1,236

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 32% of the average value of its portfolio.

18


Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, of relatively large non-US companies with market capitalizations in the range of companies included in the MSCI All Country World Index ex-US (ranging from approximately $39.7 million to $291.9 billion as of March 29, 2019) that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values.

In choosing stocks for the Portfolio, the Investment Manager looks for established companies in economically developed countries, although the Portfolio may invest in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries in an amount up to the current emerging markets component of the MSCI All Country World Index ex-US plus 15%. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets to emerging market countries may vary from time to time.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Focused Investing Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

19


Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard International Equity Select Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

18.73%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-17.57%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

The MSCI Europe, Australasia and Far East (“EAFE®”)/All Country World Index ex-US Linked Index shown in the table is an unmanaged index created by the Investment Manager, which links the performance of the MSCI EAFE

20


Index for all periods through June 30, 2010 (when the Portfolio’s primary index changed) and the MSCI All Country World Index ex-US for all periods thereafter.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

5/31/01

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-14.90%

0.02%

5.47%

3.45%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-15.22%

-0.09%

5.31%

3.01%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-8.21%

0.23%

4.62%

3.14%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

5/31/01

-15.16%

-0.34%

5.13%

3.13%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-14.90%

0.02%

5.47%

3.45%

MSCI All Country World Index ex-US

 

-14.20%

0.67%

6.57%

4.82%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

 

      
      

MSCI EAFE/ACWI ex-US Linked Index

 

-14.20%

0.67%

5.56%

3.77%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

 

      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Michael G. Fry, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2010.

Michael A. Bennett, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2003.

James M. Donald, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Equity team and Head of the Emerging Markets Group, has been with the Portfolio since May 2010.

Kevin J. Matthews, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2010.

Michael Powers, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2003.

Giles Edwards, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2019.

John R. Reinsberg, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity and International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2001.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

21


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard International Equity Advantage Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.65%

 

.65%

 

.65%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

6.95%

 

16.77%

 

6.95%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

7.60%

 

17.67%

 

7.60%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

6.70%

 

16.47%

 

6.75%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.90%

 

1.20%

 

.85%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .90%, 1.20% and .85% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 92

$ 1,633

$ 3,096

$ 6,431

Open Shares

$ 122

$ 3,341

$ 5,795

$ 9,676

R6 Shares

$ 87

$ 1,834

$ 3,455

$ 7,008

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 72% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of US and non-US companies. In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a quantitatively driven, bottom up stock selection

22


process. The Portfolio management team selects investments for the Portfolio from a broad investment universe of non-US stocks and depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), warrants and rights. The active, quantitative approach utilized by the Portfolio management team involves initial screening, risk assessment and evaluation of each company relative to its global peers. The Portfolio will typically invest the majority of its assets in securities of non-US developed market companies, using an objective, systematic investment process that blends both risk and stock ranking assessments designed to capture attractive risk-to-return characteristics. In addition to a multidimensional assessment of risk, each company is evaluated daily according to four independent measures: growth, value, sentiment and quality. The Portfolio may invest across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions will vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio may invest in exchange-traded open-end management investment companies (“ETFs”) and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with direct investments in the securities of non-US companies, because their values depend on the performance of the underlying non-US securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary receipts differently than direct investments in non-US dollar-denominated non-US securities, because a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency in which the underlying non-US dollar security is denominated.

Quantitative Model Risk. The success of the Portfolio’s investment strategy depends largely upon the effectiveness of the Investment Manager’s quantitative model. A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used by the Investment Manager requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s ability to monitor and, if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various factors including incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s value can change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition, factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value.

23


Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

REIT Risk. REITs are subject to similar risks as an investment in a realty-related company. The risks related to investments in realty-related companies include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic and local market conditions; adverse developments in employment; changes in supply or demand for similar or competing properties; unfavorable changes in applicable taxes, governmental regulations and interest rates; operating or development expenses; and lack of available financing. Due to certain special considerations that apply to REITs, investments in REITs may carry additional risks not necessarily present in investments in other securities. REIT securities (including those trading on national exchanges) typically have trading volumes that are less than those of common stocks of other stocks traded on national exchanges, which may affect the Portfolio’s ability to trade or liquidate those securities. An investment in REITs may be adversely affected if the REIT fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Failure to qualify with any of these requirements could jeopardize a company’s status as a REIT. The Portfolio generally will have no control over the operations and policies of a REIT, and the generally will have no ability to cause a REIT to take the actions necessary to qualify as a REIT.

ETF Risk. Shares of ETFs may trade at prices that vary from their net asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs may trade at prices at, below or above their most recent net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. The Portfolio’s investments in ETFs are subject to the risks of such ETF’s investments, as well as to the general risks of investing in ETFs. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests. The Portfolio may be limited by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in the amount of its assets that may be invested in ETFs unless an ETF has received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission on which the Portfolio may rely or an exemption is available.

Other Equity Securities Risk. Investments in rights and warrants involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid market for resale, price fluctuations and the failure of the price of the underlying security to reach a level at which the right or warrant can be prudently exercised, in which case the right or warrant may expire without being exercised and result in a loss of a Portfolio’s entire investment.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

24


Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard International Equity Advantage Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q1 17

8.31%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-13.25%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

    

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

5/29/15

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-16.26%

-0.95%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-17.01%

-1.43%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-8.71%

-0.52%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

5/29/15

-16.52%

-1.25%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-16.26%

-0.95%

MSCI EAFE Index

 

-13.79%

-0.16%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    
    
    

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

25


Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Paul Moghtader, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Taras Ivanenko, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Ciprian Marin, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Craig Scholl, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Susanne Willumsen, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Alex Lai, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2019.

Jason Williams, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2019.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

26


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard International Equity Concentrated Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.23%

 

4.09%

 

.23%

*

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.03%

 

5.14%

 

1.03%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.08%

 

3.89%

 

.13%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.95%

 

1.25%

 

.90%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .95%, 1.25% and .90% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 115

$ 359

$ 622

$ 1,375

Open Shares

$ 523

$ 1,566

$ 2,604

$ 5,178

R6 Shares

$ 115

$ 359

$ 622

$ 1,375

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 76% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of non-US companies. The Portfolio has a concentrated portfolio of investments, typically investing in 20 to 30 securities of non-US

27


companies, including those whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. The Investment Manager seeks to realize the Portfolio’s investment objective primarily through stock selection, investing in companies believed to have sustainably high or improving returns and trading at attractive valuations. In choosing stocks for the Portfolio, the Investment Manager generally looks for established companies in economically developed countries that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The Investment Manager also may invest the Portfolio’s assets in securities of companies domiciled in emerging market countries in an amount up to the current percentage of securities in the MSCI All Country World Index ex-US issued by companies domiciled in emerging market countries (26% as of March 31, 2019) plus 15%. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

28


Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Non-Diversification Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Concentration Risk. A Portfolio’s ability to concentrate its investments may be limited by applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for qualification as a regulated investment company.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard International Equity Concentrated Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q1 17

7.85%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 15

-15.40%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares

29


through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

    

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

8/29/14

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-16.20%

-2.20%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-16.88%

-2.48%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-8.73%

-1.50%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

8/29/14

-16.47%

-2.47%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-16.20%

-2.20%

MSCI All Country World Index ex-US

 

-14.20%

-0.37%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    
    
    

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Kevin J. Matthews, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since August 2014.

Michael A. Bennett, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since August 2014.

Michael G. Fry, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since August 2014.

Michael Powers, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since August 2014.

Giles Edwards, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2019.

John R. Reinsberg, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity and International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since August 2014.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

30


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard International Compounders Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses*

 

.20%

 

.20%

 

.20%

 

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

.95%

 

1.20%

 

.95%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.10%

 

.10%

 

.15%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.85%

 

1.10%

 

.80%

 

* Other Expenses are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the "Investment Manager") to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until December 31, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .85%, 1.10% and .80% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of "Acquired Funds" and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation arrangement described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

  

1 year

3 years

Institutional Shares

  

$ 516

$ 1,157

Open Shares

  

$ 650

$ 1,446

R6 Shares

  

$ 511

$ 1,153

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. Because the Portfolio commenced investment operations on December 31, 2018, no portfolio turnover information is presented.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of non-US companies, including those whose principal business activities are located in emerging countries.

31


The Investment Manager seeks to realize the Portfolio’s investment objective primarily by investing in companies that the Investment Manager considers to be “Compounders,” meaning high quality businesses that it believes can generate, and sustain, high levels of financial productivity (i.e., return on equity, return on capital and cash flow return on investment). The Investment Manager focuses mainly on identifying Compounders that it believes are able to reinvest a significant portion of their cash flows back into their business at similarly attractive rates of return.

The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Growth Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but that may not realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth potential. Such securities may be more volatile than other securities because they can be more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of

32


larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Focused Investing Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

Because the Portfolio did not have a full calendar year of performance prior to the date of this Prospectus, no performance returns are presented. Annual performance returns provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing the changes in performance from year to year. Comparison of Portfolio performance to an appropriate index indicates how the Portfolio’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Louis Florentin-Lee, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Equity Select team, has been with the Portfolio since December 2018.

Barnaby Wilson, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2018.

Robin O. Jones, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s International and Global Strategic Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2018.

Mark Little, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International and Global Strategic Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2018.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

33


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard International Equity Value Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.54%

 

6.86%

 

.54%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.34%

 

7.91%

 

1.34%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.39%

 

6.71%

 

.44%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.95%

 

1.20%

 

.90%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until October 31, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .95%, 1.20% and .90% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of "Acquired Funds" and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation arrangement described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

  

1 year

3 years

Institutional Shares

  

$ 697

$ 1,579

Open Shares

  

$ 3,220

$ 6,612

R6 Shares

  

$ 692

$ 1,574

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the period from October 31, 2018 through December 31, 2018, the Portfolio's portfolio turnover rate was 37% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of non-US companies. The Portfolio has a concentrated portfolio of investments, typically investing in 20 to 30 securities of non-US companies, including those whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries.

34


The Investment Manager seeks to realize the Portfolio’s investment objective primarily by investing in companies that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued and whose valuations will benefit from potential company-specific catalysts identified by the Investment Manager. For example, the Investment Manager may seek to invest in companies engaging in activities that the Investment Manager believes will improve the companies’ fundamentals, resolve circumstances that may be negatively affecting valuation and/or improve market and investor perceptions of the companies. The Investment Manager divides these catalysts into three main categories: self-help, positive changes in capital allocation and business simplifications.  

· Self-Help – Many companies undertake self-directed initiatives intended to drive improvement in fundamentals regardless of macroeconomic conditions. These initiatives may range from large-scale corporate restructurings to smaller-scale cost-cutting programs. In many cases, new corporate management teams, changes to the board of directors and/or shifts in a company’s ownership structure are the impetus for self-help plans.

· Positive Changes in Capital Allocation – The Investment Manager believes companies seeking to address inefficient balance sheets often offer opportunities to add value to shareholders. The Portfolio seeks to invest in companies undertaking special capital returns, deleveraging programs and/or value-enhancing reinvestment or mergers and acquisitions. In-depth analysis of balance sheet and cash flow potential, as well as interviews with corporate management teams, helps the Investment Manager identify potential positive capital allocation change opportunities before they are reflected in equity prices.

· Business Simplifications – The simplification of organizational and ownership structures often enables corporate management to increase returns through more effective resource allocation and less operational distraction. Furthermore, monetization of hidden value within a company may occur as a result of asset sales, spin-offs or wind-downs.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum. At times, the Portfolio may engage in active and frequent trading, which will increase portfolio turnover.

The Investment Manager may seek to hedge some or all foreign currency exposure in the Portfolio against movements relative to the US dollar by entering into foreign currency forward contracts, but the Investment Manager may determine not to hedge some or all of the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure from time-to-time or at any time.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks,

35


such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Foreign Currency and Foreign Currency Hedging Risk. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Investment Manager may not be able to accurately predict movements in exchange rates and there may be imperfect correlations between movements in exchange rates that could cause the Portfolio to incur significant losses. Currency investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies.

Forward Currency Contracts Risk. Forward currency contracts may increase volatility or reduce returns, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward currency contracts are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty to the contracts and can be illiquid. These contracts are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related currency. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce return. Successful use of derivatives is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market. Use of forward currency contracts, even when entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Non-Diversification Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

36


Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Concentration Risk. A Portfolio’s ability to concentrate its investments may be limited by applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for qualification as a regulated investment company.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

Because the Portfolio did not have a full calendar year of performance prior to the date of this Prospectus, no performance returns are presented. Annual performance returns provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Portfolio by showing the changes in performance from year to year. Comparison of Portfolio performance to an appropriate index indicates how the Portfolio’s average annual returns compare to those of a broad measure of market performance. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Mark Rooney, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s International Equity Value team, has been with the Portfolio since October 2018.

Erik Van Der Sande, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s International Equity Value team, has been with the Portfolio since October 2018.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

37


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.05%

 

.05%

 

.06%

 

        

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

.81%

 

1.06%

 

.82%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement*

 

 

 

.01%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.81%

 

1.06%

 

.81%

 

* To the extent the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the R6 Shares of the Portfolio exceed the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares (in each case, not including management fees, custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Portfolio’s assets), Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) has contractually agreed, until May 1, 2020, to bear the expenses of the R6 Shares in the amount of such excess. This expense limitation agreement will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 83

$ 259

$ 450

$ 1,002

Open Shares

$ 108

$ 337

$ 585

$ 1,294

R6 Shares

$ 83

$ 261

$ 454

$ 1,013

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 40% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of non-US companies whose principal activities are located in countries represented by the MSCI EAFE Index that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The Portfolio also may invest up to

38


15% of its assets in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries, although the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets to emerging market countries may vary from time to time.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities.

The countries represented by the MSCI EAFE Index currently include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Focused Investing Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived

39


value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

23.21%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-19.36%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

40


      

Institutional Shares:

10/31/05

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-10.35%

1.03%

8.06%

5.42%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-11.97%

0.42%

7.67%

4.88%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-4.72%

0.94%

6.74%

4.55%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

2/03/06

-10.55%

0.78%

7.78%

4.08%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

1/19/15

-10.35%

 

 

1.68%

MSCI EAFE Index

 

-13.79%

0.53%

6.32%

3.50%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

2.54%

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

2.44%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      
      
      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Mark Little, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International and Global Strategic Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since October 2005.

Michael A. Bennett, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since September 2008.

Robin O. Jones, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s International and Global Strategic Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2009.

John R. Reinsberg, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity and International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since October 2005.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

41


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard International Small Cap Equity Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.33%

 

.34%

 

.33%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.08%

 

1.34%

 

1.08%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 110

$ 343

$ 595

$ 1,317

Open Shares

$ 136

$ 425

$ 734

$ 1,613

R6 Shares

$ 110

$ 343

$ 595

$ 1,317

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 59% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of relatively small non-US companies that Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The Investment Manager considers “small non-US companies” to be those non-US companies with market capitalizations, at the time of initial purchase by the Portfolio, below $5 billion and above $300 million or in the range of companies included in the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index (based on market capitalization of the Index as a whole, which ranged from approximately $32.3 million to $10.0 billion as of March 29, 2019).

42


In choosing stocks for the Portfolio, the Investment Manager looks for smaller, well-managed non-US companies that the Investment Manager believes have the potential for growth. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of small cap companies.

The Portfolio may invest up to 25% of its assets in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries, although the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets to emerging market countries may vary from time to time.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

43


Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard International Small Cap Equity Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

31.53%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-20.34%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

12/01/93

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-24.88%

0.85%

9.39%

6.27%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-25.78%

0.41%

9.09%

5.26%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-14.32%

0.71%

7.84%

5.40%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

2/13/97

-25.09%

0.58%

9.08%

5.74%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-24.88%

0.85%

9.39%

6.27%

MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index

 

-17.89%

3.06%

10.51%

5.30%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

5.54%

44


      

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

5.30%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      
      
      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Edward Rosenfeld, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global, International and European Small Cap Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2007.

Alex Ingham, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets, International and Global Small Cap Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since July 2012.

John R. Reinsberg, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity and International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 1993.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

45


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Global Equity Select Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.28%

 

1.75%

 

.28%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.08%

 

2.80%

 

1.08%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.03%

 

1.45%

 

.08%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

1.05%

 

1.35%

 

1.00%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.05%, 1.35% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 107

$ 340

$ 593

$ 1,314

Open Shares

$ 137

$ 731

$ 1,350

$ 3,023

R6 Shares

$ 102

$ 336

$ 588

$ 1,310

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 34% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of companies that the Investment Manager believes have strong and/or improving financial productivity and are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a flexible

46


investment approach and engages in bottom-up, fundamental security analysis and selection. The Portfolio may invest in securities across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. In addition, under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in non-US companies. The Investment Manager will allocate the Portfolio’s assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries). The Portfolio’s investments in non-US companies may include companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure.

Focused Investing Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived

47


value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Global Equity Select Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q1 17

8.17%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-11.95%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

48


     

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

12/31/13

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-7.12%

5.03%

5.03%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-7.76%

4.63%

4.63%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-3.66%

3.94%

3.94%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

12/31/13

-7.33%

4.73%

4.73%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-7.12%

5.03%

5.03%

MSCI All Country World Index

 

-9.42%

4.26%

4.26%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

     
     
     

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Louis Florentin-Lee, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Equity Select team, has been with the Portfolio since December 2013.

Barnaby Wilson, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since October 2015.

Martin Flood, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2013.

Andrew D. Lacey, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2013.

Patrick Ryan, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2013.

Ronald Temple, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2013.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

49


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.60%

 

.60%

 

.60%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

1.04%

 

5.01%

 

1.04%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.64%

 

5.86%

 

1.64%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.89%

 

4.81%

 

.94%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.75%

 

1.05%

 

.70%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .75%, 1.05% and .70% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 167

$ 517

$ 892

$ 1,944

Open Shares

$ 583

$ 1,735

$ 2,868

$ 5,614

R6 Shares

$ 167

$ 517

$ 892

$ 1,944

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 122% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of US and non-US companies. In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a quantitatively driven, bottom up stock selection process. A principal component of the Investment Manager’s investment process for the Portfolio is volatility

50


management. Volatility, a risk measurement, measures the magnitude of fluctuations in the value of a financial instrument or index over time. The Investment Manager seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted equity returns (returns after accounting for the risk taken to achieve those returns) while lowering portfolio volatility (up and down movements in the fund’s returns). The Investment Manager’s investment process is benchmark-unaware, which means that the Portfolio’s assets are not managed by reference to a benchmark index. The Investment Manager examines fundamental company information (such as financial statements) and seeks to identify high quality companies with sustainable operating performance in order to build a well-diversified global portfolio of common stocks. The Investment Manager performs an independent assessment of stock risk and also seeks to manage risk through diversification.

The Portfolio management team selects investments for the Portfolio from a broad investment universe of stocks and depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), warrants and rights. The active, quantitative approach utilized by the Portfolio management team involves initial screening, risk assessment and evaluation of each company relative to its global peers. The Portfolio will typically focus on securities of developed market companies, using an objective, systematic investment process that blends both risk and stock ranking assessments designed to capture attractive risk-to-return characteristics and create a low volatility portfolio. In addition to a multidimensional assessment of risk, each company is evaluated daily according to four independent measures: growth, value, sentiment and quality. The Portfolio may invest across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities.

The Portfolio may invest in exchange-traded open-end management investment companies ("ETFs") and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with direct investments in the securities of non-US companies, because their values depend on the performance of the underlying non-US securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary receipts differently than direct investments in non-US dollar-denominated non-US securities, because a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency in which the underlying non-US dollar security is denominated.

51


Quantitative Model Risk. The success of the Portfolio’s investment strategy depends largely upon the effectiveness of the Investment Manager’s quantitative model. A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used by the Investment Manager requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s ability to monitor and, if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various factors including incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s value can change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition, factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value.

Volatility Management Risk. While the Investment Manager generally will seek to achieve, over a full market cycle, the level of volatility in the Portfolio’s performance as described above, there can be no guarantee that this will be achieved; actual or realized volatility for any particular period may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions. In addition, the Investment Manager’s efforts to manage the Portfolio’s volatility can be expected, in a period of generally positive equity market returns, to reduce the Portfolio’s performance below what could be achieved without seeking to manage volatility and, thus, the Portfolio would generally be expected to underperform market indices that do not seek to achieve a specified level of volatility.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

REIT Risk. REITs are subject to similar risks as an investment in a realty-related company. The risks related to investments in realty-related companies include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic and local market conditions; adverse developments in employment; changes in supply or demand for similar or competing properties; unfavorable changes in applicable taxes, governmental regulations and interest rates; operating or development expenses; and lack of available financing. Due to certain special considerations that apply to REITs, investments in REITs may carry additional risks not necessarily present in investments in other securities. REIT securities (including those trading on national exchanges) typically have trading volumes that are less than those of common stocks of other stocks traded on national exchanges, which may affect the Portfolio’s ability to trade or liquidate those securities. An investment in REITs may be adversely affected if the REIT fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Failure to qualify with any of these requirements could jeopardize a company’s status as a REIT. The Portfolio generally will have no control over the operations and policies of a REIT, and the generally will have no ability to cause a REIT to take the actions necessary to qualify as a REIT.

ETF Risk. Shares of ETFs may trade at prices that vary from their net asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs may trade at prices at, below or above their most recent net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. The Portfolio’s investments in ETFs are subject to the risks of such ETF’s investments, as well as to the general risks of investing in ETFs. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests. The Portfolio may be limited by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in the

52


amount of its assets that may be invested in ETFs unless an ETF has received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission on which the Portfolio may rely or an exemption is available.

Other Equity Securities Risk. Investments in rights and warrants involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid market for resale, price fluctuations and the failure of the price of the underlying security to reach a level at which the right or warrant can be prudently exercised, in which case the right or warrant may expire without being exercised and result in a loss of a Portfolio’s entire investment.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q1 17

6.71%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-9.88%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

53


    

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

5/29/15

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-7.21%

4.27%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-7.60%

3.55%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-4.01%

3.22%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

5/29/15

-7.50%

3.93%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-7.21%

4.27%

MSCI World Index

 

-8.71%

3.54%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    
    
    

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Paul Moghtader, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Taras Ivanenko, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Ciprian Marin, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Craig Scholl, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Susanne Willumsen, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Alex Lai, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2019.

Jason Williams, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2019.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

54


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Global Strategic Equity Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

5.56%

 

12.95%

 

5.56%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

6.31%

 

13.95%

 

6.31%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

5.31%

 

12.65%

 

5.36%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

1.00%

 

1.30%

 

.95%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.00%, 1.30% and .95% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 102

$ 1,397

$ 2,659

$ 5,671

Open Shares

$ 132

$ 2,772

$ 4,961

$ 8,932

R6 Shares

$ 97

$ 1,393

$ 2,655

$ 5,669

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 46% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of companies that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The Investment Manager seeks to realize the Portfolio’s investment objective primarily through stock selection, investing in companies

55


believed to have sustainably high or improving returns and trading at attractive valuations. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries, and the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets to emerging market countries may vary from time to time. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. In addition, under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in non-US companies. The Investment Manager allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries). The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Focused Investing Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

56


Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Global Strategic Equity Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q4 17

6.24%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-12.32%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares

57


because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Robin O. Jones, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s International and Global Strategic Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since August 2014.

Mark Little, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International and Global Strategic Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since August 2014.

John R. Reinsberg, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity and International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since August 2014.

Barnaby Wilson, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since August 2014.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

58


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Equity Franchise Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks total return consisting of appreciation and income.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

2.62%

 

9.12%

 

2.62%

*

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

3.42%

 

10.17%

 

3.42%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

2.47%

 

8.97%

 

2.52%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.95%

 

1.20%

 

.90%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .95%, 1.20% and .90% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 97

$ 820

$ 1,566

$ 3,537

Open Shares

$ 122

$ 2,126

$ 3,928

$ 7,677

R6 Shares

$ 92

$ 815

$ 1,562

$ 3,533

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 97% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of US and non-US companies, including those in emerging markets. The Portfolio normally invests in equity securities listed on a national or other recognized securities exchange of companies that the Investment Manager considers to have an “economic

59


franchise,” meaning companies that have historically shown an ability to generate unleveraged returns, at or above their cost of capital, for long periods of time. The Investment Manager considers that strong business franchises are often able to accomplish this performance and status because of competitive advantages such as an established or recognized brand, proprietary intellectual property or other intangible assets or industry economics such as relatively high customer switching costs. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. The Portfolio may invest in the equity securities of any size company.

The Investment Manager may seek to hedge some or all foreign currency exposure in the Portfolio against movements relative to the US dollar by entering into foreign currency forward contracts, but the Investment Manager may determine not to hedge some or all of the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure from time-to-time or at any time.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Franchise Companies Risk. Changes in the worldwide economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics and consumer preferences, government regulation and economic conditions may adversely affect franchise companies individually or across an industry and may negatively impact the Portfolio to a greater extent than if the Portfolio’s assets were invested more broadly in a number of types of companies.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Growth Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but that may not realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth potential. Such securities may be more volatile than other securities because they

60


can be more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Foreign Currency and Foreign Currency Hedging Risk. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Investment Manager may not be able to accurately predict movements in exchange rates and there may be imperfect correlations between movements in exchange rates that could cause the Portfolio to incur significant losses. Currency investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies.

Forward Currency Contracts Risk. Forward currency contracts may increase volatility or reduce returns, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward currency contracts are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty to the contracts and can be illiquid. These contracts are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related currency. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce return. Successful use of derivatives is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market. Use of forward currency contracts, even when entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Non-Diversification Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Equity Franchise Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s performance for the first complete calendar year of operation compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

61


  

Best Quarter:

Q3 18

4.02%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-10.07%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

    

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

9/29/17

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-5.10%

-0.85%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-8.47%

-3.74%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-2.46%

-1.54%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

9/29/17

-5.34%

-1.10%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-5.10%

-0.85%

MSCI World Index

 

-8.71%

-2.96%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Bertrand Cliquet, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams, has been with the Portfolio since September 2017.

Matthew Landy, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams, has been with the Portfolio since September 2017.

John Mulquiney, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams, has been with the Portfolio since September 2017.

62


Warryn Robertson, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams, has been with the Portfolio since September 2017.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

63


Lazard Funds Summary Section

This Portfolio is closed to investment by most new investors. See page 230 for more information.

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.07%

 

.07%

 

.07%

 

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.07%

 

1.32%

 

1.07%

 

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 109

$ 340

$ 590

$ 1,306

Open Shares

$ 134

$ 418

$ 723

$ 1,590

R6 Shares

$ 109

$ 340

$ 590

$ 1,306

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 16% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of non-US companies whose principal activities are located in emerging market countries and that Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values.

Emerging market countries include all countries represented by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which currently includes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

64


Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with direct investments in the securities of non-US companies, because their values depend on the performance of the underlying non-US securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary receipts differently than direct investments in non-US dollar-denominated non-US securities, because a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency in which the underlying non-US dollar security is denominated.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of

65


larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

34.12%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-20.62%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

7/15/94

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-18.09%

-0.67%

7.25%

6.20%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-18.12%

-0.88%

6.86%

5.44%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-10.05%

-0.18%

6.28%

5.31%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

1/08/97

-18.32%

-0.92%

6.94%

5.88%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

1/19/15

-18.09%

 

 

0.12%

66


      

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

 

-14.58%

1.65%

8.02%

5.14%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

5.65%

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

2.62%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      
      
      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

James M. Donald, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Equity team and Head of the Emerging Markets Group, has been with the Portfolio since November 2001.

Rohit Chopra, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Equity team, has been with the Portfolio since May 2007.

Monika Shrestha, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Equity team, has been with the Portfolio since December 2014.

John R. Reinsberg, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity and International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since July 1994.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

67


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.18%

 

.75%

 

6.68%

 

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.18%

 

2.00%

 

7.68%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement*

 

 

.45%

 

6.52%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

1.18%

 

1.55%

 

1.16%

 

* Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.25%, 1.55% and 1.20% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio. To the extent the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the R6 Shares of the Portfolio exceed the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares (in each case, not including management fees, custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Portfolio’s assets), the Investment Manager has contractually agreed, until May 1, 2020, to bear the expenses of the R6 Shares in the amount of such excess. This expense limitation agreement will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 120

$ 375

$ 649

$ 1,432

Open Shares

$ 161

$ 587

$ 1,039

$ 2,294

R6 Shares

$ 118

$ 1,671

$ 3,141

$ 6,486

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 30% of the average value of its portfolio.

68


Principal Investment Strategies

In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a flexible, core investment approach and engages in bottom-up, fundamental security analysis and selection. The Investment Manager may consider a security’s growth or value potential in managing the Portfolio. The Portfolio may invest in securities across the capitalization spectrum, although it typically invests in securities of companies with a market capitalization of $300 million or more.

The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions. Emerging market countries include all countries not represented by the MSCI World Index. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies that are economically tied to emerging market countries. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with direct investments in the securities of non-US companies, because their values depend on the performance of the underlying non-US securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary receipts differently than direct investments in non-US dollar-denominated non-US securities, because a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency in which the underlying non-US dollar security is denominated.

69


Small Cap Companies Risk. Small cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Growth Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but that may not realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth potential. Such securities may be more volatile than other securities because they can be more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q1 17

12.12%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 15

-15.43%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational for a full calendar year as of December 31, 2018) reflect

70


the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

     

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

10/31/13

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-18.12%

1.03%

0.66%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-18.24%

0.98%

0.61%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-10.25%

0.95%

0.66%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

10/31/13

-18.43%

0.65%

0.30%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

4/06/18

-18.12%

1.03%

0.66%

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

 

-14.58%

1.65%

1.02%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

     
     
     

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Stephen Russell, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Core Equity and Latin America Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since October 2013.

Thomas Boyle, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Core Equity and Latin America Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since October 2013.

Paul Rogers, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Core Equity and Latin America Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since October 2013.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

71


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.85%

 

.85%

 

.85%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

5.44%

 

11.07%

 

5.44%

 

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

6.29%

 

12.17%

 

6.29%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement*

 

5.19%

 

10.77%

 

5.24%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

1.10%

 

1.40%

 

1.05%

 

* Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.10%, 1.40% and 1.05% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 112

$ 1,402

$ 2,660

$ 5,663

Open Shares

$ 143

$ 2,487

$ 4,507

$ 8,418

R6 Shares

$ 107

$ 1,398

$ 2,656

$ 5,661

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 61% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of emerging markets companies. In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a quantitatively driven, bottom up stock selection process. The Portfolio management team selects investments for the Portfolio from a broad investment universe of emerging market stocks and depositary receipts, including American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global

72


Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), warrants and rights. The active, quantitative approach utilized by the Portfolio management team involves initial screening, risk assessment and evaluation of each company relative to its global peers. The Investment Manager uses an objective, systematic investment process that blends both risk and stock ranking assessments designed to capture attractive risk-to-return characteristics. In addition to a multidimensional assessment of risk, each company is evaluated daily according to four independent measures: growth, value, sentiment and quality. The Portfolio may invest across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies that are economically tied to emerging market countries. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions will vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio considers a company to be “economically tied to emerging markets countries” if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or domiciled in an emerging markets country or maintains its principal place of business in an emerging markets country; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally in emerging markets countries; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in emerging markets countries or that has at least 50% of its assets in emerging markets countries. The Portfolio considers emerging markets countries to be all countries: (i) included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index; or (ii) not included in the MSCI World Index.

The Portfolio may invest in exchange-traded open-end management investment companies (“ETFs”) and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

73


Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with direct investments in the securities of non-US companies, because their values depend on the performance of the underlying non-US securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary receipts differently than direct investments in non-US dollar-denominated non-US securities, because a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency in which the underlying non-US dollar security is denominated.

Quantitative Model Risk. The success of the Portfolio’s investment strategy depends largely upon the effectiveness of the Investment Manager’s quantitative model. A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used by the Investment Manager requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s ability to monitor and, if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various factors including incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s value can change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition, factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

REIT Risk. REITs are subject to similar risks as an investment in a realty-related company. The risks related to investments in realty-related companies include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic and local market conditions; adverse developments in employment; changes in supply or demand for similar or competing properties; unfavorable changes in applicable taxes, governmental regulations and interest rates; operating or development expenses; and lack of available financing. Due to certain special considerations that apply to REITs, investments in REITs may carry additional risks not necessarily present in investments in other securities. REIT securities (including those trading on national exchanges) typically have trading volumes that are less than those of common stocks of other stocks traded on national exchanges, which may affect the Portfolio’s ability to trade or liquidate those securities. An investment in REITs may be adversely affected if the REIT fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Failure to qualify with any of these requirements could jeopardize a company’s status as a REIT. The Portfolio generally will have no control over the operations and policies of a REIT, and the generally will have no ability to cause a REIT to take the actions necessary to qualify as a REIT.

ETF Risk. Shares of ETFs may trade at prices that vary from their net asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs may trade at prices at, below or above their most recent net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. The Portfolio’s investments in ETFs are subject to the risks of such ETF’s investments, as well as to the general risks of investing in ETFs. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests. The Portfolio may be limited by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in the

74


amount of its assets that may be invested in ETFs unless an ETF has received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission on which the Portfolio may rely or an exemption is available.

Other Equity Securities Risk. Investments in rights and warrants involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid market for resale, price fluctuations and the failure of the price of the underlying security to reach a level at which the right or warrant can be prudently exercised, in which case the right or warrant may expire without being exercised and result in a loss of a Portfolio’s entire investment.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q1 17

12.74%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-7.47%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

    

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

5/29/15

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-16.23%

2.05%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-16.39%

1.83%

75


    

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-9.01%

1.78%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

5/29/15

-16.40%

1.77%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-16.23%

2.05%

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

 

-14.58%

1.35%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    
    
    

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Paul Moghtader, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Taras Ivanenko, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Ciprian Marin, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Craig Scholl, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Susanne Willumsen, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2015.

Alex Lai, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2019.

Jason Williams, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams, has been with the Portfolio since May 2019.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

76


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.14%

 

.26%

 

.14%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.14%

 

1.51%

 

1.14%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 116

$ 362

$ 628

$ 1,386

Open Shares

$ 154

$ 477

$ 824

$ 1,802

R6 Shares

$ 116

$ 362

$ 628

$ 1,386

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 63% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of non-US companies whose principal activities are located in emerging market countries (also known as “developing markets”).

Emerging market countries include all countries represented by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which currently includes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) employs a relative growth investment philosophy that is based on value creation through the process of bottom-up stock selection. The Investment Manager’s

77


approach consists of an analytical framework, accounting validation, fundamental analysis and portfolio construction parameters. The Investment Manager’s selection process focuses on growth and considers the sustainability of growth and the trade off between valuation and growth.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure.

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with direct investments in the securities of non-US companies, because their values depend on the performance of the underlying non-US securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary receipts differently than direct investments in non-US dollar-denominated non-US securities, because a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency in which the underlying non-US dollar security is denominated.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

78


Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Growth Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but that may not realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth potential. Such securities may be more volatile than other securities because they can be more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

56.64%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-28.53%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

79


      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

9/30/08

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-20.58%

0.13%

8.42%

3.83%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-20.59%

0.09%

7.79%

3.23%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-11.95%

0.24%

6.90%

3.03%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

9/30/08

-20.83%

-0.23%

8.07%

3.49%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-20.58%

0.13%

8.42%

3.83%

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

 

-14.58%

1.65%

8.02%

4.47%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

 

      
      
      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Kevin O’Hare, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Developing Markets Equity team, has been with the Portfolio since September 2008.

Peter Gillespie, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Developing Markets Equity team, has been with the Portfolio since September 2008.

James M. Donald, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Equity team and Head of the Emerging Markets Group, has been with the Portfolio since September 2008.

John R. Reinsberg, portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity and International Equity teams, has been with the Portfolio since September 2008.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

80


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.15%

 

.28%

 

.15%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.15%

 

1.53%

 

1.15%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 117

$ 365

$ 633

$ 1,398

Open Shares

$ 156

$ 483

$ 834

$ 1,824

R6 Shares

$ 117

$ 365

$ 633

$ 1,398

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 61% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various emerging markets equity strategies managed by the Investment Manager (and other emerging markets equity securities held in other strategies managed by the Investment Manager) in proportions consistent with the Investment Manager’s evaluation of various economic and other factors through quantitative and qualitative analysis. These proportions are changed from time to time without notice to shareholders, and at any given time the allocation to one strategy, region or country may comprise a substantial percentage of the Portfolio’s assets, or conversely, there may be no allocation to any such strategy, region or country. The Investment Manager will make allocation and securities selection decisions based on quantitative and qualitative analysis using a number of different tools, including proprietary software models. Quantitative analysis includes statistical analysis of portfolio risks, factor dependencies and trading tendencies. Qualitative analysis includes analysis of the global

81


economic environment as well as internal and external research on individual securities, portfolio holdings, attribution factors, behavioral patterns and overall market views and scenarios. The Investment Manager may consider a security’s value or growth characteristics in selecting investments for the Portfolio and may invest in securities of any size or market capitalization.

The equity securities in which the Portfolio invests may be denominated in the US dollar, the Canadian dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen, the Pound Sterling, or the local currency of the issuer. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts and European Depositary Receipts. Emerging market countries include all countries not represented by the MSCI World Index. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with direct investments in the securities of non-US companies, because their values depend on the performance of the underlying non-US securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary receipts differently than direct investments in non-US dollar-denominated non-US securities, because a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency in which the underlying non-US dollar security is denominated.

82


Value Investing and Growth Investing Risks. The Portfolio invests a portion of its assets in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The Portfolio also invests a portion of its assets in securities believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but that may not realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth potential. Such securities may be more volatile than other securities because they can be more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Quantitative Model Risk. A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used by the Investment Manager requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s ability to monitor and, if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various factors including incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s value can change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition, factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Allocation Risk. The Portfolio’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends in part on the Investment Manager’s skill in determining the Portfolio’s allocation between the investment strategies. The Investment Manager’s evaluations and assumptions underlying its allocation decisions may differ from actual market conditions.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

83


  

Best Quarter:

Q1 12

17.59%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-24.35%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

     

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

5/28/10

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-21.05%

-0.65%

1.35%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-21.16%

-0.76%

1.23%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-11.98%

-0.26%

1.22%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

5/28/10

-21.39%

-0.96%

1.04%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-21.05%

-0.65%

1.35%

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

 

-14.58%

1.65%

2.93%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

     

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Jai Jacob, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since May 2010.

Stephen Marra, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since May 2013.

James M. Donald, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Equity team and Head of the Emerging Markets Group, has been with the Portfolio since May 2010.

84


Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

85


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks total return from current income and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.18%

 

.62%

 

.19%

 

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

.93%

 

1.62%

 

.94%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement*

 

 

.47%

 

.04%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.93%

 

1.15%

 

.90%

 

* Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020 to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .95%, 1.15% and .90% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, and from May 1, 2020 to May 1, 2029, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.10%, 1.35% and 1.05% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively. All limitations on Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses are exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund's Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio. To the extent the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the R6 Shares of the Portfolio exceed the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares (in each case, not including management fees, custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Portfolio’s assets), the Investment Manager has contractually agreed, until May 1, 2020, to bear the expenses of the R6 Shares in the amount of such excess. This expense limitation agreement will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 95

$ 296

$ 515

$ 1,143

Open Shares

$ 122

$ 370

$ 638

$ 1,402

R6 Shares

$ 92

$ 287

$ 498

$ 1,108

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 97% of the average value of its portfolio.

86


Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, government agencies or supranational bodies or companies or other private-sector entities, including fixed and/or floating rate investment grade and non-investment grade bonds, convertible securities, commercial paper, collateralized debt obligations, short- and medium-term obligations and other fixed-income obligations, and may invest in money market instruments such as certificates of deposit. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may be denominated in the US dollar, the Canadian dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen, the Pound Sterling, or the local currency of the issuer.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in debt securities that are economically tied to emerging market countries. Emerging market countries include all countries not represented by the MSCI World Index. The Portfolio currently intends to focus its investments in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the developing countries of Europe, although the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio may invest without limitation in securities rated below investment grade (e.g., lower than Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or lower than BBB by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group) (“junk bonds”) or securities that are unrated. Additionally, the Portfolio is not restricted to investments in securities of any particular maturity or duration. Duration is an estimate of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income security to a change in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the expected volatility. For example, the market price of a fixed-income security with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same security would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%.

The Portfolio may enter into futures contracts on US Treasury securities to seek to hedge the Portfolio’s exposure to the risk of rising interest rates on US Treasury securities embedded in the Portfolio’s emerging market debt securities (to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the currency in which the debt security is denominated). Similarly, the Portfolio also may enter into futures contracts on US Treasury securities in combination with a credit default swap that provides exposure to emerging markets debt securities, baskets of securities or indices.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to enter into forward currency contracts and credit default swaps, for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices.

87


Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Some debt securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity, and, during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies.

Liquidity Risk. The lack of a readily available market may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell certain securities and other investments at the time and price it would like. The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may be relatively smaller in size than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio, by itself or together with other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may hold a position in a security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security; these factors can make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time or price.

88


Non-Diversification Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward currency contracts, over-the-counter options on currencies, swap agreements and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in value of the related currency, interest rate, security or other reference asset. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of broad measures of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

89


  

Best Quarter:

Q1 12

7.52%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q2 18

-8.99%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

The Global Diversified Index shown in the table is an unmanaged index created by the Investment Manager, and is a 50/50 blend of the JPMorgan Emerging Market Bond Index Global Diversified Index and the JPMorgan Government Bond Index—Emerging Markets Global Diversified Index.

     

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

2/28/11

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-7.45%

0.29%

1.68%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-9.63%

-0.99%

0.06%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-4.37%

-0.32%

0.65%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

2/28/11

-7.69%

-0.01%

1.38%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

7/28/16

-7.24%

 

0.57%

JP Morgan EMBI Global Diversified Index

 

-4.26%

4.80%

5.44%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

(Institutional

 

 

 

 

and Open)

 

 

 

 

1.48%

 

 

 

 

(R6)

     
     

JPMorgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index

 

-6.21%

-0.96%

-0.05%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

(Institutional

 

 

 

 

and Open)

 

 

 

 

1.87%

 

 

 

 

(R6)

     
     

Global Diversified Index

 

-5.15%

1.95%

2.73%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

(Institutional

 

 

 

 

and Open)

 

 

 

 

1.74%

 

 

 

 

(R6)

     

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Arif T. Joshi, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Debt team, has been with the Portfolio since February 2011.

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Denise S. Simon, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Debt team, has been with the Portfolio since February 2011.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

91


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Emerging Markets Income Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks total return consisting of appreciation and income.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.65%

 

.65%

 

.65%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

3.14%

 

12.61%

 

3.14%

        

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

3.80%

 

13.52%

 

3.80%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

2.89%

 

12.46%

 

2.94%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement***

 

.91%

 

1.06%

 

.86%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .90%, 1.05% and .85% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

*** Excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement are .90%, 1.05% and .85% of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 93

$ 893

$ 1,713

$ 3,851

Open Shares

$ 108

$ 2,684

$ 4,840

$ 8,814

R6 Shares

$ 88

$ 889

$ 1,709

$ 3,848

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 65% of the average value of its portfolio.

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Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in currencies, debt securities, derivative instruments and other investments that are economically tied to emerging market countries. Such investments may include combinations of these instruments that have economic characteristics similar to currencies or debt securities economically tied to emerging markets countries, such as a currency forward contract denominated in an emerging markets currency and US dollar-denominated debt security in a principal amount corresponding to the notional value of forward contracts, which together have economic characteristics similar to a debt security denominated in the emerging markets currency. Derivatives instruments in which the Portfolio may invest include forward currency contracts (including non-deliverable forward contracts). Debt securities in which the Portfolio may invest include debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, government agencies or supranational bodies; corporate obligations; fixed and/or adjustable rate or inflation-linked investment grade and non-investment grade bonds (“junk bonds”); convertible securities; zero coupon securities; collateralized debt obligations; short- and medium-term obligations and other fixed-income obligations; and commercial paper and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit.

Emerging market countries include all countries represented by the JPMorgan Emerging Local Markets Plus Index (ELMI +) or countries outside of the G-10, although the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the judgment of the Investment Manager and its analysis of market conditions. The securities or instruments in which the Portfolio invests may be denominated in US and non-US currencies, including the local currency of the issuer.

Although the Portfolio is not restricted to investments in securities of any particular maturity or duration, the average duration of the Portfolio is expected to be short, typically less than one year. The Investment Manager may extend duration in particular countries when domestic yield curves are favorable.

The Portfolio is not limited to securities of any particular quality or investment grade and, as a result, the Portfolio may invest in securities rated below investment grade (e.g., lower than Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or lower than BBB by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“junk bonds”) or securities that are unrated.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments that are part of its primary investment strategy, such as forward currency contracts, for hedging purposes.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward currency contracts and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related currency, security or other reference

93


asset. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Counterparty Credit Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy is dependent in significant part on counterparties to derivatives transactions. Transactions with such counterparties are subject to the risk of default by a counterparty, which could result in the loss of monies owed to the Portfolio by a counterparty.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities,

94


may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Some debt securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity, and, during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

Adjustable rate or inflation-linked securities provide the Portfolio with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates or inflation rates, respectively, although adjustable rate securities will participate in any declines in interest rates and inflation-linked securities can also decline in value based on changes in the relevant periodic adjustment rate. Certain adjustable rate securities, such as those with interest rates that fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly loss of principal. Certain fixed-income securities may be issued at a discount from their face value (such as zero coupon securities) or purchased at a price less than their stated face amount or at a price less than their issue price plus the portion of “original issue discount” previously accrued thereon, i.e., purchased at a “market discount.” The amount of original issue discount and/or market discount on certain obligations may be significant, and accretion of market discount together with original issue discount will cause the Portfolio to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Liquidity Risk. The lack of a readily available market may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell certain securities and other investments at the time and price it would like. The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may be relatively smaller in size than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio, by itself or together with other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may hold a position in a security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security; these factors can make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time or price.

Non-Diversification Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Emerging Markets Income Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

95


  

Best Quarter:

Q1 17

5.77%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q2 18

-7.87%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

    

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

4/30/14

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-5.79%

-1.94%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

11.39%

-3.69%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-3.43%

-2.15%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

4/30/14

-5.97%

-2.20%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-5.79%

-1.94%

JP Morgan Emerging Local Markets Plus Index

 

-3.33%

-1.06%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Ardra Belitz, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Income team, has been with the Portfolio since April 2014.

Aristotel Kondili, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Income team, has been with the Portfolio since May 2018.

Ganesh Ramachandran, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Income team, has been with the Portfolio since April 2014.

96


Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

97


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Explorer Total Return Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks total return from current income and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.90%

 

.90%

 

.65%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.19%

 

4.06%

 

.44%

        

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

.01%

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.10%

 

5.22%

 

1.10%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

 

3.81%

 

.04%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement***

 

1.10%

 

1.41%

 

1.06%

 

* Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using amounts for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.10%, 1.40% and 1.05% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

** Excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement are 1.09%, 1.40% and 1.05% of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 112

$ 350

$ 606

$ 1,340

Open Shares

$ 143

$ 1,222

$ 2,296

$ 4,962

R6 Shares

$ 107

$ 345

$ 601

$ 1,336

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 151% of the average value of its portfolio.

98


Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio utilizes a flexible total return investment strategy. It typically invests primarily in debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, government agencies or supranational bodies; derivatives; debt securities issued by companies or other private-sector entities, including fixed and/or floating rate investment grade and non-investment grade bonds; short- and medium-term obligations; and other fixed-income obligations. At certain times, based on the currently existing market environment, the Investment Manager may not believe it is able to find sufficient opportunities to invest in these types of securities and may determine to tactically shift the Portfolio to invest substantially in money market instruments, such as short-term US Treasury securities and certificates of deposit. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may be denominated in any currency.

The Portfolio typically focuses its investments in securities of companies that are economically tied to emerging market countries. Emerging market countries include all countries not represented by the MSCI World Index. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio may invest without limitation in securities rated below investment grade (e.g., lower than Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or lower than BBB by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group) (“junk bonds”) or securities that are unrated. Additionally, the Portfolio is not restricted to investments in securities of any particular maturity or duration. Duration is an estimate of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income security to a change in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the expected volatility. For example, the market price of a fixed-income security with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same security would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%.

The Portfolio may enter into futures contracts on US Treasury securities to seek to hedge the Portfolio’s exposure to the risk of rising interest rates on US Treasury securities embedded in the Portfolio’s emerging market debt securities (to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the currency in which the debt security is denominated). Similarly, the Portfolio also may enter into futures contracts on US Treasury securities in combination with a credit default swap that provides exposure to emerging markets debt securities, baskets of securities or indices.

The Investment Manager expects to actively increase and decrease the Portfolio’s exposures to emerging market securities and currencies, and to significantly utilize derivatives. The Portfolio expects to utilize the following types of derivatives: forward contracts (including non-deliverable forward contracts, which settle in cash based on the difference between the agreed upon contract price or rate and the prevailing spot price or rate on an agreed notional amount), credit default swap agreements (including credit default swap agreements on an index or basket of securities or a single security), interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency options. Derivative positions may represent a substantial investment exposure through the economic leverage embedded in these positions. The aggregate notional amount of derivative positions may typically be expected to range from 20% to 100% of the Portfolio’s assets. The Investment Manager may change the Portfolio’s investment exposures frequently, and positions may be held for only a short period of time as the Investment Manager seeks to add value in different market environments in pursuit of the Portfolio’s total return objective. An investment in the Portfolio involves a high degree of risk.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic

99


conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Some debt securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity, and, during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could

100


be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward currency contracts, swap agreements, over-the-counter options on currencies and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related currency, interest rate, security, interest rate or other reference asset. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

Liquidity Risk. The lack of a readily available market may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell certain securities and other investments at the time and price it would like. The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may be relatively smaller in size than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio, by itself or together with other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may hold a position in a security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security; these factors can make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time or price.

Non-Diversification Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Explorer Total Return Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of broad measures of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

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Best Quarter:

Q2 16

3.74%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q2 18

-7.24%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

The Global Diversified Index shown in the table is an unmanaged index created by the Investment Manager, and is a 50/50 blend of the JPMorgan Emerging Market Bond Index Global Diversified Index and the JPMorgan Government Bond Index—Emerging Markets Global Diversified Index.

     

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

6/28/13

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-9.65%

-0.44%

-0.33%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-11.34%

-1.89%

-1.79%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-5.66%

-0.94%

-0.86%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

6/28/13

-9.97%

-0.78%

-0.66%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-9.65%

-0.44%

-0.33%

JP Morgan EMBI Global Diversified Index

 

-4.26%

4.80%

4.86%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

     
     

JPMorgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index

 

-6.21%

-0.96%

-1.23%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

     
     

Global Diversified Index

 

-5.15%

1.95%

1.84%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

102


Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Arif T. Joshi, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Debt team, has been with the Portfolio since June 2013.

Denise S. Simon, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Debt team, has been with the Portfolio since June 2013.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

103


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard US Corporate Income Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks maximum total return from a combination of capital appreciation and current income.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.55%

 

.55%

 

.55%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.09%

 

.31%

 

4.07%

 

        

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.02%

 

.02%

 

.02%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

.66%

 

1.13%

 

4.64%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement*

 

.09%

 

.26%

 

4.07%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.57%

 

.87%

 

.57%

 

* Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .55%, .85% and .55% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

** Excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement are .55%, .85% and .55% of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 58

$ 202

$ 359

$ 814

Open Shares

$ 89

$ 333

$ 597

$ 1,351

R6 Shares

$ 58

$ 1,031

$ 2,010

$ 4,491

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 16% of the average value of its portfolio.

104


Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in fixed-income securities issued by corporations or other non-governmental issuers similar to corporations, which securities are tied economically to the US. The Portfolio typically invests a substantial portion of its assets, and may invest up to 100% of its assets, in securities rated, at the time of purchase, below investment grade by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and as low as C or Ca by S&P or Moody’s, respectively, or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager (“junk bonds”); however, the Portfolio focuses such investments in below investment grade securities that may be considered “better quality” (i.e., rated B1 or higher by Moody’s, B+ or higher by S&P or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager). The Portfolio may invest in dollar-denominated securities of non-US companies, including, to a limited extent, in emerging market companies.

Although the Portfolio may invest in fixed-income securities without regard to their maturity, the Portfolio’s average weighted maturity is expected to range between two and ten years.

Securities are evaluated based on their fundamental and structural characteristics. Valuation analysis is tailored to the specific asset class, but may include credit research, prepayment or call options, maturity, duration, coupon, currency and country risks. The Portfolio is constructed using a bottom-up discipline in which the Investment Manager follows a systematic process to seek out undervalued opportunities within each sector.

The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in other securities which need not be fixed-income securities as described above and need not be tied economically to the US.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal

105


payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Emerging market countries can generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard US Corporate Income Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

13.08%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-4.20%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

1/02/98

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-2.73%

2.91%

8.07%

4.03%

106


      

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-25.78%

0.41%

9.09%

5.26%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-16.00%

12.80%

53.50%

1.66%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

2/24/98

-2.78%

2.66%

7.77%

3.53%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

11/03/16

-2.43%

N/A 

N/A

1.80%

ICE BofAML BB-B US Cash Pay Non-Distressed High Yield® Index

 

-2.01%

3.96%

8.74%

6.12%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

6.07%

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

2.90%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      
      
      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Jeffrey Clarke, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Fixed Income team, has been with the Portfolio since August 2017.

Eulogio (Joe) Ramos, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Fixed Income teams, has been with the Portfolio since February 2016.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

107


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks total return and preservation of capital.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.25%

 

.25%

 

.25%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.18%

 

37.50%

 

.18%

* 

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

.43%

 

38.00%

 

.43%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.03%

 

37.30%

 

.08%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.40%

 

.70%

 

.35%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .40%, .70% and .35% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 41

$ 135

$ 238

$ 539

Open Shares

$ 72

$ 5,598

$ 8,079

$ 9,827

R6 Shares

$ 36

$ 130

$ 233

$ 534

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 170% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in fixed-income securities of US issuers, including US government securities, corporate securities, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities, convertible securities, municipal securities, structured products, preferred stocks and inflation-indexed-securities.

108


These securities may have any type of interest rate payment terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate or zero coupon features. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio’s investment portfolio can be expected to have an average effective duration of three years or less. Duration is an estimate of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income security to a change in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the expected volatility. For example, the market price of a fixed-income security with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same security would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%.

The Portfolio invests primarily in securities that are rated investment grade by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (or, if unrated, determined by the Investment Manager to be of comparable quality).

Securities are evaluated based on their fundamental and structural characteristics. Valuation analysis is tailored to the specific asset class, but may include credit research and analysis of features such as prepayment or call options, maturity, duration and coupon.

The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in other securities which need not be fixed-income securities of US issuers.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities,

109


may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Adjustable rate or inflation-linked securities provide the Portfolio with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates or inflation rates, respectively, although adjustable rate securities will participate in any declines in interest rates and inflation-linked securities can also decline in value based on changes in the relevant periodic adjustment rate. Certain adjustable rate securities, such as those with interest rates that fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly loss of principal. Certain fixed-income securities may be issued at a discount from their face value (such as zero coupon securities) or purchased at a price less than their stated face amount or at a price less than their issue price plus the portion of “original issue discount” previously accrued thereon, i.e., purchased at a “market discount.” The amount of original issue discount and/or market discount on certain obligations may be significant, and accretion of market discount together with original issue discount will cause the Portfolio to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities.

Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Mortgage-related securities are complex instruments, subject to both credit and prepayment risk, and may be more volatile and less liquid, and more difficult to price accurately, than more traditional debt securities. Mortgage-related securities generally are subject to credit risks associated with the performance of the underlying mortgage properties. Prepayment risk can lead to fluctuations in value of the mortgage-related security which may be pronounced. As with other interest-bearing securities, the prices of certain mortgage-related securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates. However, although the value of a mortgage-related security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true, since during periods of declining interest rates the mortgages underlying the security are more likely to be prepaid.

The risks of asset-backed securities are similar to those of mortgage-related securities. However, asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not presented by mortgage-related securities. Primarily, these securities may provide the Portfolio with a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-related securities.

Structured Products Risk. Structured notes and other structured products are privately negotiated debt instruments where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to a specified asset, market or rate, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. Structured products can have risks of both fixed-income securities and derivatives transactions. Derivatives transactions may increase volatility or reduce returns, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested, and they are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related reference assets, markets or rates. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Use of derivatives transactions may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

Preferred Securities Risk. There are various risks associated with investing in preferred securities. In addition, unlike common stock, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited.

· Credit risk is the risk that a security held by the Portfolio will decline in price or the issuer of the security will fail to make dividend, interest or principal payments when due because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status.

· Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall.

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· Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer.

· Preferred securities are generally subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer’s capital structure in terms of having priority to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments.

· During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer may be able to exercise an option to call, or redeem its issue at par earlier than the scheduled maturity. If this occurs during a time of lower or declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities (and the Portfolio may not benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

· Certain preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks or US Government securities. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Portfolio or at prices approximating the value at which the Portfolio is carrying the securities on its books.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Emerging market countries can generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.

Government Securities Risk. Not all obligations of the US government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the US Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the US government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the Portfolio does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the Portfolio itself. A security backed by the US Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

111


  

Best Quarter:

Q2 12

1.22%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q2 13

-2.24%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

The Portfolio changed its investment strategy on June 28, 2013. Prior to that that date, the Portfolio invested in US municipal securities and the performance prior to June 28, 2013 reflects that investment strategy.

     

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

2/28/11

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

1.08%

0.67%

1.13%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

0.26%

0.21%

0.60%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

0.63%

0.31%

0.66%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

2/28/11

0.88%

0.61%

0.98%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

1.08%

0.67%

1.13%

Bank of America Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year US Treasury Index

 

1.59%

0.81%

0.81%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

     

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Eulogio (Joe) Ramos, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Fixed Income teams, has been with the Portfolio since February 2011.

George Grimbilas, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Fixed Income teams, has been with the Portfolio since February 2011.

112


John R. Senesac, Jr., portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Fixed Income teams, has been with the Portfolio since February 2011.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

113


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Global Fixed Income Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks total return from current income and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.50%

 

.50%

 

.50%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

3.11%

 

37.67%

 

3.11%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

3.61%

 

38.42%

 

3.61%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

2.91%

 

37.47%

 

2.96%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.70%

 

.95%

 

.65%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .70%, .95% and .65% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 72

$ 835

$ 1,620

$ 3,680

Open Shares

$ 100

$ 5,645

$ 8,103

$ 9,804

R6 Shares

$ 66

$ 830

$ 1,616

$ 3,676

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 60% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in Fixed Income Investments. “Fixed Income Investments” include all types of debt and income producing securities and other instruments, including bonds, notes (including structured notes), mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, Eurodollar and

114


Yankee dollar instruments, money market instruments and foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable forward contracts. Fixed Income Investments may be issued by US or foreign corporations or entities, including those with business activities located in emerging market countries; US or foreign banks; the US government, its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises; US state and municipal governments; foreign governments and their political subdivisions; and supranational organizations (such as the World Bank).

In managing the Portfolio’s assets, the Investment Manager employs a relative value approach that is driven by its macroeconomic view of global interest rates, yield curves, sector spreads, and currencies, combined with an opportunistic, but disciplined, security selection process. The Investment Manager seeks to enhance the Portfolio’s total return by rotating investments through global bond and credit markets, maintaining or seeking exposure to foreign currencies in the discretion of the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager seeks to identify and exploit market inefficiencies (such as spread relationships between sectors in different countries, and undervalued or overlooked markets and securities) in seeking to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Investment Manager also seeks to identify investment opportunities with asymmetric risk/reward characteristics in seeking to enhance portfolio performance and mitigate risk.

The Portfolio’s currency exposure generally is managed relative to that of the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate® Index—Unhedged in US dollar terms, and tactical exposures to non-US dollar currencies are based on the Investment Manager’s fundamental macroeconomic outlook, technical factors and the Investment Manager’s desired market positioning.

Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in issuers organized or located outside the US or doing a substantial amount of business outside the US, securities denominated in a foreign currency or foreign currency forward contracts. The Investment Manager allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various regions, countries and currencies, including the United States and the US dollar (but in no less than three different countries or currencies). The Portfolio may invest in securities of issuers with business activities located in emerging market countries or denominated in an emerging market currency.

The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its assets in securities that are rated below investment grade (e.g., lower than Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or lower than BBB by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group) (“junk bonds”) or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager. There are no restrictions on the Portfolio’s average portfolio maturity or duration or on the maturities of the individual debt and income producing securities and other instruments in which it may invest. Duration is an estimate of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income security to a change in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the expected volatility. For example, the market price of a fixed-income security with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same security would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments that are part of its primary investment strategy, such as forward currency contracts, for hedging purposes.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

115


Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Some debt securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity, and, during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

Adjustable rate or inflation-linked securities provide the Portfolio with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates or inflation rates, respectively, although adjustable rate securities will participate in any declines in interest rates and inflation-linked securities can also decline in value based on changes in the relevant periodic adjustment rate. Certain adjustable rate securities, such as those with interest rates that fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly loss of principal. Certain fixed-income securities may be issued at a discount from their face value (such as zero coupon securities) or purchased at a price less than their stated face amount or at a price less than their issue price plus the portion of “original issue discount” previously accrued thereon, i.e., purchased at a “market discount.” The amount of original issue discount and/or market discount on certain obligations may be significant, and accretion of market discount together with original issue discount will cause the Portfolio to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities.

Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Mortgage-related securities are complex instruments, subject to both credit and prepayment risk, and may be more volatile and less liquid, and more difficult to price accurately, than more traditional debt securities. Mortgage-related securities generally are subject to credit risks associated with the performance of the underlying mortgage properties. Prepayment risk can lead to fluctuations in value of the mortgage-related security which may be pronounced. As with other interest-bearing securities, the

116


prices of certain mortgage-related securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates. However, although the value of a mortgage-related security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true, since during periods of declining interest rates the mortgages underlying the security are more likely to be prepaid.

The risks of asset-backed securities are similar to those of mortgage-related securities. However, asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not presented by mortgage-related securities. Primarily, these securities may provide the Portfolio with a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-related securities.

Structured Products Risk. Structured notes and other structured products are privately negotiated debt instruments where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to a specified asset, market or rate, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. Structured products can have risks of both fixed-income securities and derivatives transactions. Derivatives transactions may increase volatility or reduce returns, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested, and they are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related reference assets, markets or rates. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Use of derivatives transactions may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies.

Liquidity Risk. The lack of a readily available market may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell certain securities and other investments at the time and price it would like. The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may be relatively smaller in size than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio, by itself or together with other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may hold a position in a security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security; these factors can make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time or price.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward currency contracts, structured products and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are

117


subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related currency or other reference asset. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Global Fixed Income Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q1 16

5.14%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 16

-7.01%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

     

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

3/30/12

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-2.06%

0.34%

0.11%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-29.80%

-0.30%

-0.46%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-12.10%

-0.01%

-0.15%

118


     

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

3/30/12

-2.31%

0.05%

-0.19%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-2.06%

0.34%

0.11%

Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Index

 

-1.20%

1.08%

0.91%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

     
     
     

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Yvette Klevan, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Fixed Income team, has been with the Portfolio since March 2012.

Jared Daniels, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Fixed Income team, has been with the Portfolio since March 2012.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

119


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard US Realty Equity Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio’s primary investment objective is long-term capital appreciation, with current income, including interest and dividends from portfolio securities, as a secondary objective.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

.75%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.34%

 

.29%

 

.34%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.09%

 

1.29%

 

1.09%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.09%

 

 

.14%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

1.00%

 

1.29%

 

.95%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio through May 1, 2029, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.00%, 1.30% and 0.95% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund's Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement described above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 102

$ 318

$ 552

$ 1,225

Open Shares

$ 131

$ 409

$ 708

$ 1,556

R6 Shares

$ 97

$ 303

$ 525

$ 1,166

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 52% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities (including common, convertible and preferred stocks) of US Realty Companies (defined below), as well as certain synthetic

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instruments related to US Realty Companies. Such synthetic instruments are investments that have economic characteristics similar to the Portfolio’s direct investments in US Realty Companies and may include warrants, rights, options and shares of exchange-traded open-end management investment companies (“ETFs”).

The Investment Manager conducts proprietary quantitative, qualitative and on-site real estate analysis to select the Portfolio’s investments, which may include, as appropriate, research at the macroeconomic, sector, company and property level. The Investment Manager’s individual company research may consider a number of quantitative measures, including earnings growth potential, price to earnings or free cash flow multiples, price to net asset value ratios, dividend yield and potential for growth, return on equity and return on assets, as well as qualitative factors such as overall business and growth strategy and quality of management.

“Realty Companies” are real estate-related companies of any size including, but not limited to, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), real estate operating or service companies and companies in the homebuilding, lodging and hotel industries, as well as companies engaged in the natural resources and utility industries, and other companies whose investments, balance sheets or income statements are real estate-intensive (i.e., the company’s actual or anticipated revenues, profits, assets, services or products are related to real estate including, but not limited to, the ownership, renting, leasing, construction, management, development or financing of commercial, industrial or residential real estate).

The Portfolio may invest in issuers of any market capitalization and securities of any maturity, and the Portfolio’s investments also may include securities purchased in initial public offerings (“IPOs”).

The Portfolio also may invest up to 20% of its assets in equity and fixed-income securities and instruments of companies or entities (which need not be US Realty Companies), including, but not limited to, securities of non-US companies and other investment companies.

The Portfolio’s investments in preferred stock and convertible and fixed income securities may include securities which, at the time of purchase, are rated below “investment grade” by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager (“junk bonds”).

In addition to purchasing options, the Portfolio may, but is not required to, write put and covered call options on securities and indexes, for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Preferred Securities Risk. There are various risks associated with investing in preferred securities. In addition, unlike common stock, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited.

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· Credit risk is the risk that a security held by the Portfolio will decline in price or the issuer of the security will fail to make dividend, interest or principal payments when due because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status.

· Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall.

· Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer.

· Preferred securities are generally subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer’s capital structure in terms of having priority to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments.

· During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer may be able to exercise an option to call, or redeem its issue at par earlier than the scheduled maturity. If this occurs during a time of lower or declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities (and the Portfolio may not benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

· Certain preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks or US Government securities. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Portfolio or at prices approximating the value at which the Portfolio is carrying the securities on its books.

Other Equity Securities Risk. The market value of a convertible security tends to perform like that of a regular debt security so that, if market interest rates rise, the value of the convertible security falls. Investments in rights and warrants involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid market for resale, price fluctuations and the failure of the price of the underlying security to reach a level at which the right or warrant can be prudently exercised, in which case the right or warrant may expire without being exercised and result in a loss of a Portfolio’s entire investment.

Realty Companies Risk. Since the Portfolio focuses its investments in Realty Companies, the Portfolio could lose money due to the performance of real estate-related securities even if securities markets generally are experiencing positive results. The performance of investments made by the Portfolio may be determined to a great extent by the current status of the real estate industry in general, or by other factors (such as interest rates and the availability of loan capital) that may affect the real estate industry, even if other industries would not be so affected. Consequently, the investment strategies of the Portfolio could lead to securities investment results that may be significantly different from investments in securities of other industries or sectors or in a more broad-based portfolio generally.

The risks related to investments in Realty Companies include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic and local market conditions; adverse developments in employment; changes in supply or demand for similar or competing properties; unfavorable changes in applicable taxes, governmental regulations and interest rates; operating or development expenses; and lack of available financing.

Due to certain special considerations that apply to REITs, investments in REITs may carry additional risks not necessarily present in investments in other securities. REIT securities (including those trading on national exchanges) typically have trading volumes that are less than those of common stocks of non-Realty Companies traded on national exchanges, which may affect a Portfolio’s ability to trade or liquidate those securities. An investment in REITs may be adversely affected if the REIT fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including failing to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Failure to qualify with any of these requirements could jeopardize a company’s status as a REIT. The Portfolio generally will have no control over the operations and policies of a REIT, and the Portfolio generally will have no ability to cause a REIT to take the actions necessary to qualify as a REIT.

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Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Non-Diversification Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Emerging market countries can generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries

Options Risk. Writing options on securities and indexes, including for hedging purposes, may increase volatility or reduce returns, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested, and may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions. Writing options is subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related security or index. As such, a small commitment to written options could potentially have a relatively large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Purchasing options will reduce returns by the amount of premiums paid for options that are not exercised. Over-the-counter options purchased on securities and indexes are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid.

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Investment Companies and ETF Risk. Any investments in other investment companies and ETFs are subject to the risks of the investments of the investment companies and ETFs, as well as to the general risks of investing in investment companies and ETFs. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of any other investment companies and ETFs in which the Portfolio invests.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward currency contracts, structured products and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related currency or other reference asset. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

IPO Shares Risk. The prices of securities purchased in IPOs can be very volatile. The effect of IPOs on the Portfolio’s performance depends on a variety of factors, including the number of IPOs the Portfolio invests in relative to the size of the Portfolio and whether and to what extent a security purchased in an IPO appreciates or depreciates in value. As the Portfolio’s asset base increases, IPOs may have a diminished effect on the Portfolio’s performance.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Open Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard US Realty Equity Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The Portfolio commenced operations after all of the assets of an investment company advised by Grubb & Ellis Alesco Global Advisors, LLC, Grubb & Ellis AGA U.S. Realty Fund (the “Predecessor Realty Equity Fund”), were transferred to the Portfolio in exchange for Open Shares of the Portfolio in a tax-free reorganization on September 23, 2011. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Open Shares (or the Predecessor Realty Equity Fund’s Class A shares, prior to September 23, 2011) has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

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Best Quarter:

Q3 09

36.29%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-17.99%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Open Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Open Shares:

12/31/08

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-8.06%

6.33%

14.74%

14.74%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-9.11%

4.66%

11.93%

11.93%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-4.42%

4.59%

11.33%

11.32%

Institutional Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

9/26/11

-7.77%

6.63%

N/A

10.37%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-7.77%

6.63%

N/A

10.37%

MSCI US REIT Index

 

-5.83%

6.43%

N/A

8.60%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

10.75%

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

8.60%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      
      

MSCI USA IMI Core Real Estate Index

 

-4.33%

N/A

N/A 

N/A

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

 

      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Jay P. Leupp, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager's Global Real Estate Securities team, has been with the Portfolio since December 2008.

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Christopher Hartung, a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager's Global Real Estate Securities team, has been with the Portfolio since September 2018.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

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Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks total return.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.90%

 

.90%

 

.90%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.05%

 

.05%

 

.05%

        

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.01%

 

.01%

 

.01%

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses**

 

.96%

 

1.21%

 

.96%

 

* Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using amounts for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses are .95%, 1.20% and .95% of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 98

$ 306

$ 531

$ 1,178

Open Shares

$ 123

$ 384

$ 665

$ 1,466

R6 Shares

$ 98

$ 306

$ 531

$ 1,178

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 49% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of infrastructure companies and concentrates its investments in industries represented by infrastructure companies. Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) focuses on companies with a minimum market capitalization of $250 million that own physical infrastructure and which the Investment Manager believes are undervalued.

127


Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of infrastructure companies, which consist of utilities, pipelines, toll roads, airports, railroads, ports, telecommunications and other infrastructure companies, with securities listed on a national or other recognized securities exchange.

Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in infrastructure companies organized or located outside the US or doing a substantial amount of business outside the US. The Investment Manager allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries). The Portfolio may invest in equity securities of companies with some business activities located in emerging market countries.

The Investment Manager generally seeks to substantially hedge foreign currency exposure in the Portfolio against movements relative to the US dollar by entering into foreign currency forward contracts, although the Portfolio’s total foreign currency exposure may not be fully hedged at all times.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Infrastructure Companies Risk. Securities and instruments of infrastructure companies are more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting their industries. Infrastructure companies may be subject to a variety of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction programs, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown, surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel at reasonable prices, the effects of energy conservation policies and other factors. Infrastructure companies also may be affected by or subject to, among other factors, regulation by various government authorities, including rate regulation, and service interruption due to environmental, operational or other mishaps.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market

128


conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Foreign Currency and Foreign Currency Hedging Risk. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Investment Manager may not be able to accurately predict movements in exchange rates and there may be imperfect correlations between movements in exchange rates that could cause the Portfolio to incur significant losses. Currency investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies.

Forward Currency Contracts Risk. Forward currency contracts may increase volatility or reduce returns, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward currency contracts are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty to the contracts and can be illiquid. These contracts are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related currency. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce return. Successful use of derivatives is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market. Use of forward currency contracts, even when entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Focused Investing Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of broad measures of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

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Best Quarter:

Q3 10

12.17%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q3 11

-9.85%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

The Global Listed Infrastructure Index (USD Hedged) is an index created by the Portfolio’s Investment Manager, which is the performance of the UBS Global 50/50 Infrastructure & Utilities® Index (Hedged) for all periods through March 31, 2015, when the index ceased to be published, and the FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50® Index (Hedged) for all periods thereafter.

     

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

12/31/09

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-3.73%

10.38%

11.05%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-6.39%

7.74%

9.28%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

0.15%

7.72%

8.81%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

12/31/09

-3.98%

10.09%

10.72%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-3.73%

10.38%

11.05%

Global Listed Infrastructure Index (USD Hedged)

 

2.56%

9.38%

9.04%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

     
     

MSCI World Index

 

-8.71%

4.56%

7.61%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

     

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Bertrand Cliquet, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams, has been with the Portfolio since September 2017.

130


Matthew Landy, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams, has been with the Portfolio since March 2016.

John Mulquiney, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2009.

Warryn Robertson, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2009.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

131


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks total return consisting of appreciation and income.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.70%

 

.70%

 

.70%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

1.34%

 

12.77%

 

1.34%

        

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.02%

 

.02%

 

.02%

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

2.06%

 

13.74%

 

2.06%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

1.14%

 

12.57%

 

1.19%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement***

 

.92%

 

1.17%

 

.87%

 

* Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using amounts for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .90%, 1.15% and .85% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

*** Excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement are .90%, 1.15% and .85% of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 94

$ 535

$ 1,003

$ 2,299

Open Shares

$ 119

$ 2,729

$ 4,902

$ 8,875

R6 Shares

$ 89

$ 531

$ 999

$ 2,295

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 72% of the average value of its portfolio.

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Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in real assets and pricing opportunities investments, including instruments providing exposure to such investments (such as derivative instruments).

“Real assets” are considered by the Portfolio to be:

(i) assets that have physical properties, such as:

· natural resources, such as energy and materials (e.g., metals and mining, paper and forestry and chemicals)

· real estate, such as real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and real estate operating companies (“Real Estate Investments”)

· equipment and industrials, such as tools, hardware, machinery and other industrial components

· infrastructure, such as utilities, transport, communications, pipelines, seaports, airports and toll roads

· commodities, such as physical commodities with tangible properties such as gas, oil, metals, livestock or agricultural products

(ii) companies that own or derive a significant portion of their value from such assets listed above or the production thereof; and (iii) inflation-indexed securities.

“Pricing opportunities” investments are made in companies that the Investment Manager believes may perform well during periods of high inflation. Such companies may include those in the consumer discretionary, consumer staples, health care, information technology and telecommunications services sectors.

Allocation of the Portfolio’s assets by the Investment Manager among these real assets categories and pricing opportunities sectors will vary, and over time exposures to new categories and sectors may be added or exposures to existing categories and sectors may be eliminated.

The Portfolio may invest in a mix of equity and fixed income securities of US and non-US companies, including emerging markets companies, as well as commodity-linked and other derivative instruments. In addition to investing in inflation-indexed fixed income securities (which may be of any credit quality or maturity), the Portfolio may invest in fixed income securities, typically government securities (which may be of various maturities), in connection with the Portfolio’s derivatives exposures (i.e., a type of margin or collateral). The Portfolio’s investments in fixed income securities also may include securities which, at the time of purchase, are rated below “investment grade” by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager (“junk bonds”). The Portfolio also may invest in exchange-traded open-end management investment companies (“ETFs”) and similar products such as exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy. The Portfolio may invest in companies of any market capitalization.

The Portfolio may gain exposure to the commodity markets by investing up to 25% of the Portfolio’s total assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands (the “Subsidiary”), which invests mainly in commodity-linked derivative instruments (including, but not limited to, futures contracts, options and total return swaps) and fixed income securities, typically government securities, in connection with the Subsidiary’s derivatives exposures (i.e., a type of margin or collateral).

The Investment Manager’s process for selecting investments for the Portfolio may include a variety of approaches, such a fundamental, bottom-up analysis, qualitative evaluations and quantitative models or a combination of these or other approaches. The process used will usually vary for different types of real assets categories, or category subsets.

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In addition, the Portfolio may, but is not required to (1) enter into futures contracts; forward currency contracts; equity, total return, interest rate, credit default and currency swap agreements; (2) write put and call options on securities (including ETFs), indexes and currencies; and (3) invest in structured notes, in each case for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns, including as a substitute for a direct investment in securities. When the Portfolio or the Subsidiary enters into derivatives transactions, it may be required to segregate liquid assets or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Allocation Risk. The Portfolio’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends in part on the Investment Manager’s skill in determining the Portfolio’s allocation among real assets categories. The Investment Manager’s evaluations and assumptions underlying its allocation decisions may differ from actual market conditions.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Natural Resources Risk. Investments related to natural resources may be affected by numerous factors, including events occurring in nature, inflationary pressures and domestic and international politics. For example, events occurring in nature (such as earthquakes or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as coups or military confrontations) can affect the overall supply of a natural resource and the value of companies involved in such natural resource. Political risks and other risks to which non-US companies are subject also may affect US companies if they have significant operations or investments in non-US countries. In addition, interest rates, prices of raw materials and other commodities, international economic developments, energy conservation, tax and other government regulations (both US and non-US) may affect the supply of and demand for natural resources, which can affect the profitability and value of securities issued by companies in the natural resources category. Securities of companies within specific natural resources sub-categories can perform differently than the overall market. This may be due to changes in such things as the regulatory or competitive environment or to changes in investor perceptions.

Real Estate Investments Risk. The Portfolio’s investments in Real Estate Investments could lose money due to the performance of real estate-related securities even if securities markets generally are experiencing positive results. The performance of investments made by the Portfolio may be determined to a great extent by the current status of the real estate industry in general, or by other factors (such as interest rates and the availability of loan capital) that may affect the real estate industry, even if other industries would not be so affected. Consequently, Real Estate Investments could lead to investment results that may be significantly different from investments in other real assets categories or investments in the broader securities markets.

The risks related to investments in Real Estate Investments include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic and local market conditions; adverse developments in employment; changes in supply or demand for similar or competing properties; unfavorable changes in applicable taxes, governmental regulations and interest rates; operating or development expenses; and lack of available financing.

Due to certain special considerations that apply to REITs, investments in REITs may carry additional risks not necessarily present in investments in other securities. REIT securities (including those trading on national

134


exchanges) typically have trading volumes that are less than those of other types of stocks traded on national exchanges, which may affect the Portfolio’s ability to trade or liquidate those securities. An investment in REITs may be adversely affected if the REIT fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including failing to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Failure to qualify with any of these requirements could jeopardize a company’s status as a REIT. The Portfolio generally will have no control over the operations and policies of a REIT, and the Portfolio generally will have no ability to cause a REIT to take the actions necessary to qualify as a REIT.

Infrastructure Companies Risk. Securities and instruments of infrastructure companies are more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting their industries. Infrastructure companies may be subject to a variety of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction programs, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown, surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel at reasonable prices, the effects of energy conservation policies and other factors. Infrastructure companies also may be affected by or subject to, among other factors, regulation by various government authorities, including rate regulation, and service interruption due to environmental, operational or other mishaps.

Commodities-Related Investments Risk. Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Portfolio and the Subsidiary to greater volatility than other types of investments. The values of commodities and commodity-linked derivative instruments are affected by events that may have less impact on the values of equity and fixed income securities. Investments linked to the prices of commodities are considered speculative. Because the value of a commodity-linked derivative instrument, such as a futures contract on a physical commodity, typically is based upon the price movements of the underlying reference asset, index or rate, the value of these instruments will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying reference asset, index or rate. Prices of commodities and commodity-linked investments may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of factors, including: changes in supply and demand relationships; weather; agricultural or livestock markets; agricultural or livestock disease or pestilence; trade relationships; fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs; and embargoes, tariffs, terrorism and international economic, political, military and regulatory developments.

Inflation-Indexed Security Risk. Interest payments on inflation-indexed securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is periodically adjusted based on the rate of inflation. If the index measuring inflation falls, the interest payable on these securities will be reduced. The US Treasury has guaranteed that, in the event of a drop in prices, it would repay the par amount of its inflation-indexed securities. Inflation-indexed securities issued by corporations generally do not guarantee repayment of principal. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed security will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity. As a result, the Portfolio may be required to make annual distributions to shareholders that exceed the cash the Portfolio received, which may cause the Portfolio to liquidate certain investments when it is not advantageous to do so. Also, if the principal value of an inflation-indexed security is adjusted downward due to deflation, amounts previously distributed may be characterized in some circumstances as a return of capital.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased

135


redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Some debt securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity, and, during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

Structured notes are privately negotiated debt instruments where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to a specified asset, market or rate, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. Structured notes can have risks of both debt securities and derivatives transactions.

Government Securities Risk. Not all obligations of the US government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the US Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the US government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the Portfolio does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the Portfolio itself. A security backed by the US Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Quantitative Model Risk. A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used by the Investment Manager requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s ability to monitor and, if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various factors including incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s value can change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition, factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value.

136


Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies.

Liquidity Risk. The lack of a readily available market may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell certain securities and other investments at the time and price it would like. The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may be relatively smaller in size than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio, by itself or together with other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may hold a position in a security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security; these factors can make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time or price.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Over-the-counter swap agreements, forward currency contracts, over-the-counter options on securities (including ETFs), indexes and currencies, structured notes and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid and difficult to value. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the reference asset, index or rate. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions. The same risks, as applicable, apply to derivatives transactions by the Subsidiary.

ETFs and Similar Products Risk. Shares of ETFs and similar products such as ETNs in which the Portfolio may invest may trade at prices that vary from their net asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs, ETNs and similar products may trade at prices at, below or above their most recent net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. ETNs may not trade in the secondary market, but typically are redeemable by the issuer. The Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and similar products are subject to the risks of investments made by the ETFs and similar products, as well as to the general risks of investing in ETFs and similar products. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs and similar products in which the Portfolio invests. While ETNs do not have management fees, they are subject to certain investor fees. ETNs are debt securities that, like ETFs, typically are listed on exchanges and their terms generally provide for a return that tracks specified market indexes. However, unlike ETFs, ETNs are not registered investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act. In addition, as debt securities, ETNs are subject to the additional risk of the creditworthiness of the issuer. ETNs typically do not make periodic interest payments.

137


Tax Status Risk. Income and gains from commodities or certain commodity-linked derivative instruments do not constitute “qualifying income” to the Portfolio for purposes of qualification as a “regulated investment company” for federal income tax purposes. Without such qualification, the Portfolio could be subject to tax. The tax treatment of some of the Portfolio’s investments in the Subsidiary and commodity-linked derivatives may be adversely affected by future legislation, regulations of the US Treasury Department or guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Portfolio.

Subsidiary Risk. The Portfolio invests in the Subsidiary, which is not registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. A regulatory change in the US or the Cayman Islands, under which the Portfolio and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, that impacts the Subsidiary or how the Portfolio invests in the Subsidiary, such as a change in tax law, could adversely affect the Portfolio. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments, which generally include the risks of investing in commodity-related derivative instruments (described elsewhere in this Prospectus).

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q4 17

3.47%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-7.23%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares

138


because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

The Real Assets Custom Index shown in the table is an unmanaged index created by the Investment Manager, and is comprised of 20% MSCI World (Net) Index, 20% MSCI World Core Infrastructure USD Hedged Index, 20% MSCI ACWI IMI Core Real Estate Index, 20% Bloomberg Barclays Commodity Total Return Index and 20% Bloomberg Barclays World Government Inflation-Linked 1-10 Year USD Hedged Index. The Portfolio considers the Real Assets Index to be a more suitable benchmark to compare the Portfolio’s performance given the Portfolio’s investment policies than the 70% MSCI World (Hedged USD) Index/30% Barclays World Inflation Linked Bonds (Hedged USD) Index. Performance of the 70/30 Index will not be shown in the future.

    

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

12/30/16

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-7.55%

0.79%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-8.77%

-0.24%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-3.80%

0.48%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

1/09/17

-7.79%

0.39%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-7.55%

0.79%

MSCI World Index

 

-8.71%

5.71%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

4.98%

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

5.71%

 

 

 

(R6)

    
    

70% MSCI World (USD Hedged) Index / 30% Barclays World Inflation-Linked Bond (USD Hedged) Index

 

-4.41%

4.61%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

4.14%

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

4.61%

 

 

 

(R6)

Real Assets Custom Index

 

-4.92%

2.83%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

2.63%

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

2.83%

 

 

 

(R6)

    

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Jai Jacob, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since December 2016.

Stephen Marra, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since December 2016.

139


Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

140


Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks current income and long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.95%

 

.95%

 

.95%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend Expenses on Securities Sold Short2

 

.44%

 

.44%

 

.44%

1

Borrowing Expenses on Securities Sold Short3

 

.65%

 

.65%

 

.65%

1

Remainder of Other Expenses

 

1.74%

 

12.19%

 

1.74%

1

Total Other Expenses

 

2.83%

 

13.28%

 

2.83%

1

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.09%

 

.09%

 

.09%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

3.87%

 

14.57%

 

3.87%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement4

 

1.44%

 

11.89%

 

1.49%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement5

 

2.43%

 

2.68%

 

2.38%

 

1 Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using amounts for Institutional Shares for the last fiscal year.

2 When there is a cash dividend declared on a security the Portfolio has borrowed to sell short, the Portfolio pays the lender an amount equal to the dividend and this payment is recorded as an expense.

3 Net borrowing expenses on securities sold short, in which the Portfolio may receive income or be charged a fee on the borrowed securities.

4 Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020 to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.25%, 1.50% and 1.20% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

5 Excluding Dividend Expenses on Securities Sold Short and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement are 1.25%, 1.50% and 1.20% of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 259

$ 1,117

$ 1,989

$ 4,235

Open Shares

$ 349

$ 3,173

$ 5,436

$ 9,316

R6 Shares

$ 254

$ 1,112

$ 1,985

$ 4,232

        

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Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 312% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective over a full market cycle through a hedged strategy investing primarily in convertible fixed income and preferred securities (including those rated below investment grade (“junk”)). The strategy utilizes a relative value approach, focusing on convertible securities that are considered to have low volatility. It is expected that the Portfolio will invest primarily in small and mid cap companies. The Portfolio also will utilize selective strategy level and position level hedges, primarily through short selling and derivatives, seeking to minimize macro risk (equity and credit) and interest rate risk. The Portfolio may invest in convertible debt and preferred securities of any maturity and any quality. Convertible securities held in the Portfolio generally are expected to have maturities between three and seven years at the time of investment, or between five and seven years if invested at issuance. Preferred securities generally are of perpetual maturities, callable at various points determined by the issuer. The Portfolio management team utilizes bottom up fundamental credit, equity and quantitative analysis in conjunction with top down macroeconomic analysis to identify individual securities believed to offer compelling value versus comparable risk return.

The Portfolio will generally have short positions through selling securities “short” and through investments in derivative instruments, principally swap agreements on individual securities, and may use short positions to seek to increase returns or to reduce risk. A short sale involves the sale of a security that the Portfolio does not own in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable therefor) at a later date and at a lower price and profiting from the price decline. Similarly, when taking short positions with respect to securities through investments in derivative instruments, the Investment Manager is expecting the value of such securities to fall during the period of the Portfolio’s investment exposure.

Although the Portfolio’s investment focus is US companies, the Portfolio also may invest in non-US companies, including depositary receipts and shares. At certain times, based on the currently existing market environment, the Investment Manager may not believe it is able to find sufficient opportunities to invest in convertible fixed income and preferred securities and/or take short positions and may determine to tactically shift the Portfolio to invest substantially in money market instruments, such as short-term US Treasury securities and certificates of deposit.

The Portfolio may invest in exchange-traded open-end management investment companies (“ETFs”) and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

In addition, the Portfolio may, but is not required to (1) enter into futures and forward currency contracts and equity, interest rate, credit default and currency swap agreements; and (2) write put and call options on securities (including ETFs), indexes and currencies, in each case for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns.

It is expected that the Portfolio will buy and sell securities, and take short positions in securities, frequently in connection with implementing its investment strategy.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

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Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Short Position Risk. Short positions may involve substantial risks. If a short position appreciates in value during the period of the Portfolio’s investment, there will be a loss to the Portfolio that could be substantial. Short positions involve more risk than long positions because the maximum sustainable loss on a security purchased is limited to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs. However, the Portfolio’s potential loss on a short position is unlimited because, theoretically, there is no limit to the potential price increase of a security.

Convertible Securities Risk. The market value of convertible securities may perform like that of non-convertible fixed income securities; that is, their prices move inversely with changes in interest rates (i.e., as interest rates go up, prices go down). In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security also is subject to the same types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Some debt securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity, and, during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

Adjustable rate or inflation-linked securities provide the Portfolio with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates or inflation rates, respectively, although adjustable rate securities will participate in any declines in interest rates and inflation-linked securities can also decline in value based on changes in the relevant periodic adjustment rate. Certain adjustable rate securities, such as those with interest rates that fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly loss of principal. Certain fixed-income securities may be issued at a discount from their face value (such as zero coupon securities) or purchased at a

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price less than their stated face amount or at a price less than their issue price plus the portion of “original issue discount” previously accrued thereon, i.e., purchased at a “market discount.” The amount of original issue discount and/or market discount on certain obligations may be significant, and accretion of market discount together with original issue discount will cause the Portfolio to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities.

Preferred Securities Risk. There are various risks associated with investing in preferred securities. In addition, unlike common stock, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited.

· Credit risk is the risk that a security held by the Portfolio will decline in price or the issuer of the security will fail to make dividend, interest or principal payments when due because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status.

· Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall.

· Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer.

· Preferred securities are generally subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer’s capital structure in terms of having priority to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments.

· During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer may be able to exercise an option to call, or redeem its issue at par earlier than the scheduled maturity. If this occurs during a time of lower or declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities (and the Portfolio may not benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

· Certain preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks or US Government securities. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Portfolio or at prices approximating the value at which the Portfolio is carrying the securities on its books.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Over-the-counter swap agreements, forward currency contracts, over-the-counter options on securities (including options on ETFs), indexes and currencies and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related security, interest rate, index, commodity, currency or other reference asset. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

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Counterparty Credit Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy is dependent on counterparties to its securities borrowing transactions in connection with short sales of securities and counterparties to derivatives transactions. Transactions with such counterparties are subject to the risk of default by a counterparty, which could result in a loss of Portfolio assets used as collateral or the loss of monies owed to the Portfolio by a counterparty.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Leverage Risk. The use of leverage, which the Portfolio’s strategy entails, may magnify the Portfolio’s gains or losses.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Market Direction Risk. Since the Portfolio will typically hold both long and short positions, an investment in the Portfolio will involve market risks associated with different types of investment decisions than those made for a typical “long only” fund. The Portfolio’s results will suffer both when there is a general market advance and the Portfolio holds significant “short” positions, or when there is a general market decline and the Portfolio holds significant “long” positions. In recent years, the markets have shown considerable volatility from day to day and even in intra-day trading.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure.

Non-Diversification Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

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ETF Risk. Shares of ETFs may trade at prices that vary from their net asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs may trade at prices at, below or above their most recent net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. The Portfolio’s investments in ETFs are subject to the risks of such ETF’s investments, as well as to the general risks of investing in ETFs. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests. The Portfolio may be limited by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in the amount of its assets that may be invested in ETFs unless an ETF has received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission on which the Portfolio may rely or an exemption is available.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of a broad measure of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q3 16

2.33%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-2.70%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares

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because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

    

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

12/31/14

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-1.43%

1.46%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-2.41%

-0.99%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-0.81%

0.06%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

12/31/14

-1.68%

1.20%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-1.43%

1.46%

ICE BofAML U.S. Convertible ex Mandatory Index

 

0.65%

6.05%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    
    

HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index

 

-7.01%

-0.67%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Sean Reynolds, a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s capital structure and convertibles-based teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2014.

Frank Bianco, a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s capital structure and convertibles-based teams, has been with the Portfolio since December 2014.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

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Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.15%

 

2.97%

 

.15%

        

Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses

 

.37%

 

.37%

 

.37%

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.52%

 

4.59%

 

1.52%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.13%

 

2.90%

 

.13%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement***

 

1.39%

 

1.69%

 

1.39%

 

* Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using amounts for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 1.02%, 1.32% and 1.02% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

*** Excluding Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses, the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement are 1.02%, 1.32% and 1.02% of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 142

$ 468

$ 817

$ 1,801

Open Shares

$ 172

$ 1,124

$ 2,084

$ 4,519

R6 Shares

$ 142

$ 468

$ 817

$ 1,801

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 227% of the average value of its portfolio.

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Principal Investment Strategies

The Portfolio utilizes an asset allocation strategy to invest in a global portfolio of uncorrelated assets that can include exposure, through underlying vehicles, to stocks, bonds, commodities and other investments.

The Portfolio invests primarily in exchange-traded open-end management investment companies (“ETFs”) and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy, as well as actively managed closed-end management investment companies (“closed-end funds”) and exchange-traded notes (“ETNs” and collectively with ETFs and closed-end funds, “Underlying Funds”). ETFs and ETNs in which the Portfolio may invest include both ETFs and ETNs designed to correlate directly with an index and ETFs and ETNs designed to correlate inversely with an index and may include actively-managed ETFs. The Portfolio, through Underlying Funds in which it invests, may invest in non-US companies (including those in emerging markets), and the Portfolio also may invest directly in equity and debt securities in addition to its investments in Underlying Funds. The Portfolio’s investment portfolio is concentrated in a relatively small number of holdings (generally 10 to 30). Investors can invest directly in Underlying Funds and do not need to invest in Underlying Funds through mutual funds or separately managed accounts.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to (1) enter into equity, total return and currency swap agreements; futures contracts and options on futures contracts (including with respect to index and commodities); and forward currency contracts; and (2) write put and covered call options on securities (including ETFs and ETNs), indexes and currencies, in each case for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns, including as a substitute for purchasing an Underlying Fund.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, effect short sales of securities. A short sale involves the sale of a security that the Portfolio does not own in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable therefor) at a later date and at a lower price and profiting from the price decline. Similarly, when taking short positions with respect to securities through investments in derivative instruments, the Investment Manager is expecting the value of such securities to fall during the period of the Portfolio’s investment exposure.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified, investment portfolios.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Underlying Funds Risk. Shares of ETFs and closed-end funds in which the Portfolio invests may trade at prices that vary from their net asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs and closed-end funds may trade at prices at, below or above their most recent net asset value. Shares of closed-end funds, in particular, frequently trade at persistent discounts to their net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. ETNs may not trade in the secondary market, but typically are redeemable by the issuer. The Portfolio’s investments in Underlying Funds are subject to the risks of Underlying Funds’ investments, as well as to the general risks of investing in Underlying Funds. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their

149


proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs and closed-end funds in which the Portfolio invests. While ETNs do not have management fees, they are subject to certain investor fees. ETNs are debt securities that, like ETFs, typically are listed on exchanges and their terms generally provide for a return that tracks specified market indexes. However, unlike ETFs and closed-end funds, ETNs are not registered investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act. In addition, as debt securities, ETNs are subject to the additional risk of the creditworthiness of the issuer. ETNs typically do not make periodic interest payments.

The Portfolio may be limited by the 1940 Act in the amount of its assets that may be invested in ETFs and closed-end funds unless an ETF or a closed-end fund has received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission on which the Portfolio may rely or an exemption is available.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these

150


securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Focused Investing Risk. The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Short Position Risk. Short positions may involve substantial risks. If a short position appreciates in value during the period of the Portfolio’s investment, there will be a loss to the Portfolio that could be substantial. Short positions involve more risk than long positions because the maximum sustainable loss on a security purchased is limited to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs. However, the Portfolio’s potential loss on a short position is unlimited because, theoretically, there is no limit to the potential price increase of a security.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Over-the-counter swap agreements, forward currency contracts, over-the-counter options on securities (including options on ETFs and ETNs), indexes and currencies and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related index, commodity, interest rate, currency, security or other reference asset. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of broad measures of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year over the past 10 calendar years. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past

151


performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q2 09

14.66%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-12.77%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

The Global Asset Allocation Blended Index is rebalanced quarterly and is a blended index constructed by the Investment Manager that is comprised of 60% MSCI World Index and 40% Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Index.

      

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

5 Years

10 Years

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

3/26/08

 

 

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-12.72%

1.69%

5.99%

2.94%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-14.06%

0.12%

4.65%

1.62%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-6.85%

0.86%

4.10%

1.90%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

3/31/08

-13.05%

1.28%

5.60%

2.62%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-12.72%

1.69%

5.99%

2.94%

MSCI World Index

 

-8.71%

4.56%

9.67%

4.66%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

4.71%

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

4.66%

 

 

 

 

 

(R6)

      
      

Global Asset Allocation Blended Index

 

-4.99%

3.88%

7.48%

4.64%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

 

(Institutional)

 

 

 

 

 

4.66%

 

 

 

 

 

(Open)

 

 

 

 

 

4.64%

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(R6)

      

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Jai Jacob, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since February 2017.

Stephen Marra, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since February 2017.

Thomas McManus, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since February 2017.

Kim Tilley, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since February 2017.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

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Lazard Funds Summary Section

Lazard Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio

Investment Objective

The Portfolio seeks total return.

Fees and Expenses

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio, a series of The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”). Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker.

        

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

Open Shares

 

R6 Shares

 

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

 

 

 

Management Fees

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

.80%

 

Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees

 

None

 

.25%

 

None

 

Other Expenses

 

.54%

 

3.15%

 

.54%

        

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

 

1.34%

 

4.20%

 

1.34%

 

Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement**

 

.44%

 

3.00%

 

.44%

 

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement

 

.90%

 

1.20%

 

.90%

 

* “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year, using “Other Expenses” for Institutional Shares from the last fiscal year.

** Reflects a contractual agreement by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the “Investment Manager”) to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse the Portfolio until May 1, 2020, to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed .90%, 1.20% and .90% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors, and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Example

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

The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then hold or redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same, giving effect to the expense limitation agreement in year one only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

        

 

 

 

 

1 year

3 years

5 years

10 years

Institutional Shares

$ 92

$ 381

$ 692

$ 1,574

Open Shares

$ 122

$ 1,001

$ 1,894

$ 4,190

R6 Shares

$ 92

$ 381

$ 692

$ 1,574

        

Portfolio Turnover

The Portfolio 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 Portfolio shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Portfolio’s portfolio turnover rate was 120% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

The Investment Manager allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various US and non-US equity and fixed-income strategies managed by the Investment Manager in proportions consistent with the Investment Manager’s evaluation of various economic and other factors designed to estimate probabilities, including volatility. The

154


Investment Manager makes allocation decisions among the strategies based on quantitative and qualitative analysis using a number of different tools, including proprietary software models and input from the Investment Manager’s research analysts. At any given time the Portfolio’s assets may not be allocated to all strategies.

A principal component of the Investment Manager’s investment process for the Portfolio is volatility management. The Investment Manager generally will seek to achieve, over a full market cycle, a level of volatility in the Portfolio’s performance of approximately 10%. Volatility, a risk measurement, measures the magnitude of up and down fluctuations in the value of a financial instrument or index over time.

As a consequence of allocating its assets among various of the Investment Manager’s investment strategies, the Portfolio may: 

· invest in US and non-US equity and debt securities (including those of companies with business activities located in emerging market countries and securities issued by governments of such countries), depositary receipts and shares, currencies and related instruments, and structured notes 

· invest in exchange-traded open-end management investment companies (“ETFs”) and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy

· invest in securities of companies of any size or market capitalization

· invest in debt securities of any maturity or duration 

· invest in securities of any particular quality or investment grade and, as a result, the Portfolio may invest significantly in securities rated below investment grade (e.g., lower than Baa by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or lower than BBB by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group) (“junk bonds”) or securities that are unrated 

· enter into swap agreements (including credit default swap agreements) and forward contracts, and may purchase and write put and covered call options, on securities, indexes and currencies, for hedging purposes (although it is not required to do so) or to seek to increase returns

Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in issuers organized or located outside the US or doing a substantial amount of business outside the US, securities denominated in a foreign currency or foreign currency forward contracts.

Principal Investment Risks

The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.

Allocation Risk. The Portfolio’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends in part on the Investment Manager’s skill in determining the Portfolio’s allocation among the investment strategies. The Investment Manager’s evaluations and assumptions underlying its allocation decisions may differ from actual market conditions.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of a market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

155


Volatility Management Risk. While the Investment Manager generally will seek to achieve, over a full market cycle, the level of volatility in the Portfolio’s performance as described above, there can be no guarantee that this will be achieved; actual or realized volatility for any particular period may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions. In addition, the Investment Manager’s efforts to manage the Portfolio’s volatility can be expected, in a period of generally positive equity market returns, to reduce the Portfolio’s performance below what could be achieved without seeking to manage volatility and, thus, the Portfolio would generally be expected to underperform market indices that do not seek to achieve a specified level of volatility.

Value Investing and Growth Investing Risks. The Portfolio invests a portion of its assets in securities believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The Portfolio also invests a portion of its assets in securities believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but that may not realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth potential. Such securities may be more volatile than other securities because they can be more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.

Quantitative Model Risk. A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used by the Investment Manager requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s ability to monitor and, if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various factors including incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s value can change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition, factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased

156


redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Some debt securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity, and, during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

Structured notes are privately negotiated debt instruments where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to a specified asset, market or rate, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. Structured notes can have risks of both debt securities and derivatives transactions.

ETF Risk. Shares of ETFs may trade at prices that vary from their net asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs may trade at prices at, below or above their most recent net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. The Portfolio’s investments in ETFs are subject to the risks of such ETF’s investments, as well as to the general risks of investing in ETFs. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests. The Portfolio may be limited by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, in the amount of its assets that may be invested in ETFs unless an ETF has received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission on which the Portfolio may rely or an exemption is available.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Liquidity Risk. The lack of a readily available market may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell certain securities and other investments at the time and price it would like. The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may be relatively smaller in size than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio, by itself or together with other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may hold a position in a security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security; these factors can make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time or price.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Swap agreements, forward currency contracts, over-the-counter options on securities, indexes and currencies, structured notes and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may

157


result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related security, index or currency. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Performance Bar Chart and Table
Year-by-Year Total Returns for Institutional Shares
As of 12/31

The accompanying bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in Lazard Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio by showing the Portfolio’s year-by-year performance and its average annual performance compared to that of broad measures of market performance. The bar chart shows how the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares has varied from year to year. Updated performance information is available at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. The Portfolio’s past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Portfolio will perform in the future.

  

Best Quarter:

Q1 17

5.60%

 

 

Worst Quarter:

Q4 18

-9.19%

Average Annual Total Returns
(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

After-tax returns are shown only for Institutional Shares. After-tax returns of the Portfolio’s other share classes will vary. After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares

158


through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts. Returns shown below for the Portfolio’s R6 Shares (which were not operational as of December 31, 2018) reflect the performance of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares. R6 Shares would have had substantially similar returns as Institutional Shares because the share classes are invested in the same portfolio of securities, and the returns would differ only to the extent that the classes do not have the same expenses.

    

 

Inception
Date

1 Year

Life of
Portfolio

Institutional Shares:

5/27/16

 

 

Returns Before Taxes

 

-6.35%

5.04%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions

 

-9.93%

2.73%

Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Portfolio Shares

 

-2.10%

3.41%

Open Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

5/27/16

-6.64%

4.72%

R6 Shares (Returns Before Taxes)

 

-6.35%

5.04%

MSCI World Index

 

-8.71%

6.52%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    
    

50% MSCI World Index / 50% Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Index

 

-4.79%

3.82%

(reflects no deduction for fees, expense or taxes)

 

 

 

    

Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers/Analysts

Jai Jacob, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since May 2016.

Stephen Marra, portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, has been with the Portfolio since May 2016.

Additional Information

For important information about the purchase and sale of Portfolio shares, tax information and financial intermediary compensation, please turn to “Additional Information about the Portfolios” on page 160.

159


Lazard Funds Additional Information about the Portfolios

Purchase and Sale of Portfolio Shares

The initial investment minimums are:

   

Institutional Shares*

$

10,000**

Open Shares*

$

2,500

R6 Shares

$

1,000,000

* Unless the investor is a client of a securities dealer or other institution which has made an aggregate minimum initial purchase for its clients of at least $10,000 for Institutional Shares ($100,000 until June 1, 2019) or $2,500 for Open Shares.

** $100,000 until June 1, 2019.

 There is no minimum investment amount for Board members and other individuals considered to be affiliates of the Fund or the Investment Manager and their family members, discretionary accounts with the Investment Manager, affiliated and non-affiliated registered investment companies and, for R6 Shares only, certain types of employee benefit plans.

The subsequent investment minimum is $50 for Institutional Shares and Open Shares. There is no subsequent investment minimum for R6 Shares.

Open Shares investors investing directly with a Portfolio who meet the Institutional Shares minimum may request that their Open Shares be converted to Institutional Shares. Investors investing through a securities dealer or other institution should consult that firm regarding share class availability and applicable minimums.

Portfolio shares are redeemable through the Fund’s transfer agent, DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., on any business day by telephone, mail or overnight delivery. Clients of financial intermediaries may be subject to the intermediaries’ procedures.

Tax Information

All dividends and short-term capital gains distributions are generally taxable to you as ordinary income, and long-term capital gains are generally taxable as such, whether you receive the distribution in cash or reinvest it in additional shares.

Financial Intermediary Compensation (Open and Institutional Shares only)
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

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

160


Lazard Funds Investment Strategies and Investment Risks

Overview

The Lazard Funds, Inc. (the “Fund”) consists of thirty-two separate Portfolios. Each Portfolio has its own investment objective, strategies, and risk/return and expense profile. There is no guarantee that any Portfolio will achieve its investment objective. Because you could lose money by investing in a Portfolio, be sure to read all risk disclosures carefully before investing.

Each Portfolio other than Lazard International Compounders, Lazard Explorer Total Return Portfolio, Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio, Lazard Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio and Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio has adopted a policy to invest at least 80% of its assets in specified securities appropriate to its name and to provide its shareholders with at least 60 days’ prior notice of any change with respect to this policy.

For Lazard International Equity Advantage Portfolio, Lazard International Equity Concentrated Portfolio, Lazard International Compounders Portfolio, Lazard International Equity Value Portfolio, Lazard Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio, Lazard Global Strategic Equity Portfolio, Lazard Equity Franchise Portfolio, Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio, Lazard Emerging Markets Income Portfolio, Lazard US Realty Equity Portfolio, Lazard Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio and Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio, each Portfolio’s investment objective(s) may be changed without the approval of the Portfolio’s shareholders upon 60 days’ notice to shareholders; for the other Portfolios, each Portfolio’s investment objective(s) may only be changed with the approval of the Portfolio’s shareholders.

Information on the recent strategies and holdings of each Portfolio that has commenced operations can be found in the current annual/semi-annual report (see back cover).

Investment Strategies

Lazard US Equity Concentrated Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of US companies of any market capitalization. The Portfolio has a concentrated portfolio of investments, typically investing in 15 to 35 companies with market capitalizations generally greater than $350 million. The Portfolio seeks to outperform broad-based securities market indices, such as the S&P 500® Index, the Russell 1000® Index and the Russell 3000® Index. The philosophy employed by Lazard Asset Management LLC (the "Investment Manager") for the Portfolio is based on value creation through its process of bottom-up stock selection, and the Investment Manager implements a disciplined portfolio construction process. The Investment Manager’s fundamental research seeks to identify investments typically featuring robust organic cash flow, balance sheet strength and operational flexibility.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of US companies. The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities of non-US companies.

The Portfolio considers a company or issuer to be a “US company” if: (i) the company/issuer is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in the US or maintains its principal place of business in the US; (ii) the security, or security of such company/issuer, is traded principally in the US; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company/issuer, the company/issuer derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in the US.

The Portfolio may invest in exchange-traded open-end management investment companies (“ETFs”) and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the

161


redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard US Equity Select Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of US companies that the Investment Manager believes have strong and/or improving financial productivity and are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. Ordinarily, the market capitalizations of the Portfolio’s investments will be within the range of companies included in the S&P 500 Index (ranging from approximately $2.5 billion to $904.9 billion as of March 29, 2019). Although the Portfolio generally focuses on large cap companies, the market capitalizations of issuers in which the Portfolio invests may vary with market conditions and the Portfolio also may invest in mid cap and small cap companies.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of US companies. The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities of non-US companies.

The Portfolio considers a company or issuer to be a “US company” if: (i) the company/issuer is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in the US or maintains its principal place of business in the US; (ii) the security, or security of such company/issuer, is traded principally in the US; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company/issuer, the company/issuer derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in the US.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified, investment portfolios.

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A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard US Small-Mid Cap Equity Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of small to mid capitalization US companies. The Investment Manager considers “small-mid cap companies” to be those companies that, at the time of initial purchase by the Portfolio, have market capitalizations within the range of companies included in the Russell 2500 Index (ranging from approximately $8.4 million to $25.5 billion as of March 29, 2019). Because “small-mid cap companies” are defined in part by reference to an index, the market capitalization of companies in which the Portfolio invests may vary with market conditions. The Investment Manager is not required to sell a company’s securities from the Portfolio’s holdings when the capitalization of that company increases such that the company no longer meets the definition of a “small-mid cap company.”

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of small-mid cap US companies. The Investment Manager focuses on relative value in seeking to construct a diversified portfolio of investments for the Portfolio that maintains sector and industry balance, using investment opportunities identified through bottom-up fundamental research conducted by the Investment Manager’s small cap, mid cap and global research analysts.

The Investment Manager believes that contribution of ideas from multiple sources within the firm benefits the generation of investment ideas for consideration by the Portfolio’s portfolio management team. Companies selected for investment in the Portfolio generally have, in the Investment Manager’s opinion, one or more of the following characteristics:

· sustainable returns

· strong free cash flow with balance sheet flexibility 

· attractive valuation, utilizing peer group and historical comparisons

The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in the securities of larger or smaller US or non-US companies.

The Portfolio considers a company or issuer to be a “US company” if: (i) the company/issuer is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in the US or maintains its principal place of business in the US; (ii) the security, or security of such company/issuer, is traded principally in the US; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company/issuer, the company/issuer derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in the US.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified, investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held as reserves in money market instruments, typically in repurchase agreements, bank obligations and other short-term obligations. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary

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defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard International Equity Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of relatively large non-US companies with market capitalizations in the range of companies included in the MSCI EAFE Index (ranging from approximately $1.3 billion to $291.9 billion as of March 29, 2019) that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors, and between developed and emerging market countries, may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

In choosing stocks for the Portfolio, the Investment Manager looks for established companies in economically developed countries and may invest up to 15% of the Portfolio’s assets in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), and European Depositary Receipts (“EDRs”), .

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard International Equity Select Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of relatively large non-US companies with market capitalizations in the range of companies included in the MSCI All Country World Index ex-US (ranging from approximately $39.7 million to $291.9 billion as of March 29, 2019) that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

In choosing stocks for the Portfolio, the Investment Manager looks for established companies in economically developed countries, although the Portfolio may invest in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries in an amount up to the current emerging markets component of the MSCI All Country World Index ex-US plus 15%. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets to emerging market countries may vary from time to time.

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Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard International Equity Advantage Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of US and non-US companies, including those in emerging markets. In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a quantitatively driven, bottom up stock selection process. The Portfolio management team selects stocks for the Portfolio from a broad investment universe of non-US stocks and depositary receipts, including ADRs, GDRs and EDRs, real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), warrants and rights. The active, quantitative approach utilized by the Portfolio management team involves initial screening, risk assessment and evaluation of each company relative to its global peers. The Portfolio will typically invest the majority of its assets in securities of non-US developed market companies, using an objective, systematic investment process that blends both risk and stock ranking assessments designed to capture attractive risk-to-return characteristics. In addition to a multidimensional assessment of risk, each company is evaluated daily according to four independent measures: growth, value, sentiment and quality. The Portfolio may invest across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions will vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio considers a company to be a non-US company if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or domiciled in a country other than the US or maintains its principal place of business in a country other than the US; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally on a non-US market; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in countries other than the US or the company has at least 50% of its assets in countries other than the US.

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The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard International Equity Concentrated Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of non-US companies. The Portfolio has a concentrated portfolio of investments, typically investing in 20 to 30 securities of non-US companies, including those whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. The Investment Manager seeks to realize the Portfolio’s investment objective primarily through stock selection, investing in companies believed to have sustainably high or improving returns and trading at attractive valuations. In choosing stocks for the Portfolio, the Investment Manager generally looks for established companies in economically developed countries that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The Investment Manager also may invest the Portfolio’s assets in securities of companies domiciled in emerging market countries in an amount up to the current percentage of securities in the MSCI All Country World Index ex-US issued by companies domiciled in emerging market countries (26% as of March 31, 2019) plus 15%. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum, and the market capitalizations of companies in which the Portfolio invests may vary with market conditions.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs.

The Portfolio considers a company to be a non-US company if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in a country other than the US or maintains its principal place of business in a country other than the US; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally on a non-US market; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in countries other than the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in countries other than the US.

A company is considered to be domiciled in an emerging markets country if it is domiciled in a country that is: (i) included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index; or (ii) not included in the MSCI World Index.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the

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redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard International Compounders Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities of non-US companies, including those whose principal business activities are located in emerging countries. The fund principally invests in common stocks, but its investments in equity securities also may include preferred stocks and convertible securities.

The Investment Manager seeks to realize the Portfolio’s investment objective primarily by investing in companies that the Investment Manager considers to be “Compounders,” meaning high quality businesses that it believes can generate, and sustain, high levels of financial productivity (i.e., return on equity, return on capital and cash flow return on investment). The Investment Manager focuses mainly on identifying Compounders that it believes are able to reinvest a significant portion of their cash flows back into their business at similarly attractive rates of return.

Equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum.

The Portfolio considers a company to be a non-US company if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in a country other than the US or maintains its principal place of business in a country other than the US; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally on a non-US market; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in countries other than the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in countries other than the US. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographical sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

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Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard International Equity Value Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of non-US companies. The Portfolio has a concentrated portfolio of investments, typically investing in 20 to 30 securities of non-US companies, including those whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. The Investment Manager seeks to realize the Portfolio’s investment objective primarily by investing in companies that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued and whose valuations will benefit from potential company-specific catalysts identified by the Investment Manager. For example, the Investment Manager may seek to invest in companies engaging in activities that the Investment Manager believes will improve the companies’ fundamentals, resolve circumstances that may be negatively affecting valuation and/or improve market and investor perceptions of the companies. The Investment Manager divides these catalysts into three main categories: self-help, positive changes in capital allocation and business simplifications.

· Self-Help – Many companies undertake self-directed initiatives intended to drive improvement in fundamentals regardless of macroeconomic conditions. These initiatives may range from large-scale corporate restructurings to smaller-scale cost-cutting programs. In many cases, new corporate management teams, changes to the board of directors and/or shifts in a company’s ownership structure are the impetus for self-help plans.

· Positive Changes in Capital Allocation – The Investment Manager believes companies seeking to address inefficient balance sheets often offer opportunities to add value to shareholders. The Portfolio seeks to invest in companies undertaking special capital returns, deleveraging programs, and/or value-enhancing reinvestment or mergers and acquisitions. In-depth analysis of balance sheet and cash flow potential, as well as interviews with corporate management teams, helps the Investment Manager identify potential positive capital allocation change opportunities before they are reflected in equity prices.

· Business Simplifications – The simplification of organizational and ownership structures often enables corporate management to increase returns through more effective resource allocation and less operational distraction. Furthermore, monetization of hidden value within a company may occur as a result of asset sales, spin-offs or wind-downs.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. Equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum. At times, the Portfolio may engage in active and frequent trading, which will increase portfolio turnover.

The Portfolio considers a company to be a non-US company if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in a country other than the US or maintains its principal place of business in a country other than the US; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally on a non-US market; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in countries other than the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in countries other than the US. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographical sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

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The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Investment Manager may seek to hedge some or all foreign currency exposure in the Portfolio against movements relative to the US dollar by entering into foreign currency forward contracts, but the Investment Manager may determine not to hedge some or all of the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure from time-to-time or at any time.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of non-US companies whose principal activities are located in countries represented by the MSCI EAFE Index that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The Portfolio may invest in companies of any size, and the market capitalizations of companies in which the Portfolio invests may vary with market conditions. The Portfolio also may invest up to 15% of its assets in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries, although the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets to emerging market countries may vary from time to time. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs.

The countries represented by the MSCI EAFE Index currently include: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s

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investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard International Small Cap Equity Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of relatively small non-US companies that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The Investment Manager considers “small non-US companies” to be those non-US companies with market capitalizations, at the time of initial purchase by the Portfolio, below $5 billion and above $300 million or in the range of companies included in the MSCI EAFE Small Cap Index (based on market capitalization of the Index as a whole, which ranged from approximately $32.3 million to $10 billion as of March 29, 2019). Because “small non-US companies” are defined in part by reference to an index, the market capitalization of companies in which the Portfolio invests may vary with market conditions. The Investment Manager is not required to sell a company’s securities from the Portfolio’s holdings when the capitalization of the company increases so that the company no longer meets the definition of a “small non-US company.”

Securities selected for investment in the Portfolio generally have, in the Investment Manager’s opinion, one or more of the following characteristics:

· the potential to become a larger factor in the company’s business sector

· significant debt but high levels of free cash flow

· a relatively short corporate history with the expectation that the business may grow

In choosing stocks for the Portfolio, the Investment Manager looks for smaller, well-managed non-US companies that the Investment Manager believes have the potential for growth. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of small cap companies. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs. The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in equity securities of larger companies.

The Portfolio may invest up to 25% of its assets in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries, although the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets to emerging market countries may vary from time to time.

The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

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The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Global Equity Select Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of companies that the Investment Manager believes have strong and/or improving financial productivity and are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a flexible investment approach and engages in bottom-up, fundamental security analysis and selection. The Portfolio may invest in securities across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs. In addition, under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in non-US companies. The Investment Manager will allocate the Portfolio’s assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries). The Portfolio’s investments in non-US companies may include companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries.

The Portfolio considers a company to be a non-US company if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in a country other than the US or maintains its principal place of business in a country other than the US; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally on a non-US market; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in countries other than the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in countries other than the US.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

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Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of US and non-US companies, including those in emerging markets. In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a quantitatively driven, bottom up stock selection process. A principal component of the Investment Manager’s investment process for the Portfolio is volatility management. Volatility, a risk measurement, measures the magnitude of up and down fluctuations in the value of a financial instrument or index over time. The Investment Manager seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted equity returns (returns after accounting for the risk taken to achieve those returns) while lowering portfolio volatility (up and down movements in the fund’s returns). The Investment Manager’s investment process is benchmark-unaware, which means that the Portfolio’s assets are not managed by reference to a benchmark index. The Investment Manager examines fundamental company information (such as financial statements) and seeks to identify high quality companies with sustainable operating performance in order to build a well-diversified global portfolio of common stocks. The Investment Manager performs an independent assessment of stock risk and also seeks to manage risk through diversification.

The Portfolio management team selects stocks for the Portfolio from a broad investment universe of stocks and depositary receipts, including ADRs, GDRs and EDRs, REITs, warrants and rights. The active, quantitative approach utilized by the Portfolio management team involves initial screening, risk assessment and evaluation of each company relative to its global peers. The Portfolio will typically focus on securities of developed market companies, using an objective, systematic investment process that blends both risk and stock ranking assessments designed to capture attractive risk-to-return characteristics and create a low volatility portfolio. In addition to a multidimensional assessment of risk, each company is evaluated daily according to four independent measures: growth, value, sentiment and quality. The Portfolio may invest across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing

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cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Global Strategic Equity Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of companies that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The Investment Manager seeks to realize the Portfolio’s investment objective primarily through stock selection, investing in companies believed to have sustainably high or improving returns and trading at attractive valuations. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries, and the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets to emerging market countries may vary from time to time. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum, and the market capitalizations of companies in which the Portfolio invests may vary with market conditions.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs. In addition, under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in non-US companies. The Investment Manager allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries). The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio considers a company to be a non-US company if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in a country other than the US or maintains its principal place of business in a country other than the US; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally on a non-US market; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in countries other than the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in countries other than the US.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in

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money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Equity Franchise Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of US and non-US companies, including those in emerging markets. The Portfolio normally invests in equity securities listed on a national or other recognized securities exchange of companies that the Investment Manager considers to have an “economic franchise,” meaning companies that have historically shown an ability to generate unleveraged returns, at or above their cost of capital, for long periods of time. The Investment Manager considers that strong business franchises are often able to accomplish this performance and status because of competitive advantages such as an established or recognized brand, proprietary intellectual property or other intangible assets or industry economics such as relatively high customer switching costs. These companies may have such a strong association with a product or service that their names and their industries are intertwined in the minds of the public. Such companies may not, however, necessarily be in the business of selling “franchises”—an authorization granted by the company to an individual or group enabling it to carry out specified commercial activities, e.g., acting as an agent for delivering a company’s products or services. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities. The Portfolio may invest in the equity securities of any size company and also may invest in IPOs.

The Investment Manager may seek to hedge some or all foreign currency exposure in the Portfolio against movements relative to the US dollar by entering into foreign currency forward contracts, but the Investment Manager may determine not to hedge some or all of the Portfolio’s foreign currency exposure from time-to-time or at any time.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products such as exchange-traded notes (“ETNs”), which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of non-US companies whose principal activities are located in emerging market countries and that the Investment Manager believes are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset values. The allocation

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of the Portfolio’s assets among emerging market countries may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies across the capitalization spectrum, and the market capitalizations of companies in which the Portfolio invests may vary with market conditions.

Emerging market countries include all countries represented by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which currently includes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio

In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a flexible, core investment approach and engages in bottom-up, fundamental security analysis and selection. The Investment Manager may consider a security’s growth or value potential in managing the Portfolio. The Portfolio may invest in securities across the capitalization spectrum, although it typically invests in securities of companies with a market capitalization of $300 million or more.

The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions. Emerging market countries include all countries not represented by the MSCI World Index. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies that are economically tied to emerging market countries. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs.

The Portfolio considers a company to be “economically tied to emerging markets countries” if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in an emerging markets country or maintains its principal place of business in an emerging markets country; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally in emerging markets countries; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of

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its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in emerging markets countries or that has at least 50% of its assets in emerging markets countries.

The Investment Manager uses a proprietary system for fundamental securities analysis, including models generated at the security, country and sector levels, and seeks to identify investment opportunities at any stage of a company’s development, from startup to maturity. The Investment Manager evaluates potential investments with a screening process that focuses on change and may consider factors including market validation, quality, revisions and valuations. The Investment Manager may sell a security from the Portfolio when the target price is achieved, risk analysis is unfavorable, fundamental investment drivers deteriorate or the investment thesis is invalidated, or there is a negative change in corporate strategy or corporate governance.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of emerging markets companies. In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a quantitatively driven, bottom up stock selection process. The Portfolio management team selects stocks for the Portfolio from a broad investment universe of emerging market stocks and depositary receipts, including ADRs, GDRs and EDRs, REITs, warrants and rights. The active, quantitative approach utilized by the Portfolio management team involves initial screening, risk assessment and evaluation of each company relative to its global peers. The Investment Manager uses an objective, systematic investment process that blends both risk and stock ranking assessments designed to capture attractive risk-to-return characteristics. In addition to a multidimensional assessment of risk, each company is evaluated daily according to four independent measures: growth, value, sentiment and quality. The Portfolio may invest across the capitalization spectrum.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invest at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies that are economically tied to emerging market countries. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions will vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio considers a company to be “economically tied to emerging markets countries” if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or domiciled in an emerging markets country or maintains its principal place of business in an emerging markets country; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally in emerging markets countries; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of

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its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in emerging markets countries or that has at least 50% of its assets in emerging markets countries. The Portfolio considers emerging markets countries to be all countries: (i) included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index; or (ii) not included in the MSCI World Index.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of non-US companies whose principal activities are located in emerging market countries (also known as “developing markets”). The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among emerging market countries may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

Emerging market countries include all countries represented by the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which currently includes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

The Investment Manager employs a relative growth investment philosophy that is based on value creation through the process of bottom-up stock selection. The Investment Manager’s approach consists of an analytical framework, accounting validation, fundamental analysis and portfolio construction parameters. The Investment Manager’s selection process focuses on growth and considers the sustainability of growth and the trade off between valuation and growth.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s

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investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified, investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio

The Investment Manager allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various emerging markets equity strategies managed by the Investment Manager (and other emerging markets equity securities held in other strategies managed by the Investment Manager) in proportions consistent with the Investment Manager’s evaluation of various economic and other factors through quantitative and qualitative analysis. These proportions are changed from time to time without notice to shareholders, and at any given time the allocation to one strategy, region or country may comprise a substantial percentage of the Portfolio’s assets, or conversely, there may be no allocation to any such strategy, region or country. The Investment Manager will make allocation and securities selection decisions based on quantitative and qualitative analysis using a number of different tools, including proprietary software models. Quantitative analysis includes statistical analysis of portfolio risks, factor dependencies and trading tendencies. Qualitative analysis includes analysis of the global economic environment as well as internal and external research on individual securities, portfolio holdings, attribution factors, behavioral patterns and overall market views and scenarios. The Investment Manager may consider a security’s value or growth characteristics in selecting investments for the Portfolio and may invest in securities of any size or market capitalization.

The investment strategies in which the Portfolio invests may utilize a bottom-up or top-down approach, or a combination of these approaches. A bottom-up approach usually includes fundamental analysis of the investment. A top-down approach involves analysis of various developed and emerging markets fundamental data, cyclical trends, and global supply/demand appetites, and other factors. The Investment Manager engages in issuer, sovereign, asset allocation, risk measurement and scenario analysis during the portfolio construction process and utilizes a variety of research and risk management tools in connection with overall portfolio construction and analysis.

The equity securities in which the Portfolio invests may be denominated in the US dollar, the Canadian dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen, the Pound Sterling, or the local currency of the issuer. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies whose principal business activities are located in emerging market countries. In addition to common stocks, such equity securities also may include ADRs, GDRs and EDRs. Emerging market countries include all countries not represented by the MSCI World Index. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio may invest in securities of any size or market capitalization.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

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The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, government agencies or supranational bodies or companies or other private-sector entities, including fixed and/or floating rate investment grade and non-investment grade bonds, convertible securities, commercial paper, collateralized debt obligations, short- and medium-term obligations and other fixed-income obligations, and may invest in money market instruments such as certificates of deposit. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may be denominated in the US dollar, the Canadian dollar, the Euro, the Japanese yen, the Pound Sterling, or the local currency of the issuer.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in debt securities that are economically tied to emerging market countries. Emerging market countries include all countries not represented by the MSCI World Index. The Portfolio currently intends to focus its investments in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the developing countries of Europe, although the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio considers a company, security or other instrument to be “economically tied to emerging markets countries” if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in an emerging markets country or maintains its principal place of business in an emerging markets country; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally in emerging markets countries; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in emerging markets countries or that has at least 50% of its assets in emerging markets countries.

In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a combination of bottom-up fundamental security analysis with a top-down global macroeconomic analysis. The top-down approach involves analysis of various developed and emerging markets fundamental data, cyclical trends, and global supply/demand appetites, and other factors. The Investment Manager engages in issuer, sovereign, asset allocation, risk measurement and scenario analysis during the portfolio construction process and utilizes a variety of research and risk management tools in connection with the overall portfolio construction and analysis.

The Portfolio may invest without limitation in securities rated below investment grade (i.e., lower than Baa by Moody’s or lower than BBB by S&P) (“junk bonds”) or securities that are unrated. Additionally, the Portfolio is not restricted to investments in securities of any particular maturity or duration. Duration is an estimate of the

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sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income security to a change in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the expected volatility. For example, the market price of a fixed-income security with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same security would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%.

The Portfolio may enter into futures contracts on US Treasury securities to seek to hedge the Portfolio’s exposure to the risk of rising interest rates on US Treasury securities embedded in the Portfolio’s emerging market debt securities (to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the currency in which the debt security is denominated). Similarly, the Portfolio also may enter into futures contracts on US Treasury securities in combination with a credit default swap that provides exposure to emerging markets debt securities, baskets of securities or indices.

The Portfolio generally will not purchase equity securities; however, the Portfolio may from time to time acquire and hold equity securities as a result of exercising a convertible debt security or holding a convertible debt security to maturity or in connection with the reorganization or bankruptcy of an issuer of a debt security held by the Portfolio.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, purchase options on ETFs and currencies and enter into forward currency contracts and credit default swaps, for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Emerging Markets Income Portfolio

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in currencies, debt securities, derivative instruments and other investments that are economically tied to emerging market countries. Such investments may include combinations of these instruments that have economic characteristics similar to currencies or debt securities economically tied to emerging markets countries, such as a currency forward contract denominated in an emerging markets currency and US dollar-denominated debt security in a principal amount corresponding to the notional value of forward contracts, which together have economic characteristics similar to a debt security denominated in the emerging markets currency. Derivatives instruments in which the Portfolio may invest include forward currency contracts (including non-deliverable forward contracts), structured notes, options and swap agreements. Debt securities in which the Portfolio may invest include debt securities

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issued or guaranteed by governments, government agencies or supranational bodies; corporate obligations; fixed and/or adjustable rate or inflation-linked investment grade and non-investment grade bonds (“junk bonds”); convertible securities; zero coupon securities; collateralized debt obligations; short- and medium-term obligations and other fixed-income obligations; and commercial paper and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit.

In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager seeks to obtain exposure to emerging market currency and local debt markets and to outperform its benchmark over a full market cycle.

The Investment Manager’s strategy seeks to attain exposure to emerging market countries by investing in local market instruments, including currency forward contracts and local currency debt. The Investment Manager engages in issuer, sovereign, asset allocation, risk measurement and scenario analysis during the portfolio construction process and utilizes a variety of research and risk management tools in connection with the overall portfolio construction and analysis. In selecting particular instruments for the Portfolio, the Investment Manager will consider factors such as foreign currency exchange risks, price volatility, interest rate sensitivity, liquidity, tax implications, counterparty risks and technical market considerations.

Emerging market countries include all countries represented by the JPMorgan Emerging Local Markets Plus Index (ELMI+) or countries outside of the G-10, although the allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the judgment of the Investment Manager and its analysis of market conditions. The securities or instruments in which the Portfolio invests may be denominated in US and non-US currencies, including the local currency of the issuer.

The Portfolio considers a company, security or other instrument to be “economically tied to emerging markets countries” if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in an emerging markets country or maintains its principal place of business in an emerging markets country; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally in emerging markets countries; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in emerging markets countries or that has at least 50% of its assets in emerging markets countries.

Although the Portfolio is not restricted to investments in securities of any particular maturity or duration, the average duration of the Portfolio is expected to be short, typically less than one year. Duration is an estimate of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income security to a change in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the expected volatility. For example, the market price of a fixed-income security with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%, all else equal. Conversely, the market price of the same security would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%. The Investment Manager may extend duration in particular countries when domestic yield curves are favorable.

The Portfolio is not limited to securities of any particular quality or investment grade and, as a result, the Portfolio may invest in securities rated below investment grade (e.g., lower than Baa by Moody’s or lower than BBB by S&P) (“junk bonds”) or securities that are unrated.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, purchase options on ETFs or currencies and enter into credit default swaps for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns and also may use derivative instruments that are part of its primary investment strategy, such as forward currency contracts, for hedging purposes.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the

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redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Explorer Total Return Portfolio

The Portfolio utilizes a flexible total return investment strategy. It typically invests primarily in debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, government agencies or supranational bodies; forward contracts, including non-deliverable forward contracts, credit default swap agreements (on an index or basket of securities or a single security), interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency options; debt securities issued by companies or other private-sector entities, including fixed and/or floating rate investment grade and non-investment grade bonds; short- and medium-term obligations, and other fixed-income obligations. The Portfolio may also invest in certain other types of securities, such as convertible securities, commercial paper, and collateralized debt obligations. At certain times, based on the currently existing market environment, the Investment Manager may not believe it is able to find sufficient opportunities to invest in these types of securities and may determine to tactically shift the Portfolio to invest substantially in money market instruments, such as short-term US Treasury securities and certificates of deposit. The securities in which the Portfolio invests may be denominated in any currency.

The Portfolio typically focuses its investments in securities of companies that are economically tied to emerging market countries. Emerging market countries include all countries not represented by the MSCI World Index. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among countries and regions may vary from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio considers a company, security or other instrument to be “economically tied to emerging markets countries” if: (i) the company is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in an emerging markets country or maintains its principal place of business in an emerging markets country; (ii) the securities of such company are traded principally in emerging markets countries; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company, the company derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in emerging markets countries or that has at least 50% of its assets in emerging markets countries.

In managing the Portfolio, the Investment Manager utilizes a combination of bottom-up fundamental security analysis with a top-down global macroeconomic analysis that seeks to take advantage of long-term cyclical and structural trends in emerging markets by analyzing cyclical trends and global supply/demand appetites, among other factors, in seeking to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Investment Manager engages in issuer, sovereign, asset allocation, risk measurement and scenario analysis during the portfolio construction process and utilizes a variety of research and risk management tools in connection with the overall portfolio construction and analysis.

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The Portfolio may invest without limitation in securities rated below investment grade (e.g., lower than Baa by Moody’s or lower than BBB by S&P) (“junk bonds”) or securities that are unrated.

Additionally, the Portfolio is not restricted to investments in securities of any particular maturity or duration. Duration is an estimate of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income security to a change in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the expected volatility. For example, the market price of a fixed-income security with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same security would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%.

The Portfolio may enter into futures contracts on US Treasury securities to seek to hedge the Portfolio’s exposure to the risk of rising interest rates on US Treasury securities embedded in the Portfolio’s emerging market debt securities (to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the currency in which the debt security is denominated). Similarly, the Portfolio also may enter into futures contracts on US Treasury securities in combination with a credit default swap that provides exposure to emerging markets debt securities, baskets of securities or indices.

The Investment Manager expects to actively increase and decrease the Portfolio’s exposures to emerging market securities and currencies, and to significantly utilize derivatives. The Portfolio expects to utilize the following types of derivatives: forward contracts (including non-deliverable forward contracts, which settle in cash based on the difference between the agreed upon contract price or rate and the prevailing spot price or rate on an agreed notional amount), credit default swap agreements (including credit default swap agreements on an index or basket of securities or a single security), interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency options. Derivative positions may represent a substantial investment exposure through the economic leverage embedded in these positions. The aggregate notional amount of derivative positions may typically be expected to range from 20% to 100% of the Portfolio’s assets. The Investment Manager may change the Portfolio’s investment exposures frequently, and positions may be held for only a short period of time as the Investment Manager seeks to add value in different market environments in pursuit of the Portfolio’s total return objective. An investment in the Portfolio involves a high degree of risk.

The Portfolio generally will not purchase equity securities; however, the Portfolio may from time to time acquire and hold equity securities as a result of exercising a convertible debt security or holding a convertible debt security to maturity or in connection with the reorganization or bankruptcy of an issuer of a debt security held by the Portfolio.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market

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conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard US Corporate Income Portfolio

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in fixed-income securities issued by corporations or other non-governmental issuers similar to corporations, which securities are tied economically to the US. The Portfolio typically invests a substantial portion of its assets, and may invest up to 100% of its assets, in securities rated, at the time of purchase, below investment grade by S&P or Moody’s and as low as C or Ca by S&P or Moody’s, respectively, or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager (“junk bonds”); however, the Portfolio focuses such investments in below investment grade securities that may be considered “better quality” (i.e., rated B1 or higher by Moody’s, B+ or higher by S&P or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager). Such “better quality” investments receive the highest non-investment grade ratings but are still considered predominantly speculative. The Portfolio may invest in dollar-denominated securities of non-US companies, including, to a limited extent, in emerging market companies.

The Portfolio considers a company or issuer to be a “US issuer” if: (i) the company/issuer is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in the US or maintains its principal place of business in the US; (ii) the security, or security of such company/issuer, is traded principally in the US; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company/issuer, the company/issuer derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in the US.

Although the Portfolio may invest in fixed-income securities without regard to their maturity, the Portfolio’s average weighted maturity is expected to range between two and ten years.

Securities are evaluated based on their fundamental and structural characteristics. Valuation analysis is tailored to the specific asset class, but may include credit research, prepayment or call options, maturity, duration, coupon, currency and country risks. The Portfolio is constructed using a bottom-up discipline in which the Investment Manager follows a systematic process to seek out undervalued opportunities within each sector.

The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in other securities which need not be fixed-income securities as described above and need not be tied economically to the US. The Portfolio currently intends to invest no more than 25% of its assets in municipal securities.

The Investment Manager typically sells a security for any of the following reasons:

· the yield spread declines to a level at which the Investment Manager believes the security no longer reflects relative value

· the original underlying investment conditions are no longer valid, including a change in the fundamental rationale for the purchase

· in the opinion of the Investment Manager, the security’s respective asset category or sector has become overvalued relative to investment risks

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio

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shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in fixed-income securities of US issuers, including US government securities, corporate securities, mortgage-related and asset-backed securities, convertible securities, municipal securities, structured products, preferred stocks and inflation-indexed-securities. These securities may have any type of interest rate payment terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate or zero coupon features. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio’s investment portfolio can be expected to have an average effective duration of three years or less. Duration is an estimate of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income security to a change in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the expected volatility. For example, the market price of a fixed-income security with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same security would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%.

The Portfolio considers a company or issuer to be “US issuer” if: (i) the company/issuer is organized under the laws of or is domiciled in the US or maintains its principal place of business in the US; (ii) the security, or security of such company/issuer, is traded principally in the US; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company/issuer, the company/issuer derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in the US.

The Portfolio invests primarily in securities that are rated investment grade by one or more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”) (or, if unrated, determined by the Investment Manager to be of comparable quality).

Securities are evaluated based on their fundamental and structural characteristics. Valuation analysis is tailored to the specific asset class, but may include credit research and analysis of features such as prepayment or call options, maturity, duration and coupon.

The Investment Manager relies on fundamental security selection and disciplined portfolio construction in managing the Portfolio. In constructing the Portfolio’s holdings, the Investment Manager incorporates a dual methodology that is both bottom-up and top-down. From a bottom-up perspective, security analysis takes into consideration quality, event risk, reinvestment, options, structure, liquidity and diversification, among other factors. Proprietary credit analysis is an integral part of the security selection process. From a top-down perspective, the Investment Manager pays close attention to shifts in public policy, business cycles, consumer habits, and key economic variables, such as inflation, interest rates, and unemployment, as well as other factors.

The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in other securities which need not be fixed-income securities of US issuers.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

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The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified, investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Global Fixed Income Portfolio

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in Fixed Income Investments. “Fixed Income Investments” include all types of debt and income producing securities and other instruments, including bonds, notes (including structured notes), mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, Eurodollar and Yankee dollar instruments, money market instruments and foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable forward contracts. Fixed Income Investments may be issued by US or foreign corporations or entities, including those with business activities located in emerging market countries; US or foreign banks; the US government, its agencies, authorities, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises; US state and municipal governments; foreign governments and their political subdivisions; and supranational organizations (such as the World Bank). Fixed Income Investments may have any type of interest rate payment terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate or zero coupon features.

In managing the Portfolio’s assets, the Investment Manager employs a relative value approach that is driven by its macroeconomic view of global interest rates, yield curves, sector spreads, and currencies, combined with an opportunistic, but disciplined, security selection process. The Investment Manager seeks to enhance the Portfolio’s total return by rotating investments through global bond and credit markets, maintaining or seeking exposure to foreign currencies in the discretion of the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager seeks to identify and exploit market inefficiencies (such as spread relationships between sectors in different countries, and undervalued or overlooked markets and securities) in seeking to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Investment Manager also seeks to identify investment opportunities with asymmetric risk/reward characteristics in seeking to enhance portfolio performance and mitigate risk.

The Portfolio’s currency exposure generally is managed relative to that of the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Index—Unhedged in US dollar terms, and tactical exposures to non-US dollar currencies are based on the Investment Manager’s fundamental macroeconomic outlook, technical factors and the Investment Manager’s desired market positioning.

The Investment Manager’s strategy includes investing in “proxy” trades when it believes that an investment in one market can be made as a “substitute” for another market and can generate a higher total return, on a relative basis. When utilizing this strategy, the Investment Manager conducts scenario and correlation analysis to manage the resulting “basis” risk on either currency or interest rate exposure.

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Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in issuers domiciled, organized or located outside the US or doing a substantial amount of business outside the US, securities denominated in a foreign currency or foreign currency forward contracts. The Investment Manager allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various regions, countries and currencies, including the United States and the US dollar (but in no less than three different countries or currencies). The Portfolio may invest in securities of issuers with business activities located in emerging market countries or denominated in an emerging market currency.

The Portfolio considers a company or issuer that derives at least 50% of its revenue from business outside the US or has at least 50% of its assets outside the US as doing a substantial amount of business outside the US. The allocation of a Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its assets in securities that are rated below investment grade (e.g., lower than Baa by Moody’s or lower than BBB by S&P) (“junk bonds”) or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager. There are no restrictions on the Portfolio’s average portfolio maturity or duration or on the maturities of the individual debt and income producing securities and other instruments in which it may invest. Duration is an estimate of the sensitivity of the price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income security to a change in interest rates. Generally, the longer the duration, the higher the expected volatility. For example, the market price of a fixed-income security with a duration of three years would be expected to decline 3% if interest rates rose 1%. Conversely, the market price of the same security would be expected to increase 3% if interest rates fell 1%.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments that are part of its primary investment strategy, such as forward currency contracts, for hedging purposes. In addition, the Portfolio may, but is not required to, purchase and sell options on foreign currencies, for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard US Realty Equity Portfolio

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities (including common, convertible and preferred stocks) of US Realty Companies (defined below), as well as certain synthetic instruments related to US Realty Companies. Such synthetic instruments are investments that have economic

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characteristics similar to the Portfolio’s direct investments in US Realty Companies and may include warrants, rights, options and shares of ETFs.

The Investment Manager conducts proprietary quantitative, qualitative and on-site real estate analysis to select the Portfolio’s investments, which may include, as appropriate, research at the macroeconomic, sector, company and property level. The Investment Manager’s individual company research may consider a number of quantitative measures, including earnings growth potential, price to earnings or free cash flow multiples, price to net asset value (“NAV”) ratios, dividend yield and potential for growth, return on equity and return on assets, as well as qualitative factors such as overall business and growth strategy and quality of management.

“Realty Companies” are real estate-related companies of any size including, but not limited to, REITs, real estate operating or service companies and companies in the homebuilding, lodging and hotel industries, as well as companies engaged in the natural resources and utility industries, and other companies whose investments, balance sheets or income statements are real estate-intensive (i.e., the company’s actual or anticipated revenues, profits, assets, services or products are related to real estate including, but not limited to, the ownership, renting, leasing, construction, management, development or financing of commercial, industrial or residential real estate).

The Investment Manager may use macroeconomic analysis and property sector research, including US and international economic strength, the interest rate environment, broader stock market performance and property-level real estate trends as well as traditional supply and demand analysis.

The Portfolio considers a company to be “real estate-related” or “real estate intensive” if at least fifty percent (50%) of the company’s actual or anticipated revenues, profits, assets, services or products are related to real estate including, but not limited to, the ownership, renting, leasing, construction, management, development or financing of commercial, industrial or residential real estate.

The Portfolio considers a company or issuer to be a “US company” or “US issuer” or a security to be “tied economically to the US” if: (i) the company/issuer is organized under the laws of or domiciled in the US or maintains its principal place of business in the US; (ii) the security, or security of such company/issuer, is traded principally in the US; or (iii) during the most recent fiscal year of the company/issuer, the company/issuer derived at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed in the US or that has at least 50% of its assets in the US.

The Portfolio may invest in issuers of any market capitalization and securities of any maturity, and the Portfolio’s investments also may include securities purchased in IPOs.

The Portfolio also may invest up to 20% of its assets in equity and fixed-income securities and instruments of companies or entities (which need not be US Realty Companies), including, but not limited to, securities of non-US companies and other investment companies.

The Portfolio’s investments in preferred stock and convertible and fixed income securities may include securities which, at the time of purchase, are rated below “investment grade” by an NRSRO, or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager (“junk bonds”). The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in non-investment grade fixed income obligations (“junk bonds”).

The Portfolio may invest up to 5% of its assets in mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by US issuers, including the US government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, or private issuers. The Portfolio is limited to investing in asset-backed securities issued by private issuers, and up to 5% of the Portfolio’s assets only.

In addition to purchasing options, the Portfolio may, but is not required to, write put and covered call options on securities and indexes, for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns.

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The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio

The Portfolio invests primarily in equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities, of infrastructure companies and concentrates its investments in industries represented by infrastructure companies.

Infrastructure companies typically derive at least 50% of their revenues from, or have at least 50% of their assets committed to, the generation, production, transmission, sale or distribution of energy or natural resources used to produce energy; distribution, purification and treatment of water; provision of communications services and media; management, ownership and/or operation of infrastructure assets or construction, development or financing of infrastructure assets, such as pipelines, toll roads, airports, railroads or ports. Infrastructure companies also include energy-related companies organized as master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) and their affiliates, and the Portfolio may invest up to 25% of its net assets in these energy-related MLPs and their affiliates. The Investment Manager focuses on companies with a minimum market capitalization of $250 million that own physical infrastructure and which the Investment Manager believes are undervalued.

Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of infrastructure companies, which consist of utilities, pipelines, toll roads, airports, railroads, ports, telecommunications and other infrastructure companies, with securities listed on a national or other recognized securities exchange.

Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in infrastructure companies organized or located outside the US or doing a substantial amount of business outside the US. The Investment Manager allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various regions and countries, including the United States (but in no less than three different countries). The Portfolio may invest in equity securities of companies with some business activities located in emerging market countries.

The Portfolio seeks to focus its investments in a subset of infrastructure securities that are considered “preferred infrastructure” securities by the Investment Manager. Generally, the Investment Manager considers securities that

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are more likely to exhibit certain desirable characteristics, such as longevity of the issuer, lower risk of capital loss and revenues linked to inflation, to be “preferred infrastructure” securities.

The Portfolio considers a company or issuer that derives at least 50% of its revenue from business outside the US or has at least 50% of its assets outside the US as doing a substantial amount of business outside the US. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Investment Manager generally seeks to substantially hedge foreign currency exposure in the Portfolio against movements relative to the US dollar by entering into foreign currency forward contracts, although the Portfolio’s total foreign currency exposure may not be fully hedged at all times.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified, investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio

Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its assets in real assets and pricing opportunities investments, including instruments providing exposure to such investments (such as derivative instruments).

“Real assets” are considered by the Portfolio to be:

(i) assets that have physical properties, such as:

· natural resources, such as energy and materials (e.g., metals and mining, paper and forestry and chemicals)

· real estate, such as Real Estate Investments

· equipment and industrials, such as tools, hardware, machinery and other industrial components

· infrastructure, such as utilities, transport, communications, pipelines, seaports, airports and toll roads

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· commodities, such as physical commodities with tangible properties such as gas, oil, metals, livestock or agricultural products

(ii) companies that own or derive a significant portion of their value from such assets listed above or the production thereof; and (iii) inflation-indexed securities.

“Pricing opportunities” investments are made in companies that the Investment Manager believes may perform well during periods of high inflation. Such companies may include those in the consumer discretionary, consumer staples, health care, information technology and telecommunications services sectors.

Allocation of the Portfolio’s assets by the Investment Manager among these real assets categories and pricing opportunities sectors will vary, and, over time, exposures to new categories and sectors may be added or exposures to existing categories and sectors may be eliminated.

The Portfolio may invest in a mix of equity and fixed income securities of US and non-US companies, including emerging markets companies, as well as commodity-linked and other derivative instruments. In addition to investing in inflation-indexed fixed income securities (which may be of any credit quality or maturity), the Portfolio may invest in fixed income securities, typically government securities (which may be of various maturities), in connection with the Portfolio’s derivatives exposures (i.e., a type of margin or collateral). The Portfolio’s investments in fixed income securities also may include securities which, at the time of purchase, are rated below “investment grade” by an NRSRO, or the unrated equivalent as determined by the Investment Manager (“junk bonds"). The Portfolio also may invest in common stock of ETFs and similar products such as ETNs, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy. The Portfolio may invest in companies of any market capitalization.

The Portfolio may gain exposure to the commodity markets by investing up to 25% of the Portfolio’s total assets in the Subsidiary, Lazard Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio, Ltd., which invests mainly in commodity-linked derivative instruments (including, but not limited to, futures contracts, options, and total return swaps) and fixed income securities, typically government securities, in connection with the Subsidiary’s derivatives exposures (i.e., a type of margin or collateral). With respect to its investments, the Subsidiary is subject to the same principal investment restrictions and limitations as the Portfolio, except that the Subsidiary may invest without limitation in commodity-related instruments.

The Subsidiary also is subject to the Portfolio’s compliance program, to the extent the Portfolio’s policies and procedures apply to its investments and operations. The Portfolio and the Subsidiary test for compliance with applicable investment restrictions, such as capital structure and leverage requirements, on a consolidated basis and comply with investment policy disclosure requirements under the 1940 Act on a similar basis. Investments in the Subsidiary are intended to provide the Portfolio with exposure to the returns of commodity markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements that apply to the Portfolio.

The Portfolio may invest in common stock of ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Investment Manager’s process for selecting investments for the Portfolio may include a variety of approaches, such a fundamental, bottom-up analysis, qualitative evaluations and quantitative models or a combination of these or other approaches. The process used will usually vary for different types of real assets categories, or category subsets.

In addition, the Portfolio may, but is not required to (1) enter into futures contracts; forward currency contracts, equity, total return, interest rate, credit default and currency swap agreements; (2) write put and call options on securities (including ETFs), indexes and currencies; and (3) invest in structured notes, in each case for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns, including as a substitute for a direct investment in securities. Derivatives

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transactions may be entered into on established exchanges or through privately negotiated transactions referred to as over-the-counter derivatives. A derivatives contract will obligate or entitle the Portfolio or the Subsidiary to deliver or receive an asset or cash payment based on the change in value of the reference asset, index or rate. When the Portfolio or the Subsidiary enters into derivatives transactions, it may be required to segregate assets or enter into offsetting positions, in accordance with applicable regulations. In the case of swaps, futures contracts, options, forward contracts and other derivative instruments that provide for full payment of the value of the underlying asset, in cash or by physical delivery, at the settlement date, for example, the Portfolio or the Subsidiary may be required to set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional amount of the instrument (generally, the total numerical value of the asset underlying the derivatives contract) while the positions are open, to the extent there is not an offsetting position. However, with respect to certain swaps, futures contracts, options, forward contracts and other derivative instruments for which there may be periodic cash settlement during the term of the transaction or cash payment of the gain or loss under the transaction at the settlement date, the Portfolio or the Subsidiary may segregate liquid assets in an amount equal to its daily marked-to-market net obligations (i.e., the Portfolio’s or the Subsidiary’s daily net liability) under the instrument, if any, rather than its full notional amount. By setting aside assets equal to only its net obligations under the instrument, the Portfolio or the Subsidiary will have the ability to employ leverage to a greater extent than if it were required to segregate liquid assets equal to the full notional value of such instruments. If segregated assets represent a large portion of the portfolio, portfolio management may be affected as positions requiring segregation may have to be reduced in order to meet redemptions or other obligations.

Futures contracts generally are standardized, exchange-traded contracts that provide for the sale or purchase of a specified reference asset, index or rate at a future time at a specified price. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right (and the writer of the option the obligation) to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price within a specified period of time. Futures transactions by be entered into on both US and foreign exchanges. A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract.

A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer (seller) of the option the obligation to buy, the underlying asset during the option period at a specified price. A call option gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer (seller) of the option the obligation to sell, the underlying asset during the option period at a specified price. Options may be traded on either US or foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.

Swap agreements may be used to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market, and can be used to transfer the interest rate or credit risk of a security without actually transferring ownership of the security or to customize exposure to particular securities. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in market value of the assets underlying the contract, which may include a specified security, basket of securities or securities indices during the specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate or the total return from other underlying assets.

Structured notes are privately negotiated debt instruments where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to a specified asset, market or rate, or the differential performance of two assets or markets.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

192


Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified, investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio

The Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective over a full market cycle through a hedged strategy investing primarily in convertible fixed income and preferred securities (including those rated below investment grade (“junk”)). The strategy utilizes a relative value approach, focusing on convertible securities that are considered to have low volatility. It is expected that the Portfolio will invest primarily in small and mid cap companies, but may invest in companies across the capitalization spectrum. The Portfolio also will utilize selective strategy level and position level hedges, primarily through short selling and derivatives, seeking to minimize macro risk (equity and credit) and interest rate risk. The Portfolio may invest in convertible debt and preferred securities of any maturity and any quality. Convertible securities held in the Portfolio generally are expected to have maturities between three and seven years at the time of investment, or between five and seven years if invested at issuance. Preferred securities generally are of perpetual maturities, callable at various points determined by the issuer. The Portfolio management team utilizes bottom up fundamental credit, equity and quantitative analysis in conjunction with top down macroeconomic analysis to identify individual securities believed to offer compelling value versus comparable risk return.

The Portfolio will generally have short positions through selling securities “short” and through investments in derivative instruments, principally swap agreements on individual securities, and may use short positions to seek to increase returns or to reduce risk. A short sale involves the sale of a security that the Portfolio does not own in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable therefor) at a later date and at a lower price and profiting from the price decline. Similarly, when taking short positions with respect to securities through investments in derivative instruments, the Investment Manager is expecting the value of such securities to fall during the period of the Portfolio’s investment exposure.

The Portfolio’s net exposure to long and short positions may be net short, meaning that the exposure to short positions is greater than the exposure to long positions. In taking a short position in securities through total return swap agreements (which generally entitle the Portfolio to the economic equivalent of gains or losses and dividends on the subject securities during the period of the swap agreements), the Portfolio will incur transaction costs similar to interest or financing charges that will reduce any gains or increase any losses. Short sales of securities also may involve additional transaction-related costs such as those in connection with borrowing the securities sold short.

Although the Portfolio’s investment focus is US companies, the Portfolio also may invest in non-US companies (including those in emerging markets), including depositary receipts and shares. The Portfolio also may invest in cash and cash equivalents. At certain times, based on the currently existing market environment, the Investment Manager may not believe it is able to find sufficient opportunities to invest in convertible fixed income and preferred securities and/or take short positions and may determine to tactically shift the Portfolio to invest substantially in money market instruments, such as short-term US Treasury securities and certificates of deposit.

In addition, the Portfolio may, but is not required to (1) enter into futures and forward currency contracts and equity, interest rate, credit default and currency swap agreements; and (2) write put and call options on securities (including ETFs), indexes and currencies, in each case for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns.

193


It is expected that the Portfolio will buy and sell securities, and take short positions in securities, frequently in connection with implementing its investment strategy.

The Portfolio may invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

The Portfolio is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act, which means that it may invest a relatively high percentage of its assets in a limited number of issuers, when compared to a diversified fund.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio

The Portfolio utilizes an asset allocation strategy to invest in a global portfolio of uncorrelated assets that can include exposure, through underlying vehicles, to stocks, bonds, commodities and other investments. The Portfolio may invest in securities of companies with any market capitalization and fixed-income securities of any credit quality or maturity.

The Portfolio invests primarily in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy, as well as actively managed closed-end management investment companies (“closed-end funds”) and ETNs (collectively, “Underlying Funds”). ETFs and ETNs in which the Portfolio may invest include both ETFs and ETNs designed to correlate directly with an index and ETFs and ETNs designed to correlate inversely with an index and may include actively-managed ETFs. The Portfolio, through Underlying Funds in which it invests, may invest in non-US companies (including those in emerging markets), and the Portfolio also may invest directly in equity and debt securities in addition to its investments in Underlying Funds. The Portfolio’s investment portfolio is concentrated in a relatively small number of holdings (generally 10 to 30). Investors can invest directly in Underlying Funds and do not need to invest in Underlying Funds through mutual funds or separately managed accounts.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to (1) enter into equity, total return and currency swap agreements; futures contracts and options on futures contracts (including with respect to index and commodities); and forward currency contracts; and (2) write put and covered call options on securities (including ETFs and ETNs), indexes and currencies, for hedging purposes or to seek to increase returns, including as a substitute for purchasing an Underlying Fund.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, effect short sales of securities. A short sale involves the sale of a security that the Portfolio does not own in the expectation of purchasing the same security (or a security exchangeable therefor) at a later date and at a lower price and profiting from the price decline. Similarly, when taking short

194


positions with respect to securities through investments in derivative instruments, the Investment Manager is expecting the value of such securities to fall during the period of the Portfolio’s investment exposure. Securities will not be sold short if, after effect is given to any such short sale, the total market value of all securities sold short would exceed 25% of the value of the Portfolio’s net assets. The Portfolio may not make a short-sale which results in the Portfolio having sold short in the aggregate more than 5% of the outstanding securities of any class of an issuer.

The Investment Manager believes that over the long term, and on a risk-adjusted basis, there is no one size fits all approach to asset allocation and that historical relationships coupled with market insights can help develop a global view to identify and anticipate certain secular and cyclical changes. The Investment Manager employs a multi-variable investment strategy incorporating both quantitative and qualitative factors to generate the Portfolio’s asset allocation decisions.

The Portfolio’s investments generally are categorized by the Investment Manager as falling within the following four categories: thematic, diversifying assets, discounted assets and contrarian/opportunistic. The Investment Manager makes allocation changes in the Portfolio’s investments based on a forward looking assessment of capital markets using a risk/reward and probability methodology.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

Although the Portfolio is classified as “diversified” under the 1940 Act, it may invest in a smaller number of issuers than other, more diversified, investment portfolios.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Lazard Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio

The Investment Manager allocates the Portfolio’s assets among various US and non-US equity and fixed-income strategies managed by the Investment Manager in proportions consistent with the Investment Manager’s evaluation of various economic and other factors designed to estimate probabilities, including volatility. The Investment Manager makes allocation decisions among the strategies based on quantitative and qualitative analysis using a number of different tools, including proprietary software models and input from the Investment Manager’s research analysts. At any given time the Portfolio’s assets may not be allocated to all strategies. Quantitative analysis includes statistical analysis of portfolio risks and performance characteristics, factor dependencies and trading tendencies. Qualitative analysis includes analysis of the global economic environment as well as internal and external research on individual securities, portfolio holdings, attribution factors, behavioral patterns and overall market views and scenarios.

195


A principal component of the Investment Manager’s investment process for the Portfolio is volatility management. The Investment Manager generally will seek to achieve, over a full market cycle, a level of volatility in the Portfolio’s performance of approximately 10%. Volatility, a risk measurement, measures the magnitude of up and down fluctuations in the value of a financial instrument or index over time.

The Investment Manager engages in fundamental analysis (including credit analysis) while taking into account macroeconomic and other considerations in selecting investment opportunities. The allocation among the Investment Manager’s strategies may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions, and at any given time the Portfolio’s assets may not be allocated to all strategies. The investment philosophy employed for the Portfolio is based on an understanding that the current economic environment can be coupled with research into the drivers of (and risks to) outperformance in the strategies in which the Portfolio invests to create a blend of strategies aligned with the economic cycle.

As a consequence of allocating its assets among various of the Investment Manager’s investment strategies, the Portfolio may:

· invest in US and non-US equity and debt securities (including those of companies with business activities located in emerging market countries and securities issued by governments of such countries), depositary receipts and shares, currencies and related instruments, and structured notes

· invest in ETFs and similar products, which generally pursue a passive index-based strategy

· invest in securities of companies of any size or market capitalization

· invest in debt securities of any maturity or duration

· invest in securities of any particular quality or investment grade and, as a result, the Portfolio may invest significantly in securities rated below investment grade (e.g., lower than Baa by Moody’s or lower than BBB by S&P) (“junk bonds”) or securities that are unrated

· enter into swap agreements (including credit default swap agreements) and forward contracts, and may purchase and write put and covered call options, on securities, indexes and currencies, for hedging purposes (although it is not required to do so) or to seek to increase returns

Debt securities in which the Portfolio may invest (as a consequence of allocating its assets among various of the Investment Manager’s investment strategies) include debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, government agencies or supranational bodies or US and non-US companies or other private-sector entities, including fixed and/or floating rate investment grade and non-investment grade bonds (“junk bonds”), convertible securities, commercial paper, collateralized debt obligations, short- and medium-term obligations and other fixed-income obligations.

Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio invests significantly (at least 40%—unless market conditions are not deemed favorable by the Investment Manager, in which case the Portfolio would invest at least 30%) in issuers organized or located outside the US or doing a substantial amount of business outside the US, securities denominated in a foreign currency or foreign currency forward contracts.

The Portfolio considers a company or issuer that derives at least 50% of its revenue from business outside the US or has at least 50% of its assets outside the US as doing a substantial amount of business outside the US. The allocation of the Portfolio’s assets among geographic sectors may shift from time to time based on the Investment Manager’s judgment and its analysis of market conditions.

The Portfolio may, but is not required to, enter into futures contracts and/or swap agreements in an effort to protect the Portfolio’s investments against a decline in the value of Portfolio investments that could occur following the effective date of a large redemption order and while the Portfolio is selling securities to meet the

196


redemption request. Since, in this event, the redemption order is priced at the (higher) value of the Portfolio’s investments at the effective date of redemption, these transactions would seek to protect the value of Portfolio shares remaining outstanding from dilution or magnified losses resulting from the Portfolio selling securities to meet the redemption request while the value of such securities is declining. For the most part, this approach is anticipated to be utilized, if at all, if a significant percentage of Portfolio shares is redeemed on a single day, or other similar circumstances.

A certain portion of the Portfolio’s assets may be held in reserves, typically invested in shares of a money market mutual fund. The reserve position provides flexibility in meeting redemptions, paying expenses and managing cash flows into the Portfolio. In addition, when the Investment Manager determines that adverse market conditions exist, the Portfolio may adopt a temporary defensive position and invest some or all of its assets in money market mutual funds and/or money market instruments. In pursuing a temporary defensive strategy, the Portfolio may forgo potentially more profitable investment strategies and, as a result, may not achieve its stated investment objective.

Investment Risks

You should be aware that the Portfolios:

· are not bank deposits

· are not guaranteed, endorsed or insured by any bank, financial institution or government entity, such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

· are not guaranteed to achieve their stated goals

The Portfolios also are subject to the investment risks listed in the tables below. For a description of the risks listed in the tables, please see “Glossary—Investment Risks” immediately following the tables. See also the Portfolios’ Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) for information on certain other investments in which the Portfolios may invest and other investment techniques in which the Portfolios may engage from time to time and related risks.

       
  

US Equity
Concentrated
Portfolio

 

US Equity
Select
Portfolio

 

US Small-Mid
Cap Equity
Portfolio

Concentration Risk

 

ü

    

Cybersecurity Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Depositary Receipts Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Derivatives and Hedging Risk

 

ü

 

ü

  

ETF and Similar Products Risk

 

ü

 

ü

  

Focused Investing Risk

   

ü

 

ü

Foreign Currency Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

 

ü

    

IPO Shares Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Issuer Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Large Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

 

ü

  

Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Non-Diversification Risk

 

ü

    

Non-US Securities Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Securities Selection Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Value Investing Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

197


           
  

International
Equity
Portfolio

 

International
Equity
Select
Portfolio

 

International
Equity
Concentrated
Portfolio

 

International
Strategic
Equity
Portfolio

 

International
Small Cap
Equity
Portfolio

Concentration Risk

     

ü

    

Cybersecurity Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Depositary Receipts Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Derivatives and Hedging Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Emerging Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

ETF and Similar Products Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Focused Investing Risk

   

ü

   

ü

  

Foreign Currency Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

IPO Shares Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Issuer Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Large Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

  

Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Non-Diversification Risk

     

ü

    

Non-US Securities Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Securities Selection Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Value Investing Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

198


             
  

Global
Equity
Select
Portfolio

 

Global
Strategic
Equity
Portfolio

 

Equity
Franchise
Portfolio

 

Emerging
Markets
Equity
Portfolio

 

Emerging
Markets
Core Equity
Portfolio

 

Developing
Markets
Equity
Portfolio

Cybersecurity Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Depositary Receipts Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Derivatives and Hedging Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Emerging Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

ETF and Similar Products Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Focused Investing Risk

 

ü

 

ü

       

ü

Foreign Currency Risk

 

ü

 

ü

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Foreign Currency and Foreign Currency Hedging Risk

     

ü

      

Franchise Companies Risk

     

ü

      

Growth Investing Risk

     

ü

   

ü

 

ü

IPO Shares Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Issuer Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Large Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

   

ü

Liquidity Risk

       

ü

   

ü

Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Non-Diversification Risk

     

ü

      

Non-US Securities Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Securities Selection Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

   

ü

Small Cap Companies Risk

         

ü

  

Value Investing Risk

 

ü

 

ü

   

ü

 

ü

  

 

199


           
  

International
Equity Advantage
Portfolio

 

International Equity Value Portfolio

 

International Compounders Portfolio

 

Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio

 

Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio

Concentration Risk

   

ü

      

Cybersecurity Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Depositary Receipts Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Derivatives and Hedging Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Emerging Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

ETF and Similar Products Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Focused Investing Risk

     

ü

    

Foreign Currency and Foreign Currency Hedging Risk

   

ü

      

Foreign Currency Risk

 

ü

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Growth Investing Risk

     

ü

    

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

   

ü

   

ü

  

IPO Shares Risk

   

ü

 

ü

    

Issuer Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Large Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Non-Diversification Risk

   

ü

      

Non-US Securities Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Other Equity Securities Risk

 

ü

     

ü

 

ü

Quantitative Model Risk

 

ü

     

ü

 

ü

Realty Companies, Real Estate Investments and REITs Risk

 

ü

     

ü

 

ü

Securities Selection Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Value Investing Risk

   

ü

      

Volatility Management Risk

       

ü

  

200


           
    

Emerging
Markets
Equity
Blend
Portfolio

 

Emerging
Markets
Debt
Portfolio

 

Emerging
Markets
Income
Portfolio

 

Explorer
Total
Return
Portfolio

Allocation Risk

   

ü

      

CDO Risk

     

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Commercial Paper Risk

     

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Convertible Securities Risk

     

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Counterparty Credit Risk

       

ü

  

Cybersecurity Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Depositary Receipts Risk

   

ü

      

Derivatives and Hedging Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Emerging Market Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

ETF and Similar Products Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk

     

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Foreign Currency Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Growth Investing Risk

   

ü

      

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

     

ü

 

ü

 

ü

IPO Shares Risk

   

ü

      

Issuer Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Large Cap Companies Risk

   

ü

      

Liquidity Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Market Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Monetary Policy, Political and Legislative Risk

     

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Non-Diversification Risk

     

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Non-US Securities Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Quantitative Model Risk

   

ü

      

Securities Selection Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk

   

ü

      

Structured Products Risk

       

ü

  

Value Investing Risk

   

ü

      

201


           
    

US Corporate
Income
Portfolio

 

US Short
Duration
Fixed
Income
Portfolio

 

Lazard
Global
Fixed
Income
Portfolio

 

Global
Listed
Infrastructure
Portfolio

Cybersecurity Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Depositary Receipts Risk

         

ü

Derivatives and Hedging Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Emerging Market Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

ETF and Similar Products Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

  

Focused Investing Risk

     

ü

   

ü

Foreign Currency Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

  

Foreign Currency and Foreign Currency Hedging Risk

         

ü

Government Securities Risk

   

ü

      

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

     

ü

    

Infrastructure Companies Risk

         

ü

Investment Companies and ETFs Risk

          

IPO Shares Risk

         

ü

Issuer Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Large Cap Companies Risk

         

ü

Liquidity Risk

       

ü

  

Market Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

MLP Risk

         

ü

Monetary Policy, Political and Legislative Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

  

Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities Risk

     

ü

 

ü

  

Natural Resources Risk

       

ü

 

ü

Non-US Securities Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Other Equity Securities Risks

          

Preferred Securities Risk

          

Realty Companies, Real Estate Investments and REITs Risk

          

Securities Selection Risk

   

ü

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk

          

Structured Products Risk

     

ü

 

ü

  

Value Investing Risk

         

ü

202


       
  

US Realty Equity Portfolio

 

Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio

 

Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio

Allocation Risk

   

ü

  

Commodities-Related Investments Risk

   

ü

  

Convertible Securities Risk

     

ü

Counterparty Credit Risk

     

ü

Cybersecurity Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Depositary Receipts Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Derivatives and Hedging Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Emerging Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

ETF and Similar Products Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Focused Investing Risk

   

ü

  

Foreign Currency Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Government Securities Risk

   

ü

  

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

     

ü

Infrastructure Companies Risk

   

ü

  

Inflation-Indexed Securities Risk

   

ü

  

Investment Companies and ETFs Risk

 

ü

    

IPO Shares Risk

 

ü

   

ü

Issuer Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Large Cap Companies Risk

     

ü

Leverage Risk

     

ü

Liquidity Risk

   

ü

  

Market Direction Risk

     

ü

Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Monetary Policy, Political and Legislative Risk

 

ü

   

ü

Mortgage-Related and Asset- Backed Securities Risk

 

ü

    

Natural Resources Risk

   

ü

  

Non-Diversification Risk

 

ü

   

ü

Non-US Securities Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Other Equity Securities Risk

 

ü

    

Preferred Securities Risk

     

ü

Quantitative Model Risk

   

ü

  

Realty Companies, Real Estate Investments and REITs Risk

 

ü

 

ü

  

Securities Selection Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Short Position Risk

     

ü

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

 

ü

 

ü

Subsidiary Risk

   

ü

  

Tax Status Risk

   

ü

  

Value Investing Risk

   

ü

 

ü

203


     
  

Opportunistic
Strategies
Portfolio

 

Global
Dynamic
Multi-Asset
Portfolio

Allocation Risk

   

ü

Contrarian/Opportunistic Strategy Risk

 

ü

  

Cybersecurity Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Depositary Receipts Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Derivatives and Hedging Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Emerging Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

ETF and Similar Products Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Focused Investing Risk

 

ü

  

Foreign Currency Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Growth Investing Risk

   

ü

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

 

ü

 

ü

IPO Shares Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Issuer Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Large Cap Companies Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Liquidity Risk

   

ü

Market Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Monetary Policy, Political and Legislative Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Non-US Securities Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Quantitative Model Risk

   

ü

Securities Selection Risk

 

ü

 

ü

Short Position Risk

 

ü

  

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk

   

ü

Underlying Funds Risk

 

ü

  

Value Investing Risk

   

ü

Volatility Management Risk

   

ü

Glossary—Investment Risks

Allocation Risk. The Portfolio’s ability to achieve its investment objective depends in part on the Investment Manager’s skill in determining the Portfolio’s allocation between the investment strategies. The Investment Manager’s evaluations and assumptions underlying its allocation decisions may differ from actual market conditions.

CDO Risk. CDOs are securitized interests in pools of—generally non-mortgage—assets. Assets called collateral usually are comprised of loans or other debt instruments. A CDO may be called a collateralized loan obligation or collateralized bond obligation if it holds only loans or bonds, respectively. Investors bear the credit risk of the collateral. Multiple tranches of securities are issued by the CDO, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics. Tranches are categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/equity, according to their degree of credit risk. If there are defaults or the CDO’s collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those to subordinated/equity tranches. Senior and mezzanine tranches are typically rated, with the former receiving ratings of A to AAA/Aaa and the latter receiving ratings of B to BBB/Baa. The ratings reflect both the credit quality of underlying collateral as well as how much protection a given tranche is afforded by tranches that are subordinate to it.

204


Commercial Paper Risk. Commercial paper represents short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued in bearer form by banks or bank holding companies, corporations and finance companies used to finance short-term credit needs and may consist of US dollar-denominated obligations of domestic issuers and foreign currency-denominated obligations of domestic or foreign issuers. Commercial paper may be backed only by the credit of the issuer or may be backed by some form of credit enhancement, typically in the form of a guarantee by a commercial bank. Commercial paper backed by guarantees of foreign banks may involve additional risk due to the difficulty of obtaining and enforcing judgments against such banks and the generally less restrictive regulations to which such banks are subject.

Commodity-Related Investments Risk. Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than other types of investments. The values of commodities and commodity-linked derivative instruments are affected by events that may have less impact on the values of equity and fixed income securities. Investments linked to the prices of commodities are considered speculative. Because the value of a commodity-linked derivative instrument, such as a futures contract on a physical commodity, typically is based upon the price movements of the underlying reference asset, index or rate, the value of these instruments will rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying reference asset, index or rate. Prices of commodities and commodity-linked investments may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of factors, including: changes in supply and demand relationships; weather; agricultural or livestock markets; agricultural or livestock disease or pestilence; trade relationships; fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs; and embargoes, tariffs, terrorism and international economic, political, military and regulatory developments. The commodity markets are subject to temporary distortions or other disruptions due to a variety of factors, including the lack of liquidity in the markets, the participation of speculators and government regulation and intervention. United States futures exchanges and some foreign exchanges have regulations that limit the amount of fluctuation in futures contract prices, which may occur during a single business day. These limits are generally referred to as “daily price fluctuation limits” and the maximum or minimum price of a contract on any given day as a result of these limits is referred to as a “limit price.” Once the limit price has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made at a different price. Limit prices have the effect of precluding trading in a particular contract or forcing the liquidation of contracts at disadvantageous times or prices. These circumstances could adversely affect the value of the commodity-linked investments.

Concentration Risk. The Portfolio’s ability to concentrate its investments may be limited by applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for qualification as a regulated investment company.

Contrarian/Opportunistic Strategy Risk. A contrarian/opportunistic strategy is susceptible to the risk that the Investment Manager’s determinations of opportunities in market anomalies do not materialize as expected so that investments using this strategy do not increase in value (and may lose value).

Convertible Securities Risk. The market value of convertible securities generally performs like that of nonconvertible fixed income securities; that is, their prices move inversely with changes in interest rates (i.e., as interest rates go up, prices go down). In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a convertible security, the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security also is subject to the same types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock.

Counterparty Credit Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategies are dependent on counterparties to its securities borrowing transactions in connection with short sales of securities and/or counterparties to derivatives transactions, as applicable. Transactions with such counterparties are subject to the risk of default by a counterparty, which could result in a loss of Portfolio assets used as collateral or the loss of monies owed to the Portfolio by a counterparty.

205


Cybersecurity Risk. The Portfolio and its service providers are susceptible to operational and information security and related risks of cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity attacks include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems (e.g., through "hacking" or malicious software coding) for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cybersecurity incidents affecting the Investment Manager, transfer agent or custodian or other service providers such as financial intermediaries have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, including by interference with the Portfolio's ability to calculate its NAV; impediments to trading for the Portfolio's portfolio managers; the inability of Portfolio shareholders to transact business with the Portfolio; violations of applicable privacy, data security or other laws; regulatory fines and penalties; reputational damage; reimbursement or other compensation or remediation costs; legal fees; or additional compliance costs. Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity incidents affecting issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests, counterparties with which the Portfolio engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies and other financial institutions and other parties. There are inherent limitations in any cybersecurity risk management systems or business continuity plans, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified.

Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with direct investments in the securities of non-US companies, because their values depend on the performance of the underlying non-US securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary receipts differently than direct investments in non-US dollar-denominated non-US securities, because a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency in which the underlying non-US dollar security is denominated. Certain countries may limit the ability to convert depositary receipts into the underlying non-US securities and vice versa, which may cause the securities of the non-US company to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the related depositary receipt. The Portfolio may invest in depositary receipts through an unsponsored facility where the depositary issues the depositary receipts without an agreement with the company that issues the underlying securities. Holders of unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs of such facilities, and the depositary of an unsponsored facility frequently is under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications received from the issuer of the deposited security or to pass through voting rights to the holders of the depositary receipts with respect to the deposited securities. As a result, available information concerning the issuer may not be as current as for sponsored depositary receipts, and the prices of unsponsored depositary receipts may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer.

Derivatives and Hedging Risk. Derivatives transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Over-the-counter swap agreements, forward currency contracts, writing or purchasing over-the-counter options on securities (including options on ETFs and ETNs), indexes and currencies and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to the risk of default by the counterparty and can be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related index, commodity, interest rate, currency, security or other reference asset. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Purchasing options will reduce returns by the amount of premiums paid for options that are not exercised. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of

206


derivatives transactions, even when entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions. Future rules and regulations of the SEC may impact the Portfolio’s derivatives transactions as described in this prospectus.

Emerging Market Risk. Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks. The risks may include less protection of property rights and uncertain political and economic policies, the imposition of capital controls and/or foreign investment limitations by a country, nationalization of businesses and the imposition of sanctions by other countries, such as the US. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the US dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.

ETFs and Similar Products Risk. Shares of ETFs and similar products such as ETNs in which the Portfolio may invest may trade at prices that vary from their NAVs, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs, ETNs and similar products may trade at prices at, below or above their most recent NAV. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. ETNs may not trade in the secondary market, but typically are redeemable by the issuer. The Portfolio’s investments in ETFs and similar products are subject to the risks of investments made by the ETFs and similar products, as well as to the general risks of investing in ETFs and similar products. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs and similar products in which the Portfolio invests. While ETNs do not have management fees, they are subject to certain investor fees. ETNs are debt securities that, like ETFs, typically are listed on exchanges and their terms generally provide for a return that tracks specified market indexes. However, unlike ETFs, ETNs are not registered investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act. In addition, as debt securities, ETNs are subject to the additional risk of the creditworthiness of the issuer. ETNs typically do not make periodic interest payments. The Portfolio may be limited by the 1940 Act in the amount of its assets that may be invested in ETFs unless an ETF has received an exemptive order from the SEC on which the Portfolio may rely or an exemption is available. Many ETFs have received an exemptive order from the SEC providing an exemption from the 1940 Act limits on the amount of assets that may be invested in ETFs, and the Portfolio’s reliance on an order is conditioned on compliance with certain terms and conditions of the order, including that the Portfolio enter into a purchasing fund agreement with the ETF regarding the terms of the investment. If an exemptive order has not been received and an exemption is not available under the 1940 Act, the Portfolio will be limited in the amount it can invest in ETFs that are registered investment companies to: (1) 3% or less of an ETF’s voting shares, (2) an ETF’s shares in value equal to or less than 5% of the Portfolio’s assets and (3) shares of ETFs in the aggregate in value equal to or less than 10% of the Portfolio’s total assets.

Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk. The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening.

Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in rates will adversely affect debt securities and, accordingly, will cause the value of the Portfolio’s investments in these securities to decline. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio

207


securities at disadvantageous prices. Risks associated with rising interest rates are heightened given that the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the near future. During periods of reduced market liquidity, the Portfolio may not be able to readily sell debt securities at prices at or near their perceived value. An unexpected increase in Portfolio redemption requests, including a single large request for a significant percentage of the Portfolio’s shares, which may be triggered by market turmoil or an increase in interest rates, could cause the Portfolio to sell its holdings at a loss or at undesirable prices and adversely affect the Portfolio’s share price and increase the Portfolio’s liquidity risk and/or Portfolio expenses. Economic and other developments can adversely affect debt securities markets.

The Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The prices of high yield securities can fall in response to negative news about the issuer or its industry, or the economy in general to a greater extent than those of higher rated securities. The market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline.

Some fixed-income securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity. If securities held by the Portfolio are called during a time of declining interest rates (which is typically the case when issuers exercise options to call outstanding securities), the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates).

Adjustable rate securities provide the Portfolio with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, although such securities will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. Certain adjustable rate securities, such as those with interest rates that fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly loss of principal. Certain fixed-income securities may be issued at a discount from their face value (such as zero coupon securities) or purchased at a price less than their stated face amount or at a price less than their issue price plus the portion of “original issue discount” previously accrued thereon, i.e., purchased at a “market discount.” The amount of original issue discount and/or market discount on certain obligations may be significant, and accretion of market discount together with original issue discount will cause the Portfolio to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities.

Structured notes are privately negotiated debt instruments where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to a specified asset, market or rate, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. Structured notes can have risks of both debt securities and derivative transactions.

Focused Investing Risk. The NAV of the Portfolio may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Foreign Currency and Foreign Currency Hedging Risk. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. The Investment Manager may

208


not be able to accurately predict movements in exchange rates and there may be imperfect correlations between movements in exchange rates that could cause the Portfolio to incur significant losses.

Foreign Currency Risk. Investments denominated in currencies other than US dollars may experience a decline in value, in US dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of emerging market currencies. Except as specifically stated for a Portfolio, the Investment Manager generally does not intend to actively hedge the Portfolio's foreign currency exposure.

Franchise Companies Risk. Changes in the worldwide economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics and consumer preferences, government regulation and economic conditions may adversely affect franchise companies individually or across an industry and may negatively impact the Portfolio to a greater extent than if the Portfolio’s assets were invested more broadly in a number of types of companies.

Government Securities Risk. Not all obligations of the US government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the US Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the US government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security held by the Portfolio does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the Portfolio itself. A security backed by the US Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. In addition, because many types of US government securities trade actively outside the United States, their prices may rise and fall as changes in global economic conditions affect the demand for these securities.

Growth Investing Risk. The Portfolio invests in stocks believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but that may not realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth potential. Such stocks may be more volatile than other stocks because they can be more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. The stocks in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of stocks.

Hedging Risk. Derivative instruments, such as futures contracts or swap agreements, even when entered into for the purpose of protecting the value of Portfolio investments (hedging), may reduce returns, such as when such instruments are not well correlated with the investments seeking to be hedged. In addition, while such instruments may protect the value of Portfolio investments from a decline in value, the entry into such instruments for hedging purposes would limit any gains associated with the investments being hedged. The Portfolio’s ability to fully hedge its risk may be further limited by regulatory and other constraints.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Portfolio’s investment strategies may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.

Inflation-Indexed Security Risk. Interest payments on inflation-indexed securities can be unpredictable and will vary as the principal and/or interest is periodically adjusted based on the rate of inflation. If the index measuring inflation falls, the interest payable on these securities will be reduced. The US Treasury has guaranteed that, in the event of a drop in prices, it would repay the par amount of its inflation-indexed securities. Inflation-indexed securities issued by corporations generally do not guarantee repayment of principal. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed security will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity. As a result, the Portfolio may be required to make annual distributions to shareholders that exceed the cash the Portfolio received, which may cause the Portfolio to liquidate certain investments when it is not advantageous to do so. Also, if the principal value of an inflation-indexed security is

209


adjusted downward due to deflation, amounts previously distributed may be characterized in some circumstances as a return of capital.

Infrastructure Companies Risk. Securities and instruments of infrastructure companies are more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting their industries. Infrastructure companies may be subject to a variety of factors that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction programs, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic slowdown, surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel at reasonable prices, the effects of energy conservation policies and other factors. Infrastructure companies also may be affected by or subject to:

· regulation by various government authorities, including rate regulation;

· service interruption due to environmental, operational or other mishaps;

· the imposition of special tariffs and changes in tax laws, regulatory policies and accounting standards;

· general changes in market sentiment towards infrastructure and utilities assets;

· difficulty in raising capital in adequate amounts on reasonable terms in periods of high inflation and unsettled capital markets;

· inexperience with and potential losses resulting from a developing deregulatory environment; and

· technological innovations that may render existing plants, equipment or products obsolete.

Investment Companies and ETF Risk. Any investments in other investment companies and ETFs are subject to the risks of the investments of the investment companies and ETFs, as well as to the general risks of investing in investment companies and ETFs. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of any other investment companies and ETFs in which the Portfolio invests.

IPO Shares Risk. The prices of securities purchased in IPOs can be very volatile. The effect of IPOs on the Portfolio’s performance depends on a variety of factors, including the number of IPOs the Portfolio invests in relative to the size of the Portfolio and whether and to what extent a security purchased in an IPO appreciates or depreciates in value. As the Portfolio’s asset base increases, IPOs may have a diminished effect on the Portfolio’s performance.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.

Large Cap Companies Risk. Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.

Leverage Risk. The use of leverage may magnify the Portfolio’s gains or losses.

Liquidity Risk. The lack of a readily available market may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell certain securities at the time and price it would like. The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may be relatively smaller in size than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio, by itself or together with other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may hold a position in a

210


security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security; these factors can make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time or price.

Market Direction Risk. Since the Portfolio will typically hold both long and short positions, an investment in the Portfolio will involve market risks associated with different types of investment decisions than those made for a typical “long only” fund. The Portfolio’s results will suffer both when there is a general market advance and the Portfolio holds significant “short” positions, or when there is a general market decline and the Portfolio holds significant “long” positions. In recent years, the markets have shown considerable volatility from day to day and even in intra-day trading.

Market Risk. Market risks, including political, regulatory, market and economic developments, and developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries or segments of the market, can affect the value of the Portfolio’s investments. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.

MLP Risk. An investment in MLP units involves some risks that differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers.

Monetary Policy, Political and Legislative Risk. The Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times in recent periods and may continue to increase rates in the future. Rising rates may expose fixed-income and related markets to heightened volatility, interest rate sensitivity and reduced liquidity, which could cause the value of the Portfolio’s investments and share price to fall. Portfolio redemptions also may increase, which may result in higher portfolio turnover and Portfolio expenses. Policy and legislative changes worldwide are affecting many aspects of financial regulation. The impact of these changes on the markets, and the practical implications for market participants, may not be fully known for some time.

Other market developments can adversely affect fixed-income securities markets. Regulations and business practices, for example, have led some financial intermediaries to curtail their capacity to engage in trading (i.e., “market making”) activities for certain fixed-income securities, which could have the potential to decrease liquidity and increase volatility in the fixed-income securities markets.

Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Mortgage-related securities are complex instruments, subject to both credit and prepayment risk, and may be more volatile and less liquid, and more difficult to price accurately, than more traditional debt securities. Although certain mortgage-related securities are guaranteed by a third party (such as a US Government agency or instrumentality with respect to government-related mortgage-backed securities) or otherwise similarly secured, the market value of the security, which may fluctuate, is not secured. Mortgage-related securities generally are subject to credit risks associated with the performance of the underlying mortgage properties. Prepayment risk can lead to fluctuations in value of the mortgage-related security which may be pronounced. As with other interest-bearing securities, the prices of certain mortgage-related securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates. However, although the value of a mortgage- related security may decline when interest rates rise, the converse is not necessarily true, since during periods of declining interest rates the mortgages underlying the security are more likely to be prepaid.

The risks of asset-backed securities are similar to those of mortgage-related securities. However, asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not presented by mortgage-related securities. Primarily, these securities may provide a Portfolio with a less effective security interest in the related collateral than do mortgage-related securities.

Natural Resources Risk. Investments related to natural resources may be affected by numerous factors, including events occurring in nature, inflationary pressures and domestic and international politics. For example, events

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occurring in nature (such as earthquakes or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as coups or military confrontations) can affect the overall supply of a natural resource and the value of companies involved in such natural resource. Political risks and other risks to which non-US companies are subject also may affect US companies if they have significant operations or investments in non-US countries. In addition, interest rates, prices of raw materials and other commodities, international economic developments, energy conservation, tax and other government regulations (both US and non-US) may affect the supply of and demand for natural resources, which can affect the profitability and value of securities issued by companies in the natural resources category. Securities of companies within specific natural resources sub-categories can perform differently than the overall market. This may be due to changes in such things as the regulatory or competitive environment or to changes in investor perceptions.

Non-Diversification Risk. The NAV of the Portfolio may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.

Non-US Securities Risk. The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-US countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-US securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Additionally, certain non-US markets may rely heavily on particular industries and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. International trade barriers or economic sanctions against foreign countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals may adversely affect the Portfolio’s foreign holdings or exposures.

Ongoing concerns regarding the economies of certain European countries and/or their sovereign debt, as well as the possibility that one or more countries might leave the European Union (the “EU”), create risks for investing in the EU. The current uncertainty regarding “Brexit” and related future developments could have a negative impact on both the United Kingdom economy and the economies of other countries in Europe, as well as greater volatility in the global financial and currency markets.

Other Equity Securities Risk. Preferred stock is subject to credit and interest rate risk and the risk that the dividend on the stock may be changed or omitted by the issuer and, unlike common stock, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. The market value of a convertible security tends to perform like that of a regular debt security so that, if market interest rates rise, the value of the convertible security falls. Investments in rights and warrants involve certain risks including the possible lack of a liquid market for resale, price fluctuations and the failure of the price of the underlying security to reach a level at which the right or warrant can be prudently exercised, in which case the right or warrant may expire without being exercised and result in a loss of the Portfolio’s entire investment.

Preferred Securities Risk. There are various risks associated with investing in preferred securities, including credit risk; interest rate risk; deferral and omission of distributions; subordination; call and reinvestment risk; limited liquidity; limited voting rights and special issuer redemption rights. In addition, unlike common stock, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited.

· Credit risk is the risk that a security held by the Portfolio will decline in price or the issuer of the security will fail to make dividend, interest or principal payments when due because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status.

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· Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall. Securities with longer periods before maturity or effective durations may be more sensitive to interest rate changes.

· Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer.

· Preferred securities are generally subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer’s capital structure in terms of having priority to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments.

· During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer may be able to exercise an option to call, or redeem, its issue at par earlier than the scheduled maturity, which is generally known as call risk. If this occurs during a time of lower or declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities (and the Portfolio may not benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates). This is known as reinvestment risk.

· Certain preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks or US Government securities. Illiquid securities involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Portfolio or at prices approximating the value at which the Portfolio is carrying the securities on its books.

· Generally, traditional preferred securities offer no voting rights with respect to the issuer unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors to the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. Hybrid-preferred security holders generally have no voting rights.

· In certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified date. For instance, for certain types of preferred securities, a redemption may be triggered by a change in US federal income tax or securities laws. As with call provisions, a redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the security held by the Portfolio

Quantitative Model Risk. A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used by the Investment Manager requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s ability to monitor and, if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various factors, including incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s value can change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition, the factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value.

Realty Companies, Real Estate Investments and REITs Risk. The Portfolio could lose money due to the performance of real estate-related securities even if securities markets generally are experiencing positive results. The performance of investments made by the Portfolio may be determined to a great extent by the current status of the real estate industry in general, or by other factors (such as interest rates and the availability of loan capital) that may affect the real estate industry, even if other industries would not be so affected. Consequently, the investment strategies of the Portfolio could lead to securities investment results that may be significantly different from investments in securities of other industries or sectors or in a more broad-based portfolio generally.

The risks related to investments in Realty Companies and Real Estate Investments include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic and local market conditions; adverse developments in employment; changes in supply or demand for similar or competing properties; unfavorable changes in applicable taxes, governmental regulations and interest rates; operating or development expenses; and lack of available financing.

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REITS are subject to similar risks as Real Estate Investments and Realty Companies. Due to certain special considerations that apply to REITs, investments in REITs may carry additional risks not necessarily present in investments in other securities. REIT securities (including those trading on national exchanges) typically have trading volumes that are less than those of common stocks of other stocks traded on national exchanges, which may affect the Portfolio’s ability to trade or liquidate those securities. An investment in REITs may be adversely affected if the REIT fails to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Failure to qualify with any of these requirements could jeopardize a company’s status as a REIT. The Portfolio generally will have no control over the operations and policies of a REIT, and they generally will have no ability to cause a REIT to take the actions necessary to qualify as a REIT.

Securities Selection Risk. Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

Short Position Risk. Short sales or positions may involve substantial risks. If a short position appreciates in value during a period of the Portfolio’s investment, there will be a loss to the Portfolio that could be substantial. Short positions involve more risk than long positions because the maximum sustainable loss on a security purchased is limited to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs. However, the Portfolio’s potential loss on a short position is unlimited because, theoretically, there is no limit to the potential price increase of a security.

In taking a short position in securities through total return swap agreements (which generally entitle the Portfolio to the economic equivalent of gains or losses and dividends on the subject securities during the period of the swap agreements), the Portfolio will incur transaction costs similar to interest or financing charges that will reduce any gains or increase any losses. Short sales of securities also may involve additional transaction-related costs such as those in connection with borrowing the securities sold short.

There is a risk that the Portfolio may be unable to fully implement its investment strategies due to a lack of available swap arrangements or securities to borrow to effect short sales or for some other reason.

When seeking to effect short sales of securities, the Portfolio may not always be able to borrow a security the Portfolio seeks to sell short at a particular time or at an acceptable price. In addition, the Portfolio may not always be able to close out a short sale position at a particular time or at an acceptable price. If the lender of a borrowed security requires the Portfolio to return the security to it on short notice, and the Portfolio is unable to borrow the security from another lender, the Portfolio may have to buy the borrowed security at an unfavorable price, resulting in a loss. In addition, there is a risk that the collateral pledged to the Portfolio’s custodian to secure securities borrowings in connection with short sales of securities may not be returned to the Portfolio or may not be returned in a timely manner.

It is possible that the market value of the securities the Portfolio holds in long positions will decline at the same time that the market value of the securities to which the Portfolio has short exposure increases, thereby increasing the Portfolio’s potential volatility.

Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk. Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Small Cap Companies Risk. Small cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies,

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which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.

Structured Products Risk. Structured notes and other structured products are privately negotiated debt instruments where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to a specified asset, market or rate, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. Structured products can have risks of both fixed income securities and derivatives transactions (described above).

Subsidiary Risk. The Portfolio invests in the Subsidiary, which is not registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act. A regulatory change in the US or the Cayman Islands, under which the Portfolio and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, that impacts the Subsidiary or how the Portfolio invests in the Subsidiary, such as a change in tax law, could prevent the Portfolio or the Subsidiary from operating as described in the Prospectus and could adversely affect the Portfolio. By investing in the Subsidiary, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments, which generally include the risks of investing in commodity-related derivative instruments (described elsewhere in this Prospectus).

Tax Status Risk. Income and gains from commodities or certain commodity-linked derivative instruments do not constitute “qualifying income” to the Portfolio for purposes of qualification as a RIC for federal income tax purposes. Without such qualification, the Portfolio could be subject to tax. The Portfolio intends to take the position that income and gains from its investments in the Subsidiary and certain commodity-linked derivatives will constitute “qualifying income.” The IRS has announced that it will no longer issue private letter rulings regarding this matter; however, the Portfolio anticipates that all income and gains earned by the Subsidiary will constitute “qualifying income,” as the Subsidiary intends to make corresponding distributions of those earnings to the Portfolio at least once during every taxable year, consistent with Section 851(b) of the Code. The tax treatment of some of the Portfolio’s investments in the Subsidiary and commodity-linked derivatives may be adversely affected by future legislation, regulations of the US Treasury Department or guidance issued by the IRS, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Portfolio.

Underlying Funds Risk. Shares of ETFs and closed-end funds in which the Portfolio invest may trade at prices that vary from their NAVs, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs and closed-end funds may trade at prices at, below or above their most recent NAV. Shares of closed-end funds, in particular, frequently trade at persistent discounts to their NAV. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. ETNs may not trade in the secondary market, but typically are redeemable by the issuer. The Portfolio’s investments in Underlying Funds are subject to the risks of Underlying Funds’ investments, as well as to the general risks of investing in Underlying Funds. Portfolio shares will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also their proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs and closed-end funds in which the Portfolio invests. While ETNs do not have management fees, they are subject to certain investor fees. ETNs are debt securities that, like ETFs, typically are listed on exchanges and their terms generally provide for a return that tracks specified market indexes. However, unlike ETFs and closed-end funds, ETNs are not registered investment companies and thus are not regulated under the 1940 Act. In addition, as debt securities, ETNs are subject to the additional risk of the creditworthiness of the issuer. ETNs typically do not make periodic interest payments.

The Portfolio may be limited by the 1940 Act in the amount of its assets that may be invested in ETFs and closed-end funds unless an ETF or a closed-end fund has received an exemptive order from the SEC on which the Portfolio may rely or an exemption is available.

Many ETFs have received an exemptive order from the SEC providing an exemption from the 1940 Act limits on the amount of assets that may be invested in ETFs and closed-end funds, and a Portfolio’s reliance on an order is conditioned on compliance with certain conditions of the order. If an exemptive order has not been received and an exemption is not available under the 1940 Act, the Portfolio will be limited in the amount it can invest in

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Underlying Funds that are registered investment companies to: (1) 3% or less of an Underlying Fund’s voting shares, (2) an Underlying Fund’s shares in value equal to or less than 5% of the Portfolio’s assets and (3) shares of Underlying Funds in the aggregate in value equal to or less than 10% of the Portfolio’s total assets.

Value Investing Risk. The Portfolio generally invests in stocks believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but that may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived value. The stocks in which the Portfolio invests may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of stocks.

Volatility Management Risk. While the Investment Manager generally will seek to achieve, over a full market cycle, the level of volatility in the Portfolio’s performance as described in the strategy section, there can be no guarantee that this will be achieved; actual or realized volatility for any particular period may be materially higher or lower depending on market conditions. In addition, the Investment Manager’s efforts to manage the Portfolio’s volatility can be expected, in a period of generally positive equity market returns, to reduce the Portfolio’s performance below what could be achieved without seeking to manage volatility and, thus, the Portfolio would generally be expected to underperform market indices that do not seek to achieve a specified level of volatility.

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Lazard Funds Fund Management

Investment Manager

Lazard Asset Management LLC, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10112-6300, serves as the Investment Manager of each Portfolio. The Investment Manager provides day-to-day management of each Portfolio’s investments and assists in the overall management of the Fund’s affairs. The Investment Manager and its global affiliates provide investment management services to client discretionary accounts with assets totaling approximately $193 billion as of December 31, 2018. Its clients are both individuals and institutions, some of whose accounts have investment policies similar to those of several of the Portfolios.

The Fund has agreed to pay the Investment Manager an investment management fee at the annual rate set forth below as a percentage of the relevant Portfolio’s average daily net assets. The investment management fees are accrued daily and paid monthly. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, the Investment Manager waived all or a portion of its management fees with respect to certain Portfolios, which resulted in such Portfolios paying the Investment Manager an investment management fee at the effective annual rate set forth below as a percentage of the relevant Portfolio’s average daily net assets.

     

Name of Portfolio

 

Investment
Management
Fee Payable

 

Effective
Annual Rate
of Investment
Management
Fee Paid

US Equity Concentrated Portfolio

 

.70%

 

.70%

US Equity Select Portfolio

 

.65%

 

.46%

US Small-Mid Cap Equity Portfolio

 

.75%

 

.75%

International Equity Portfolio

 

.75%

 

.75%

International Equity Advantage Portfolio

 

.65%

 

.00%

International Equity Select Portfolio

 

.75%

 

.73%

International Equity Concentrated Portfolio

 

.80%

 

.67%

International Compounders Portfolio

 

.75%

 

.00%

International Equity Value Portfolio

 

.80%

 

.00%

International Strategic Equity Portfolio

 

.75%

 

.75%

International Small Cap Equity Portfolio

 

.75%

 

.75%

Global Equity Select Portfolio

 

.80%

 

.75%

Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio

 

.60%

 

.00%

Global Strategic Equity Portfolio

 

.75%

 

.00%

Equity Franchise Portfolio

 

.80%

 

.00%

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio

 

1.00%

 

.99%

Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio

 

.85%

 

.00%

Developing Markets Equity Portfolio

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio

 

1.00%

 

1.00%

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

.75%

 

.73%

Emerging Markets Income Portfolio

 

.65%

 

.00%

Explorer Total Return Portfolio

 

.90%

 

.89%

US Corporate Income Portfolio

 

.55%

 

.45%

US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio

 

.25%

 

.21%

Global Fixed Income Portfolio

 

.50%

 

.00%

US Realty Equity Portfolio

 

.75%

 

.73%

Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio

 

.90%

 

.90%

Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio

 

.70%

 

.00%

Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio

 

.95%

 

.00%

Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio

 

1.00%

 

.86%

Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio

 

.80%

 

.34%

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A discussion regarding the basis for the approval of the management agreement between the Fund, on behalf of each Portfolio except Lazard International Equity Value Portfolio and Lazard International Compounders Portfolio, and the Investment Manager is available in the Portfolios’ semi-annual reports to shareholders for the period ended June 30, 2018.

A discussion regarding the basis for approval of the management agreement between the Fund, on behalf of Lazard International Equity Value Portfolio and Lazard International Compounders Portfolio, and the Investment Manager is available in the Portfolio’s annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.

The Investment Manager has a contractual agreement to waive its fee and, if necessary, reimburse each Portfolio until May 1, 2020 (except as otherwise noted), to the extent Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed the amounts shown below (expressed as a percentage of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares), exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings, dividend and interest expenses on securities sold short (Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio and Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio only), fees and expenses of “Acquired Funds” and extraordinary expenses. This expense limitation agreement can only be amended by agreement of the Fund, upon approval by the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), and the Investment Manager to lower the net amount shown and will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolios. The addition of expenses excluded from the expense limitation agreement, particularly Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and Dividend and Borrowing Expenses on Securities Sold Short, as applicable, will cause Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and/or Expense Reimbursement to exceed, for each Class, the maximum amounts agreed to by the Investment Manager.

       

Name of Portfolio

 

Institutional
Shares

 

Open
Shares

 

R6
Shares

US Equity Concentrated Portfolio*

 

.90%

 

1.20%

 

.85%

US Equity Select Portfolio

 

.75%

 

1.05%

 

.75%

US Small-Mid Cap Equity Portfolio

 

1.15%

 

1.45%

 

1.10%

International Equity Portfolio

 

.85%

 

1.15%

 

.80%

International Equity Advantage Portfolio

 

.90%

 

1.20%

 

.85%

International Equity Select Portfolio**

 

1.05%

 

1.35%

 

1.00%

International Equity Concentrated Portfolio

 

.95%

 

1.25%

 

.90%

International Compounders***

 

.85%

 

1.10%

 

.80%

International Equity Value****

 

.95%

 

1.20%

 

.90%

International Strategic Equity Portfolio

 

1.05%

 

1.35%

 

1.00%

International Small Cap Equity Portfolio

 

1.13%

 

1.43%

 

1.08%

Global Equity Select Portfolio

 

1.05%

 

1.35%

 

1.00%

Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio

 

.75%

 

1.05%

 

.70%

Global Strategic Equity Portfolio

 

1.00%

 

1.30%

 

.95%

Equity Franchise Portfolio

 

.95%

 

1.20%

 

.90%

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

 

1.20%

 

1.50%

 

1.15%

Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio

 

1.25%

 

1.55%

 

1.20%

Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio

 

1.10%

 

1.40%

 

1.05%

Developing Markets Equity Portfolio

 

1.25%

 

1.55%

 

1.20%

Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio

 

1.25%

 

1.55%

 

1.20%

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

 

.95%

 

1.15%

 

.90%

Emerging Markets Income Portfolio

 

.90%

 

1.05%

 

.85%

Explorer Total Return Portfolio

 

1.10%

 

1.40%

 

1.05%

US Corporate Income Portfolio

 

.55%

 

.85%

 

.55%

US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio

 

.40%

 

.70%

 

.35%

Global Fixed Income Portfolio

 

.70%

 

.95%

 

.65%

US Realty Equity Portfolio††

 

1.00%

 

1.30%

 

.95%

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Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio††

 

1.20%

 

1.50%

 

1.15%

Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio

 

.90%

 

1.15%

 

.85%

Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio

 

1.25%

 

1.50%

 

1.20%

Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio

 

1.02%

 

1.32%

 

1.02%

Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio

 

.90%

 

1.20%

 

.90%

* This agreement will continue in effect until May 1, 2020, and from May 1, 2020 through May 1, 2029, at levels of 1.10%, 1.40% and 1.05% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

** This agreement will continue in effect until May 1, 2020 and from May 1, 2020 through May 1, 2029, at levels of 1.15%, 1.45% and 1.10% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

*** This agreement will continue in effect through December 31, 2020.

**** This agreement will continue in effect through October 31, 2020.

 This agreement will continue in effect until May 1, 2020, and from May 1, 2020 through May 1, 2029, at levels of 1.10%, 1.35% and 1.05% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares, Open Shares and R6 Shares, respectively.

†† This agreement will continue in effect through May 1, 2029.

In addition, to the extent the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the R6 Shares of a Portfolio exceed the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses of the Portfolio’s Institutional Shares (in each case, not including management fees, custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the Portfolio’s assets), the Investment Manager has contractually agreed, until May 1, 2020, to bear the expenses of the R6 Shares in the amount of such excess. This agreement will terminate automatically in the event of termination of the Management Agreement between the Investment Manager and the Fund, on behalf of the Portfolio.

Portfolio Management

The Investment Manager manages the Portfolios on a team basis. The team is involved in all levels of the investment process. This team approach allows for every portfolio manager to benefit from the views of his or her peers. Each portfolio management team is comprised of multiple team members. Although their roles and the contributions they make may differ, each member of the team participates in the management of the respective Portfolio. Members of each portfolio management team discuss the portfolio, including making investment recommendations, overall portfolio composition, and the like. Research analysts perform fundamental research on issuers (based on, for example, sectors or geographic regions) in which the Portfolio may invest.

The names of the persons who are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the assets of the Portfolios are as follows (along with the date they became a portfolio manager of the Portfolio):

US Equity Concentrated Portfolio—Christopher H. Blake (since May 2012) and Martin Flood (since March 2011)

US Equity Select Portfolio—Andrew D. Lacey (since December 2004), H. Ross Seiden (since May 2018), Louis Florentin-Lee (since December 2018), Martin Flood (since March 2011) and Ronald Temple (since February 2009)

US Small-Mid Cap Equity Portfolio—Daniel Breslin (since May 2007), Michael DeBernardis (since October 2010) and Martin Flood (since December 2014)

International Equity Portfolio—Michael G. Fry (since November 2005), Michael A. Bennett (since May 2003), Kevin J. Matthews (since May 2013), Michael Powers (since May 2003), Giles Edwards (since May 2019) and John R. Reinsberg# (since January 1992)

International Equity Select Portfolio—Michael G. Fry (since May 2010), Michael A. Bennett (since May 2003), James M. Donald and Kevin J. Matthews (each since May 2010), Michael Powers (since May 2003), Giles Edwards (since May 2019) and John R. Reinsberg* (since May 2001)

International Equity Advantage Portfolio—Paul Moghtader, Taras Ivanenko, Ciprian Marin, Craig Scholl, Susanne Willumsen (each since May 2015), Alex Lai and Jason Williams (each since May 2019)

219


International Equity Concentrated Portfolio—Kevin J. Matthews, Michael A. Bennett, Michael G. Fry, Michael Powers and John R. Reinsberg (each since August 2014) and Giles Edwards (since May 2019)

International Compounders Portfolio—Louis Florentin-Lee, Robin O. Jones, Mark Little and Barnaby Wilson (each since December 2018)

International Equity Value Portfolio—Mark Rooney and Erik Van Der Sande (each since October 2018)

International Strategic Equity Portfolio—Mark Little (since October 2005), Michael A. Bennett (since September 2008), Robin O. Jones (since May 2009) and John R. Reinsberg# (since October 2005)

International Small Cap Equity Portfolio—Edward Rosenfeld (since May 2007), Alex Ingham (since July 2012) and John R. Reinsberg* (since December 1993)

Global Equity Select Portfolio—Louis Florentin-Lee (since December 2013), Barnaby Wilson (since 2015), Andrew D. Lacey, Martin Flood, Patrick Ryan and Ronald Temple (each since December 2013)

Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio—Paul Moghtader, Taras Ivanenko, Ciprian Marin, Craig Scholl, Susanne Willumsen (each since May 2015), Alex Lai and Jason Williams (each since May 2019)

Global Strategic Equity Portfolio—Robin O. Jones, Mark Little, John R. Reinsberg and Barnaby Wilson (each since August 2014)

Equity Franchise Portfolio—Bertrand Cliquet, Matthew Landy, John Mulquiney and Warryn Robertson (each since September 2017)

Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio—James M. Donald (since November 2001), Rohit Chopra (since May 2007), Monika Shrestha (since December 2014) and John R. Reinsberg* (since July 1994)

Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio—Stephen Russell, Thomas Boyle and Paul Rogers (each since October 2013)

Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio—Paul Moghtader, Taras Ivanenko, Ciprian Marin, Craig Scholl, Susanne Willumsen (each since May 2015), Alex Lai and Jason Williams (each since May 2019)

Developing Markets Equity Portfolio—Kevin O’Hare, Peter Gillespie, James M. Donald** and John R. Reinsberg* (each since September 2008)

Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio—Jai Jacob (since May 2010), Stephen Marra (since May 2013) and James M. Donald# (since May 2010)

Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio—Arif T. Joshi and Denise S. Simon (each since February 2011)

Emerging Markets Income Portfolio—Ardra Belitz (since April 2014), Aristotel Kondili (since May 2018) and Ganesh Ramachandran (since April 2014)

Explorer Total Return Portfolio—Arif T. Joshi and Denise S. Simon (each since June 2013)

US Corporate Income Portfolio—Jeffrey Clarke (since August 2017) and Eulogio (Joe) Ramos (since February 2016)

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US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio—Eulogio (Joe) Ramos, George Grimbilas and John R. Senesac, Jr. (each since February 2011)

Global Fixed Income Portfolio—Yvette Klevan and Jared Daniels (each since March 2012)

Realty Portfolio—Jay P. Leupp (since September 2011 and previously a portfolio manager of the Predecessor Realty Equity Fund since December 2008) and Christopher Hartung (since September 2018)

Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio—Bertrand Cliquet (since September 2017), Matthew Landy (since March 2016) and John Mulquiney and Warryn Robertson (each since December 2009)

Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio—Jai Jacob and Stephen Marra (each since December 2016)

Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio—Sean Reynolds and Frank Bianco (each since December 2014)

Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio—Jai Jacob, Stephen Marra, Thomas McManus and Kim Tilley (each since February 2017)

Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio—Jai Jacob and Stephen Marra (each since May 2016)

# In addition to his oversight responsibility as described below, Mr. Donald or Mr. Reinsberg, as the case may be, is a member of the portfolio management team.

* As a Deputy Chairman of the Investment Manager, Mr. Reinsberg is ultimately responsible for overseeing this Portfolio but is not responsible for its day-to-day management.

** As head of the Emerging Markets Group, Mr. Donald is ultimately responsible for overseeing this Portfolio but is not responsible for its day-to-day management.

Biographical Information of Principal Portfolio Managers

Ardra Belitz, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager and a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Income team, joined the team in 1998. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1996, Ms. Belitz was with Bankers Trust Company. She began working in the investment industry in 1994.

Michael A. Bennett, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1992, Mr. Bennett was with General Electric Investment Corporation, Keith Lippert Associates and Arthur Andersen & Company. Mr. Bennett has been working in the investment field since 1987.

Frank Bianco, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s capital structure and convertibles-based teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2009, Mr. Bianco was a portfolio manager and Head of Credit Research at Argent Funds Group LLC, where he oversaw domestic and international convertible bond, high yield and equity derivative portfolios. Previously, Mr. Bianco had analyst roles at McMahan Securities, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and AIG, where he began his career in the investment field in 1991.

Christopher H. Blake, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity teams. Mr. Blake joined the Investment Manager in 1995, when he began working in the investment field as a research analyst for the Investment Manager.

Thomas Boyle, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Core Equity and Latin America Equity teams, focusing primarily on emerging markets investments within Latin America. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2010, Mr. Boyle spent 11 years with Deutsche Asset Management, providing expertise in the areas of bottom-up research, portfolio construction and client service for their Emerging Markets and Latin America Equity institutional and retail strategies.

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Daniel Breslin, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Small-Mid Cap Equity team. He began working in the investment field in 1992. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2002, Mr. Breslin was with Guardian Life and New York Life.

Rohit Chopra, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Equity team, focusing on consumer and telecommunications research and analysis. He began working in the investment field in 1996. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1999, Mr. Chopra was with Financial Resources Group, Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley.

Jeffrey Clarke, a Senior Vice President of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Fixed Income team. Mr. Clarke primarily focuses on investment opportunities in the US Taxable markets, specializing in US Corporate High Yield credits. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2002, he was a High Yield Research Analyst and Funds Administrator with OFFITBANK, and was also previously with the Bank of New York. He began working in the investment field in 1999. Mr. Clarke is a Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) Charterholder.

Bertrand Cliquet is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2004, Mr. Cliquet was a utility analyst at Goldman Sachs International in London, and a merger and acquisition analyst at Deutsche Bank. He has been working in the investment field since 1999.

Jared Daniels, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Global Fixed Income team. He began working in the investment field in 1997. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1998, Mr. Daniels was with CIBC Oppenheimer Corporation. He is a CFA Charterholder.

Michael DeBernardis, a Senior Vice President of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Small-Mid Cap Equity and Global Small Cap Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2005, Mr. DeBernardis was a Senior Equity Analyst at Systematic Financial Management L.P. and a Market Data Analyst at Salomon Smith Barney. He began working in the investment field in 1996.

James M. Donald, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Equity team and Head of the Emerging Markets Group. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1996, Mr. Donald was a portfolio manager with Mercury Asset Management. Mr. Donald is a CFA Charterholder.

Giles Edwards, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International teams. Prior to joining the investment teams, he was a research analyst with a background in media, automotive, and services. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2008, Mr. Edwards was a Management Accountant at BSkyB.

Martin Flood, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1996, Mr. Flood was a Senior Accountant with Arthur Andersen LLP. He began working in the investment field in 1993.

Louis Florentin-Lee, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Equity Select team. He joined the Investment Manager in 2004, and has been working in the investment field since 1996.

Michael G. Fry, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2005, Mr. Fry held several positions at UBS Global Asset Management, including Head of Global Equity Portfolio Management,

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Global Head of Equity Research and Head of Australian Equities. Mr. Fry began working in the investment field in 1981.

Peter Gillespie, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Developing Markets Equity team. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2007, Mr. Gillespie was a portfolio manager at Newgate Capital, LLP, GE Asset Management and an analyst at Sinta Capital Corp. Mr. Gillespie is a CFA Charterholder.

George Grimbilas, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Fixed Income teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2006, Mr. Grimbilas was a portfolio manager at Ambac Financial Group, Inc., a Managing Director at R.W. Pressprich & Co., a portfolio manager at Liberty Capital Management and an analyst at The Trepp Group. Mr. Grimbilas is a CFA Charterholder.

Christopher Hartung, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager's Global Real Estate Securities team. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2011, Mr. Hartung was Senior Advisor at Grubb & Ellis Alesco Global Advisors, LLC responsible for alternative investment strategies, capital markets, product development and research. He began working in the investment field in 1990.

Alex Ingham, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets, International and Global Small Cap Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2011, Mr. Ingham was with Aviva Investors (formerly Morley Fund Management), Aberdeen Asset Management, Hill Samuel Asset Management and City Financial Partners Limited. He began working in the investment field in 1996.

Taras Ivanenko, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2007, he was a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at State Street Global Advisors (“SSGA”). He began working in the investment field in 1995. He is a CFA Charterholder.

Jai Jacob, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team. Mr. Jacob began working in the investment field in 1998 when he joined the Investment Manager.

Arif T. Joshi, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Debt team. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2010, Mr. Joshi was a Senior Vice President and portfolio manager at HSBC Asset Management and an associate at Strategic Management Group. Mr. Joshi is a CFA Charterholder.

Robin O. Jones, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s International and Global Strategic Equity teams. Prior to rejoining the Investment Manager in 2007, Mr. Jones was a portfolio manager for Bluecrest Capital Management since 2006. Mr. Jones initially joined the Investment Manager in 2002, when he began working in the investment field.

Yvette Klevan, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Fixed Income team. She began working in the investment field in 1982. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2002, Ms. Klevan was a Senior Portfolio Manager at Offitbank and previously worked at Bank of America, Chase Manhattan Bank and Aramco Services Company.

Aristotel Kondili, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Income team, which he joined in October 2004. Previously Mr. Kondili was a supervisor in the operations group of the Investment Manager. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2001, Mr. Kondili worked at PortfolioPR, an investor relations/public relations firm.

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Andrew D. Lacey, a Deputy Chairman of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams. Mr. Lacey joined the Investment Manager in 1996, and has been working in the investment field since 1995.

Alex Lai, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2008, he was a Vice President and Quantitative Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at SSgA. Mr. Lai began working in the investment field in 2002 and is a CFA Charterholder.

Matthew Landy is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2005, Mr. Landy worked in the private equity industry where he was involved in early stage venture capital in Europe and management buy-out investing in Australia. Previously he was an Equity Analyst with Tyndall Investment Management.

Jay P. Leupp, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Real Estate Securities team. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2011, Mr. Leupp was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Grubb & Ellis Alesco Global Advisors, LLC, which he founded in 2005. Prior to that he was Managing Director of Real Estate Equity Research at RBC Capital Markets and Robertson Stephens & Co., Inc.

Mark Little, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International and Global Strategic Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1997, Mr. Little was a manager with the Coopers & Lybrand corporate finance practice. He began working in the investment field in 1992.

Ciprian Marin, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2008, Mr. Marin was a Senior Portfolio Manager at SSgA, managing European, UK and Global funds. He began working in the investment field in 1997.

Stephen Marra, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, specializing in strategy research. Prior to joining the Multi-Asset team, Mr. Marra worked in Settlements, Fixed Income Risk and Quantitative Technology. He began working in the investment field in 1999 upon joining the Investment Manager.

Kevin J. Matthews, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams. Prior to joining the International Equity teams, Mr. Matthews was a research analyst with a background in financial, automotive, aerospace and capital goods sectors. He began working in the investment field in 2001 when he joined the Investment Manager.

Thomas M. McManus, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team, specializing in macroeconomic forecasting and asset allocation. He began working in the investment field in 1980. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2010, Mr. McManus was Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Wells Fargo Advisors. Previously, he was Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist at Bank of America Securities LLC. Mr. McManus started his career at Morgan Stanley in 1980 in strategic planning and equity derivatives. From 1983 to 1991, he was a member of the Global Equity Derivatives department at Goldman Sachs.

Paul Moghtader, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2007, he was Head of the Global Active Equity Group and a Senior Portfolio Manager at SSgA. Mr. Moghtader

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began his career at Dain Bosworth as a research assistant when he began working in the investment field in 1992. He is a CFA Charterholder.

John Mulquiney is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in August 2005, Mr. Mulquiney worked at Tyndall Australia and in the Asset and Infrastructure Group at Macquarie Bank, where he undertook transactions and developed valuation models for airports, electricity generators, rail projects and health infrastructure. Mr. Mulquiney is a CFA Charterholder.

Kevin O’Hare, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Developing Markets Equity team, focusing on the technology, health care, telecommunications and consumer discretionary sectors. He began working in the investment field in 1991. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2001, Mr. O’Hare was with Merrill Lynch and Moore Capital Management. Mr. O’Hare is a CFA Charterholder.

Michael Powers, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s International Equity teams. He began working in the investment field in 1990 when he joined the Investment Manager.

Ganesh Ramachandran, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Income team. Mr. Ramachandran began working in the investment field in 1997 when he joined the Investment Manager.

Eulogio (Joe) Ramos, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Fixed Income teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2006, Mr. Ramos was the Chief Investment Officer of Ambac Financial Group, Inc. He also was associated with E.H. Capital Group, LLC, Lehman Management Co. and the Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Fixed Income Research Department.

John R. Reinsberg, a Deputy Chairman of the Investment Manager, is responsible for oversight of International and Global strategies. He also is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Equity and International Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1992, he served as Executive Vice President of General Electric Investment Corporation and Trustee of the General Electric Pension Trust. Mr. Reinsberg began working in the investment field in 1981.

Sean Reynolds, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s capital structure and convertibles-based teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2007, Mr. Reynolds was a portfolio manager for convertible arbitrage strategies at SAC Capital Management and a senior portfolio manager at Sailfish Capital Partners’ G2 Multistrategy Fund. In addition, he previously had portfolio management and/or trading roles with Clinton Group, Deutsche Bank, UBS and Merrill Lynch. Mr. Reynolds began working in the investment field in 1993.

Warryn Robertson is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global Listed Infrastructure and Global Equity Franchise teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in April 2001, Mr. Robertson spent three years with Capital Partners, an independent advisory house, where he was an associate director developing business valuations for infrastructure assets and other alternative equity investments including airports, toll roads, timber plantations, power stations and coal mines. Mr. Robertson is a member of the Securities Institute of Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Paul Rogers, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Core Equity and Latin America Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2011, Mr. Rogers served as the Managing Director of Emerging Markets Research at Fidelity Management & Research

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Company. Before that, he spent 14 years at Deutsche Asset Management progressively rising from analyst to portfolio manager. Mr. Rogers is a CFA Charterholder.

Mark Rooney, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s International Equity Value team. Mr. Rooney began working in the investment field in 1996. Prior to joining Lazard in 2018, Mr. Rooney was a Principal and co-founder of LRV Capital.

Edward Rosenfeld, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Global, International and European Small Cap Equity teams. He began working in the investment industry in 1996. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2001, Mr. Rosenfeld was an analyst with J.P. Morgan.

Stephen Russell, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Core Equity and Latin America Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2011, Mr. Russell was a portfolio manager for Deutsche Asset Management’s Emerging Markets and Latin America equity institutional and retail strategies. Mr. Russell is a CFA Charterholder.

Patrick Ryan, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity teams. He joined the Investment Manager in 1994 and has been working in the investment field since 1989.

Craig Scholl, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2007, he was a Principal and a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group of SSgA. Mr. Scholl began working in the investment field in 1984 and is a CFA Charterholder.

H. Ross Seiden, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity teams. Mr. Seiden began working in the investment field in 2006. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2010, Mr. Seiden was an equity research associate covering the financials sector at Credit Suisse.

John R. Senesac, Jr., a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s US Fixed Income teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2000, Mr. Senesac was associated with Alliance Capital/Regent Investor Services and Trenwick America Reinsurance Corporation. Mr. Senesac is a CFA Charterholder.

Monika Shrestha, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Equity team, responsible for research coverage of companies in the financials sector. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2003, Ms. Shrestha was a principal at Waterview Advisors and a Corporate Finance Analyst with Salomon Smith Barney. Ms. Shrestha began working in the investment field in 1997.

Denise S. Simon, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Emerging Markets Debt team. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2010, Ms. Simon was a Managing Director and portfolio manager at HSBC Asset Management. She also was associated with The Atlantic Advisors, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, Bayerische Vereinsbank, Lehman Brothers, Kleinwort Benson and UBS.

Ronald Temple, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is responsible for oversight of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Multi-Asset Strategies. He is also a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s US Equity and Global Equity teams. Mr. Temple joined the Investment Manager in 2001 and has been working in the investment field since 1991.

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Kim Tilley, a Senior Vice President of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s Multi-Asset team. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2002, Ms. Tilley worked on the Institutional Equity Sales Desk at Wachovia Securities, Inc.

Jason Williams, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2008, he was a Quantitative Portfolio Manager in the Pan European Active Equities group with SSgA, focusing on model development and performance evaluation. Mr. Williams began working in the investment field in 2001 and is a CFA Charterholder.

Susanne Willumsen, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Advantage portfolio management teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 2008, she was Managing Director, Head of Active Equities Europe with SSgA. Ms. Willumsen began working in the investment field in 1993.

Barnaby Wilson, a Managing Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on various of the Investment Manager’s Global Equity teams. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1999, Mr. Wilson worked for Orbitex Investments. He began working in the investment field in 1998, and is a CFA Charterholder.

Erik Van Der Sande, a Director of the Investment Manager, is a portfolio manager/analyst on the Investment Manager’s International Equity Value team. Mr. Van Der Sande began working in the investment field in 2002. Prior to joining Lazard in 2018, Mr. Van Der Sande was a Principal and co-founder of LRV Capital.

Additional information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers’ ownership of shares of the Portfolios is contained in the Fund’s SAI.

Administrator

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), located at One Iron Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, serves as each Portfolio’s administrator.

Distributor

Lazard Asset Management Securities LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as distributor for the Fund’s shares.

Custodian

State Street acts as custodian of the Portfolios’ investments. State Street may enter into subcustodial arrangements on behalf of the Portfolios for the holding of non-US securities.

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Lazard Funds Shareholder Information

General

Portfolio shares are sold and redeemed, without a sales charge, on a continuous basis at the NAV next determined after an order in proper form is received by the Transfer Agent or another authorized entity. Investors transacting in Institutional or R6 shares through a financial intermediary acting as a broker in an agency capacity may be required to pay a commission directly to the broker. The fund also offers Open shares that have different fees and expenses. The Lazard Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio’s NAV is disclosed daily at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300.

Financial intermediaries may have different policies and procedures than those described in this prospectus or the SAI. Accordingly, the availability of certain share classes and/or investor services described in this prospectus or the SAI will depend on the policies, procedures and trading platforms of the financial intermediary. To be eligible for the share classes and/or investor services described in this prospectus or the SAI, you may need to open an account directly with the Fund or a financial intermediary that offers such classes and/or services. Financial intermediaries determine the class of shares available for their clients and may receive different compensation for selling one class of shares than for selling another class of shares. Consult a representative of your financial intermediary for further information.

The NAV per share for each Class of each Portfolio is determined each day the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) is open for trading as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The Fund will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading as a closure of the NYSE, and will price its shares as of 4:00 p.m., if the particular disruption directly affects only the NYSE. The Fund values securities and other assets for which market quotations are readily available at market value. Securities and other assets for which current market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith in accordance with procedures approved by the Board.

Calculation of NAV may not take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of portfolio assets used in such calculation. If a significant event materially affecting the value of securities occurs between the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded and the time when NAV is calculated, or when current market quotations otherwise are determined not to be readily available or reliable, such securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by, or in accordance with procedures approved by, the Board. The fair value of non-US securities may be determined with the assistance of an independent pricing service using correlations between the movement of prices of such securities and indices of US securities and other appropriate indicators, such as closing market prices of relevant ADRs or futures contracts. The effect of using fair value pricing is that the NAV will reflect the affected securities’ values as determined in the judgment of the Board or its designee instead of being determined by the market. Using a fair value pricing methodology to price securities may result in a value that is different from the most recent closing price of a security and from the prices used by other investment companies to calculate their portfolios’ NAVs. Non-US securities may trade on days when a Portfolio is not open for business, thus affecting the value of the Portfolio’s assets on days when Portfolio shareholders may not be able to buy or sell Portfolio shares.

Eligibility to Purchase R6 Shares

R6 Shares are currently offered only by Lazard US Equity Concentrated Portfolio, Lazard US Equity Select Portfolio, Lazard International Equity Portfolio, Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio, Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, Lazard Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio, Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio, Lazard Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, Lazard US Corporate Income Portfolio and Lazard Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio.

R6 Shares are not subject to any service or distribution fees. Neither the Fund nor the Investment Manager or its affiliates will provide any distribution, shareholder or participant servicing, account maintenance, sub-accounting, sub-transfer agency, administrative, recordkeeping or reporting, transaction processing, support or similar

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payments, or “revenue sharing” payments, in connection with investments in, or conversions into, R6 Shares (collectively, “Service Payments”).

Employee Benefit Plans (as defined below), Board members and other individuals considered to be affiliates of the Fund or the Investment Manager and their family members, and discretionary accounts with the Investment Manager, as well as affiliated and non-affiliated registered investment companies, may purchase R6 Shares.

“Employee Benefit Plans,” include:

· retirement plan level, retirement plan administrator level or omnibus accounts;

· retirement plans—employer-sponsored 401(k) and 403(b), 457, Keogh, profit sharing, money purchase, defined benefit/defined contribution, target benefit and Taft-Hartley plans;

· non-qualified deferred compensation plans; and

· post-employment benefit plans, including retiree health benefit plans.

Employee Benefit Plans, Board members and other individuals considered to be affiliates of the Fund or the Investment Manager, and discretionary accounts with the Investment Manager, as well as affiliated and non-affiliated registered investment companies may purchase R6 Shares with no investment minimum.

Certain other types of plans, and institutional or other investors, may be eligible to purchase R6 Shares, subject to the minimum investment amount set forth below, including, but not limited to:

· 529 plans;

· endowments and foundations;

· states, counties or cities or their instrumentalities;

· insurance companies, trust companies and bank trust departments; and

· certain other institutional investors.

Except as specifically provided above, R6 Shares may not be purchased by:

· individual investors and/or retail accounts including accounts purchasing through wrap programs;

· IRAs and Coverdells;

· SEPs, SIMPLEs and SARSEPs; and

· individual 401(k) and 403(b) plans.

The Fund and the Distributor will consider requests by holders of Institutional Shares to convert such shares to R6 Shares on a case by case basis, provided eligibility requirements and relevant minimums are met.

Minimum Investments

All purchases made by check should be in US Dollars and made payable to “The Lazard Funds, Inc.” Third party checks will not be accepted. The Fund will not accept cash or cash equivalents (such as currency, money orders or travelers checks) for the purchase of Fund shares. Please note the following minimums in effect:

   

Institutional Shares*

$

10,000**

Open Shares*

$

2,500

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R6 Shares

$

1,000,000

*  Unless the investor is a client of a securities dealer or other institution which has made an aggregate minimum initial investment in a Portfolio for its clients of at least $10,000 for Institutional Shares ($100,000 until June 1, 2019) or $2,500 for Open Shares.

** $100,000 until June 1, 2019.

 There is no minimum initial or subsequent investment for Board members and other individuals considered to be affiliates of the Fund or the Investment Manager and their family members, discretionary accounts with the Investment Manager, affiliated and non-affiliated registered investment companies and, for R6 Shares only, Employee Benefit Plans.

The subsequent investment minimum is $50 for Institutional Shares and Open Shares. There is no subsequent investment minimum for R6 Shares.

Open Shares investors investing directly with a Portfolio who meet the Institutional Shares minimum may request that their Open Shares be converted to Institutional Shares. Investors investing through a securities dealer or other institution should consult that firm regard share class availability and applicable minimums.

The Fund reserves the right to change or waive the minimum initial and subsequent investment requirements at any time without prior notice.

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Closed to Most New Investors

Effective as of the close of business on July 19, 2010, the Portfolio was generally closed to new investors. Those investors who did not own shares of the Portfolio on July 19, 2010 may open new accounts in the Portfolio only through certain products managed by the Investment Manager that maintain an allocation to the Portfolio, certain retirement or employee benefit plans (including 401(k) and other defined contribution plans) under the same primary tax identification number and certain other approved financial institutions or programs. Additionally, employees of the Investment Manager and members of the Board may open new accounts in the Portfolio. All current shareholders with open accounts may purchase additional shares of the Portfolio and continue, or elect, to reinvest dividends and capital gains distributions in shares of the Portfolio. The Fund may make certain exceptions or otherwise modify this policy at any time. The Fund reserves the right, at any future date, to open the Portfolio to all investors or to further close the Portfolio, including closing the Portfolio to additional investment by current shareholders or to the categories of investors who currently may open new accounts.

Investors may be required to demonstrate eligibility to purchase shares of the Portfolio before an investment is accepted. For questions about qualifying to purchase shares of the Portfolio, please call (800) 823-6300.

How to Buy Shares

Through the Transfer Agent:

Shareholders who do not execute trades through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary should submit their purchase requests to the Transfer Agent by telephone or mail, as follows:

Initial Purchase

By Mail

1. Complete a Purchase Application. Indicate the services to be used.

2. Send the Purchase Application and a check for at least the minimum investment amount (if applicable) payable to “The Lazard Funds, Inc.” to:

regular mail
The Lazard Funds, Inc.
P.O. Box 219441
Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9441
Attention: (Name of Portfolio and Class of Shares)

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overnight delivery
The Lazard Funds, Inc.
430 W 7th Street, Suite 219441
Kansas City, Missouri 64105-1407

By Wire

Your bank may charge you a fee for this service.

1. Call (800) 986-3455 toll-free from any state and provide the following:

· the Portfolio(s) and Class of shares to be invested in

· name(s) in which shares are to be registered

· address

· social security or tax identification number

· dividend payment election

· amount to be wired

· name of the wiring bank, and

· name and telephone number of the person to be contacted in connection with the order.

An account number will then be assigned.

2. Instruct the wiring bank to transmit the specified amount in federal funds, giving the wiring bank the account name(s) and assigned account number, to State Street:
ABA #: 011000028
State Street Bank and Trust Company Boston, Massachusetts
Custody and Shareholder Services Division DDA 9905-2375
Attention: (Name of Portfolio and Class of Shares)
The Lazard Funds, Inc.
Shareholder’s Name and Account Number

3. Complete a Purchase Application. Indicate the services to be used. Mail the Purchase Application to the address set forth in Item 2 under “Initial Purchase–By Mail” above.

Additional Purchases

By Mail

4. Make a check payable to “The Lazard Funds, Inc.” Write the shareholder’s account number on the check.

5. Mail the check and the detachable stub from the Statement of Account (or a letter providing the account number) to the address set forth in Item 2 under “Initial Purchase–By Mail” above.

By Wire

Instruct the wiring bank to transmit the specified amount in federal funds to State Street, as instructed in Item 2 under “Initial Purchase–By Wire” above.

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By ACH

Shareholders may purchase additional shares of a Portfolio by automated clearing house (“ACH”). To set up the ACH purchases option, call (800) 986-3455. ACH is similar to making Automatic Investments (described below under “Shareholder Information—Investor Services—Automatic Investments”), except that shareholders may choose the date on which to make the purchase. The Fund will need a voided check or deposit slip before shareholders may purchase by ACH.

By Exchange

Shareholders may purchase additional shares of a Portfolio by exchange from another Portfolio, as described below under “Shareholder Information— Investor Services—Exchange Privilege.”

Purchases through the Automatic Investment Plan
(Open Shares only) (Minimum $50)

Investors may participate in the Automatic Investment Plan by making subsequent investments in a Portfolio through automatic deductions from a designated bank account at regular intervals selected by the investor. The Automatic Investment Plan enables an investor to make regularly scheduled investments and may provide investors with a convenient way to invest for long-term financial goals. To enroll in the Automatic Investment Plan, call (800) 986-3455.

Individual Retirement Accounts
(Open Shares and Institutional Shares only)

The Fund may be used as an investment for IRAs. Completion of a Lazard Funds IRA application is required. For a Direct IRA Account (an account other than an IRA rollover) a $5 establishment fee and a $15 annual maintenance and custody fee is payable to State Street for each IRA Fund account; in addition, a $10 termination fee will be charged and paid to State Street when the account is closed. For more information on IRAs, call (800) 986-3455.

Market Timing/Excessive Trading

Each Portfolio is intended to be a long-term investment vehicle and is not designed to provide investors with a means of speculating on short-term market movements. Excessive trading, market timing or other abusive trading practices may disrupt investment management strategies and harm performance and may create increased transaction and administrative costs that must be borne by the Portfolios and their shareholders, including those not engaged in such activity. In addition, such activity may dilute the value of Portfolio shares held by long-term investors. The Fund’s Board has approved policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares that are intended to discourage and prevent these practices, including regular monitoring of trading activity in Portfolio shares. The Fund will not knowingly accommodate excessive trading, market timing or other abusive trading practices.

The Fund routinely reviews Portfolio share transactions and seeks to identify and deter abusive trading practices. The Fund monitors for transactions that may be harmful to a Portfolio, either on an individual basis or as part of a pattern of abusive trading practices. Each Portfolio reserves the right to refuse, with or without notice, any purchase or exchange request that could adversely affect the Portfolio, its operations or its shareholders, including those requests from any individual or group who, in the Fund’s view, is likely to engage in excessive trading, market timing or other abusive trading practices, and where a particular account appears to be engaged in abusive trading practices, the Fund will seek to restrict future purchases of Portfolio shares by that account or may temporarily or permanently terminate the availability of the exchange privilege, or reject in whole or part any exchange request, with respect to such investor’s account. When an exchange request in respect of Portfolio shares is rejected, such shares may be redeemed from the Portfolio on request of the investor. The Fund may deem a shareholder to be engaged in abusive trading practices without advance notice and based on information unrelated to the specific trades in the shareholder’s account. For instance, the Fund may determine that the shareholder’s account is linked to another account that was previously restricted or a third party intermediary may provide information to the Fund with respect to a particular account that is of concern to the Fund. Accounts

232


under common ownership, control or perceived affiliation may be considered together for purposes of determining a pattern of excessive trading practices. An investor who makes more than six exchanges per Portfolio during any twelve-month period, or who makes exchanges that appear to coincide with a market timing strategy, may be deemed to be engaged in excessive trading. In certain cases, the Fund may deem a single “roundtrip” trade or exchange (redeeming or exchanging a Portfolio’s shares followed by purchasing or exchanging into shares of that Portfolio) as a violation of the Fund’s policy against abusive trading practices. The Fund’s actions may not be subject to appeal.

To discourage attempts to arbitrage pricing of international securities (among other reasons), the Board has adopted policies and procedures providing that if events materially affecting the value of securities occur between the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded and the time when a Portfolio’s NAV is calculated, such securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by, or in accordance with procedures approved by, the Board. See “Shareholder Information—General.” The codes of ethics of the Fund, the Investment Manager and the Distributor in respect of personal trading contain limitations on trading in Portfolio shares.

As described below, the Fund may take up to seven days to pay redemption proceeds. This may occur when, among other circumstances, the investor redeeming shares is engaged in excessive trading or if the redemption request otherwise would be disruptive to efficient portfolio management or would otherwise adversely affect the Portfolio.

Except as otherwise noted, all of the policies described in this section apply uniformly to all Portfolio accounts. However, while the Fund and the Investment Manager will take reasonable steps to prevent trading practices deemed to be harmful to a Portfolio by monitoring Portfolio share trading activity, they may not be able to prevent or identify such trading. If the Fund is not able to prevent abusive trading practices, such trading may disrupt investment strategies, harm performance and increase costs to all Portfolio investors, including those not engaged in such activity. The Fund’s policy on abusive trading practices does not apply to automatic investment or automatic exchange privileges.

Securities trading in non-US markets are particularly susceptible to time zone arbitrage. As a result, Portfolios investing in securities trading in non-US markets, including Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio, which may invest in Underlying Funds that invest in securities trading in non-US markets, may be at greater risk for market timing than funds that invest in securities trading in US markets.

Distribution and Servicing Arrangements

Each Portfolio offers Institutional Shares and Open Shares, and certain Portfolios offer R6 Shares. Each share class has different investment minimums and different expense ratios. The Fund has adopted a plan under rule 12b-1 (the “12b-1 plan”) that allows each Portfolio to pay the Distributor a fee, at the annual rate of .25% of the value of the average daily net assets of each Portfolio’s Open Shares, for distribution and services provided to holders of Open Shares. Because these fees are paid out of each Portfolio’s assets on an on-going basis, over time these recurring fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Institutional Shares and R6 shares do not pay a rule 12b-1 fee. Financial intermediaries and other third parties may receive payments pursuant to the 12b-1 plan.

The Investment Manager or the Distributor may provide additional cash payments out of its own resources to financial intermediaries that sell shares and/or provide marketing, shareholder servicing, account administration or other services with respect to Open Shares and Institutional Shares. Such payments are in addition to any fees paid by a Portfolio's Open Shares under rule 12b-1. The receipt of such payments pursuant to the 12b-1 plan or from the Investment Manager or Distributor could create an incentive for the financial intermediaries to offer a Portfolio instead of other mutual funds where such payments are not received. Financial intermediaries determine the class of shares available for their clients and may receive different compensation for selling one class of

233


shares than for selling another class of shares. Further information is contained in the SAI, and you should consult your financial intermediary for further details.

How to Sell Shares

General

If you request a Portfolio to transmit your redemption proceeds to you by check, the Portfolio expects that your redemption proceeds normally will be sent within two business days after your request is received in proper form. If you request a Portfolio to transmit your redemption proceeds to you by wire or ACH, and the Portfolio already has your bank account information on file, the Portfolio expects that your redemption proceeds normally will be wired within one business day or sent by ACH within three business days, as applicable, to your bank account after your request is received in proper form. Payment of redemption proceeds may take longer than the number of days the Portfolio typically expects and may take up to seven days after your order is received in proper form by the Portfolio’s transfer agent or other authorized entity, particularly for very large redemptions or during periods of stressed market conditions or high redemption volume.

The processing of redemptions may be suspended, and the delivery of redemption proceeds may be delayed beyond seven days, depending on the circumstances, for any period: (i) during which the NYSE is closed (other than on holidays or weekends), or during which trading on the NYSE is restricted; (ii) when an emergency exists that makes the disposal of securities owned by a Portfolio or the determination of the fair value of the Portfolio’s net assets not reasonably practicable; or (iii) as permitted by order of the SEC for the protection of Portfolio shareholders. For these purposes, the SEC determines the conditions under which trading shall be deemed to be restricted and an emergency is deemed to exist.

Where the shares to be sold have been purchased by check or through the Automatic Investment Plan, the sale proceeds will be transmitted to you promptly upon bank clearance of your purchase check, which may take up to ten calendar days.

Under normal circumstances, each Portfolio expects to meet redemption requests by using cash it holds in its portfolio or selling portfolio securities to generate cash. In addition, Portfolios may draw upon an unsecured credit facility for temporary or emergency purposes, including to meet redemption requests. Redemption requests also may be satisfied, in whole or in part, through a redemption-in-kind (a payment in portfolio securities instead of cash). A Portfolio may make an in-kind redemption under the following circumstances: (1) (i) the Investment Manager determines that an in-kind redemption is more advantageous to the Portfolio (e.g., due to advantageous tax consequences or lower transaction costs) than selling/purchasing portfolio securities; or the redeeming shareholder has requested an in-kind redemption, (ii) the Investment Manager determines that an in-kind redemption will not favor the redeeming shareholder to the detriment of any other shareholder or the Portfolio, and (iii) the Investment Manager determines that an in-kind redemption is in the best interests of the Portfolio; (2) to manage liquidity risk; (3) in stressed market conditions; or (4) subject to the approval of the Board of the Fund, including a majority of the Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund, in other circumstances identified by the Investment Manager. Any securities distributed in kind will remain exposed to market risk until sold, and you may incur transaction costs and taxable gain when selling the securities.

Selling Shares

Through the Transfer Agent:

Shareholders who do not execute trades through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary should submit their sale requests to the Transfer Agent by telephone or mail, as follows:

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By Telephone

A shareholder may redeem shares by calling the Transfer Agent. To redeem shares by telephone, the shareholder must have properly completed and submitted to the Transfer Agent either a Purchase Application authorizing such redemption or a signed letter requesting that the telephone redemption privilege be added to the account. To place a redemption request, or to have the telephone redemption privilege added to your account, please call the Transfer Agent’s toll-free number, (800) 986-3455. In order to confirm that telephone instructions for redemptions are genuine, the Fund has established reasonable procedures to be employed by the Fund and the Transfer Agent, including the requirement that a form of personal identification be provided.

By Mail

6. Write a letter of instruction to the Fund. Indicate the dollar amount or number of shares to be sold, the Portfolio and Class, the shareholder’s account number, and social security or taxpayer identification number.

7. Sign the letter in exactly the same way the account is registered. If there is more than one owner of the account, all must sign.

8. If shares to be sold have a value of $50,000 or more, the signature(s) must be guaranteed by a domestic bank, savings and loan institution, domestic credit union, member bank of the Federal Reserve System, broker-dealer, registered securities association or clearing agency, or other participant in a signature guarantee program. Signature guarantees by a notary public are not acceptable. Further documentation may be requested to evidence the authority of the person or entity making the redemption request. In addition, all redemption requests that include instructions for redemption proceeds to be sent somewhere other than the address on file must be signature guaranteed.

9. Send the letter to the Transfer Agent at the following address:

regular mail
The Lazard Funds, Inc.
P.O. Box 219441
Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9441
Attention: (Name of Portfolio and Class of Shares)

overnight delivery
The Lazard Funds, Inc.
430 W 7th Street, Suite 219441
Kansas City, Missouri 64105-1407

Investor Services

Automatic Reinvestment Plan allows your dividends and capital gain distributions to be reinvested in additional shares of your Portfolio or another Portfolio.

Automatic Investment Plan allows you to purchase Open Shares through automatic deductions from a designated bank account.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan allows you to receive payments at regularly scheduled intervals if your account holds at least $10,000 in Portfolio shares at the time plan participation begins. The maximum regular withdrawal amount for monthly withdrawals is 1% of the value of your Portfolio shares at the time plan participation begins.

Exchange Privilege allows you, depending on the arrangements of any broker or other financial intermediary associated with your account through which shares of the Portfolio are held, to exchange shares of one Portfolio that have been held for seven days or more for shares of the same Class of another Portfolio in an identically registered account at the next determined NAV of each Portfolio following placement of the exchange order.

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There is no other cost associated with this service. All exchanges are subject to the minimum initial investment requirements.

A shareholder may exchange shares by writing or calling the Transfer Agent. To exchange shares by telephone, the shareholder must have properly completed and submitted to the Transfer Agent either a Purchase Application authorizing such exchanges or a signed letter requesting that the exchange privilege be added to the account. The Transfer Agent’s toll-free number for exchanges is (800) 986-3455. In order to confirm that telephone instructions for exchanges are genuine, the Fund has established reasonable procedures to be employed by the Fund and the Transfer Agent, including the requirement that a form of personal identification be provided.

The Fund reserves the right to limit the number of times shares may be exchanged between Portfolios, to reject any telephone exchange order, or to otherwise modify or discontinue the exchange privilege at any time. If an exchange request is refused, the Fund will take no other action with respect to the shares until it receives further instructions from the investor. See “Shareholder Information—How to Buy Shares—Market Timing/ Excessive Trading” for more information about restrictions on exchanges.

Conversion Feature may allow you or one or more brokers or other financial intermediaries authorized by the Fund (“Service Agents”), in the Fund’s discretion, to convert holdings of one class of Portfolio shares for a different class of shares of the same Portfolio. Granting of conversion requests relating to shares held pursuant to an arrangement with a Service Agent depend on the specific arrangements with the Service Agent. Conversion requests from individual shareholders invested in Open Shares in an account not associated with a Service Agent and invested directly with the Portfolio to convert to Institutional Shares will be granted if the shareholder’s holdings meet the Institutional Shares’ minimum initial investment. For federal income tax purposes, a same-Portfolio share class conversion is not expected to result in the realization by the investor of a capital gain or loss; however, shareholders are advised to consult with their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to shareholders of an investment in a Portfolio.

General Policies

In addition to the policies described above, the Fund reserves the right to:

· redeem an account, with notice, if the value of the account falls below $1,000

· convert Institutional Shares or R6 Shares held by a shareholder whose account is less than $10,000 to Open Shares, upon written notice to the shareholder

· suspend redemptions or postpone payments when the NYSE is closed for any reason other than its usual weekend or holiday closings or when trading is restricted by the SEC

· change or waive the required minimum investment amounts

Also in addition to the policies described above, the Fund may refuse or restrict purchase or exchange requests for Portfolio shares by any person or group if, in the judgment of the Fund’s management:

· a Portfolio would be unable to invest the money effectively in accordance with its investment objective and policies or could otherwise be adversely affected

· a Portfolio receives or anticipates receiving simultaneous orders that may significantly affect the Portfolio (e.g., amounts equal to 1% or more of the Portfolio’s total assets)

The Fund also reserves the right to close a Portfolio to investors at any time.

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Account Policies, Dividends and Taxes

Account Statements

You will receive quarterly statements detailing your account activity. All investors will also receive an annual statement detailing the tax characteristics of any dividends and distributions that you have received in your account. You will also receive confirmations of each trade executed in your account.

To reduce expenses, only one copy of the most recent annual and semi-annual reports of the Fund may be mailed to your household, even if you have more than one account with the Fund. Call (800) 542-1061 if you need additional copies of annual or semi-annual reports. Call the Transfer Agent at the telephone number listed on the back cover if you need account information.

Dividends and Distributions

Income dividends are normally declared each business day and paid monthly for Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio, Emerging Markets Income Portfolio, Explorer Total Return Portfolio, US Corporate Income Portfolio, US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio and Global Fixed Income Portfolio. For Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio and Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio, income dividends, if any, are anticipated to be paid quarterly. For all other Portfolios, income dividends are anticipated to be paid annually. Net capital gains, if any, are normally distributed annually but may be distributed more frequently. Annual year end distribution estimates are expected to be available on or about November 1, 2019 at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300. Estimates for any “spillback” distributions (income and/or net capital gains from the 2018 fiscal year that were not distributed by December 31, 2018) are expected to be available on or about August 16, 2019 at www.lazardassetmanagement.com or by calling (800) 823-6300.

Because the REITs in which US Realty Equity Portfolio invests do not provide complete information about the taxability of their distributions until after the calendar year-end, the Portfolio may not be able to determine how much of its distributions are taxable to shareholders until after the January 31st deadline for issuing Form 1099-DIV. As a result, US Realty Equity Portfolio may request permission from the Internal Revenue Service each year for an extension of time to issue Form 1099-DIV until February 28th.

Dividends and distributions of a Portfolio will be reinvested in additional shares of the same Class of the Portfolio at the NAV on the ex-dividend date, and credited to the shareholder’s account on the payment date or, at the shareholder’s election, paid in cash. Each share Class of the Portfolio will generate a different dividend because each has different expenses. Dividend checks and account statements will be mailed approximately two business days after the payment date.

Tax Information

Please be aware that the following tax information is general and refers to the provisions of the Code, which are in effect as of the date of this Prospectus. You should consult a tax adviser about the status of your distributions from your Portfolio.

All dividends and short-term capital gains distributions are generally taxable to you as ordinary income, and long-term capital gains are generally taxable as such, whether you receive the distribution in cash or reinvest it in additional shares. An exchange of a Portfolio’s shares for shares of another Portfolio will be treated as a sale of the Portfolio’s shares, and any gain on the transaction may be subject to income taxes.

Keep in mind that distributions may be taxable to you at different rates which depend on the length of time a Portfolio held the applicable investment, not the length of time that you held your Portfolio shares. The tax status of any distribution is the same regardless of how long you have been in a Portfolio and whether you reinvest your distributions or take them in cash. High portfolio turnover and more volatile markets can result in taxable distributions to shareholders, regardless of whether their shares increased in value. When you do sell your

237


Portfolio shares, you will have a taxable capital gain or loss, unless such shares were held in an IRA or other tax-deferred account.

Federal law requires a Portfolio to withhold taxes on distributions paid to shareholders who:

· fail to provide a social security number or taxpayer identification number

· fail to certify that their social security number or taxpayer identification number is correct

· fail to certify, or otherwise establish in accordance with applicable law, that they are exempt from withholding

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Lazard Funds Financial Highlights

Financial Highlights

The financial highlights tables presented for each of the Portfolios are intended to help you understand each Portfolio’s financial performance for the past five years or, if shorter, the period of each Portfolio’s operations. As of the date of this Prospectus, only Lazard US Equity Concentrated Portfolio, Lazard US Equity Select Portfolio, Lazard International Equity Portfolio, Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio, Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio, Lazard Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio and Lazard US Corporate Income Portfolio had issued R6 Shares.

Certain information reflects financial results for a single Portfolio share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Portfolio (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions), if any. The financial highlights information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, whose report, along with each Portfolio’s financial statements, is included in the annual report, which is available upon request.

Lazard US Equity Concentrated Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

15.31

 

$

14.16

 

$

13.83

 

$

13.41

 

$

12.59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.06

^

 

0.05

 

 

0.11

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.11

)

 

2.05

 

 

0.97

 

 

0.88

 

 

2.23

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.93

)

 

2.19

 

 

1.03

 

 

0.93

 

 

2.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.09

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.29

)

 

(0.90

)

 

(0.65

)

 

(0.47

)

 

(1.43

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.49

)

 

(1.04

)

 

(0.70

)

 

(0.51

)

 

(1.52

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

12.89

 

$

15.31

 

$

14.16

 

$

13.83

 

$

13.41

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-6.07%

 

 

15.49%

 

 

7.37%

^

 

7.00%

 

 

18.88%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

1,040,851

 

$

1,508,581

 

$

1,230,377

 

$

715,766

 

$

331,074

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.77%

^

 

0.79%

 

 

0.81%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.77%

 

 

0.79%

 

 

0.81%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.14%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.39%

^

 

0.36%

 

 

0.79%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

69%

 

 

86%

 

 

84%

 

 

74%

 

 

63%

 

 

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Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

15.42

 

$

14.25

 

$

13.92

 

$

13.50

 

$

12.68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.13

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.02

^

 

0.01

 

 

0.05

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.11

)

 

2.07

 

 

0.97

 

 

0.88

 

 

2.23

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.98

)

 

2.17

 

 

0.99

 

 

0.89

 

 

2.28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.16

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(b)

(0.03

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.29

)

 

(0.90

)

 

(0.65

)

 

(0.47

)

 

(1.43

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.45

)

 

(1.00

)

 

(0.66

)

 

(0.47

)

 

(1.46

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

12.99

 

$

15.42

 

$

14.25

 

$

13.92

 

$

13.50

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-6.35%

 

 

15.22%

 

 

7.06%

^

 

6.67%

 

 

18.28%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

50,981

 

$

87,603

 

$

105,619

 

$

114,348

 

$

8,011

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.03%

 

 

1.03%

 

 

1.03%

^

 

1.07%

 

 

1.25%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.03%

 

 

1.03%

 

 

1.03%

 

 

1.07%

 

 

1.46%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.85%

 

 

0.62%

 

 

0.17%

^

 

0.08%

 

 

0.37%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

69%

 

 

86%

 

 

84%

 

 

74%

 

 

63%

 

 

240


              

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period 11/15/16* to

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

 

 

12/31/16

 

 

R6 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

15.34

 

$

14.18

 

 

$

14.77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.14

 

 

 

 (b)

^

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.10

)

 

2.06

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.93

)

 

2.20

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.14

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.29

)

 

(0.90

)

 

 

(0.59

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.49

)

 

(1.04

)

 

 

(0.62

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

12.92

 

$

15.34

 

 

$

14.18

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-6.08%

 

 

15.52%

 

 

 

0.17%

 ^

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

1,900

 

$

361

 

 

$

140

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

 

0.77%

 ^

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

2.16%

 

 

8.34%

 

 

 

15.38%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.50%

 

 

0.91%

 

 

 

0.19%

 ^

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

69%

 

 

86%

 

 

 

84%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The amount of the reimbursement was less than $0.005 per share. There was no impact on the total return of the Portfolio. The impact on net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio was less than 0.005%.

*

The inception date for the R6 Shares was November 15, 2016.

         

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

241


Lazard US Equity Select Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.43

 

$

11.63

 

$

10.97

 

$

12.43

 

$

12.49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.09

 

 

0.14

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.55

)

 

1.94

 

 

0.94

 

 

(0.69

)

 

1.73

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.41

)

 

2.08

 

 

1.06

 

 

(0.60

)

 

1.87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.13

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.50

)

 

(1.07

)

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.76

)

 

(1.80

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.79

)

 

(1.28

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.86

)

 

(1.93

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.23

 

$

12.43

 

$

11.63

 

$

10.97

 

$

12.43

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-3.12%

 

 

18.17%

 

 

9.70%

 

 

-4.75%

 

 

15.04%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

60,629

 

$

72,958

 

$

72,151

 

$

110,243

 

$

119,941

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.92%

 

 

0.95%

 

 

0.94%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.08%

 

 

0.77%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

62%

 

 

74%

 

 

68%

 

 

75%

 

 

69%

 

 

242


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.48

 

$

11.68

 

$

11.01

 

$

12.48

 

$

12.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.09

 

 

0.06

 

 

0.10

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.54

)

 

1.94

 

 

0.94

 

 

(0.71

)

 

1.74

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.44

)

 

2.04

 

 

1.03

 

 

(0.65

)

 

1.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.26

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.09

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.50

)

 

(1.07

)

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.76

)

 

(1.80

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.76

)

 

(1.24

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.82

)

 

(1.89

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.28

 

$

12.48

 

$

11.68

 

$

11.01

 

$

12.48

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-3.40%

 

 

17.75%

 

 

9.46%

 

 

-5.11%

 

 

14.77%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

881

 

$

1,013

 

$

1,376

 

$

1,536

 

$

6,833

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

2.33%

 

 

2.30%

 

 

2.13%

 

 

1.51%

 

 

1.31%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.79%

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.50%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

62%

 

 

74%

 

 

68%

 

 

75%

 

 

69%

 

 

243


                    

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period 05/19/14* to

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

 

 

12/31/14

 

 

R6 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.43

 

$

11.63

 

$

10.96

 

$

12.43

 

 

$

12.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.10

 

 

 

0.09

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.55

)

 

1.94

 

 

0.93

 

 

(0.71

)

 

 

1.47

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.41

)

 

2.08

 

 

1.07

 

 

(0.61

)

 

 

1.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.10

)

 

 

(0.14

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.50

)

 

(1.07

)

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.76

)

 

 

(1.80

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.79

)

 

(1.28

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.86

)

 

 

(1.94

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

 

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.23

 

$

12.43

 

$

11.63

 

$

10.96

 

 

$

12.43

 

 

Total Return(d)

 

 

-3.13%

 

 

18.16%

 

 

9.81%

 

 

-4.78%

 

 

 

12.23%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

10,056

 

$

11,394

 

$

13,297

 

$

12,359

 

 

$

14,951

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.74%

 

 

0.70%

 

 

 

0.70%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.01%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.02%

 

 

1.00%

 

 

 

1.06%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.12%

 

 

1.27%

 

 

0.82%

 

 

 

1.14%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

62%

 

 

74%

 

 

68%

 

 

75%

 

 

 

69%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               

*

The inception date for the R6 Shares was May 19, 2014.

             

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year.

244


Lazard US Small-Mid Cap Equity Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

14.65

 

$

14.50

 

$

12.86

 

$

14.05

 

$

15.97

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.06

 

 

0.11

^

 

0.02

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.00

)

 

1.95

 

 

1.96

 

 

(0.34

)

 

1.74

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.95

)

 

2.01

 

 

2.07

 

 

(0.32

)

 

1.77

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.09

)

 

(b)

(0.01

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.83

)

 

(1.77

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.87

)

 

(3.68

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.87

)

 

(1.86

)

 

(0.43

)

 

(0.87

)

 

(3.69

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.83

 

$

14.65

 

$

14.50

 

$

12.86

 

$

14.05

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-13.27%

 

 

14.12%

 

 

16.28%

^

 

-2.14%

 

 

11.39%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

113,677

 

$

176,975

 

$

189,593

 

$

171,152

 

$

157,742

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.87%

 

 

0.87%

 

 

0.86%

^

 

0.91%

 

 

0.86%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.87%

 

 

0.87%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.91%

 

 

0.86%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.35%

 

 

0.39%

 

 

0.84%

^

 

0.13%

 

 

0.17%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

81%

 

 

79%

 

 

91%

 

 

91%

 

 

91%

 

 

245


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.72

 

$

13.68

 

$

12.16

 

$

13.38

 

$

15.41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.06

^

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.87

)

 

1.84

 

 

1.85

 

 

(0.33

)

 

1.67

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.86

)

 

1.85

 

 

1.91

 

 

(0.35

)

 

1.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(b)

(0.04

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(b)

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.83

)

 

(1.77

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.87

)

 

(3.68

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.83

)

 

(1.81

)

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.87

)

 

(3.68

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.03

 

$

13.72

 

$

13.68

 

$

12.16

 

$

13.38

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-13.49%

 

 

13.82%

 

 

15.92%

^

 

-2.47%

 

 

11.01%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

13,726

 

$

25,973

 

$

30,332

 

$

36,860

 

$

15,851

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.17%

 

 

1.16%

^

 

1.20%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.17%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.04%

 

 

0.09%

 

 

0.51%

^

 

-0.13%

 

 

-0.15%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

81%

 

 

79%

 

 

91%

 

 

91%

 

 

91%

 

 

  

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The impact on the net investment income per share amount was $0.01 per share. There was a 0.08% impact on the total return of the Institutional Shares class of the Portfolio. There was a 0.04% impact on the net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

246


Lazard International Equity Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

19.61

 

$

16.20

 

$

17.08

 

$

16.93

 

$

17.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.37

 

 

0.26

 

 

0.27

^

 

0.27

 

 

0.26

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(3.06

)

 

3.43

 

 

(0.98

)

 

 

 

(1.02

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.69

)

 

3.69

 

 

(0.71

)

 

0.27

 

 

(0.76

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.42

)

 

(0.28

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.16

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.82

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.24

)

 

(0.28

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.16

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

15.68

 

$

19.61

 

$

16.20

 

$

17.08

 

$

16.93

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-13.61%

#

 

22.81%

 

 

-4.18%

^

 

1.62%

 

 

-4.29%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

2,102,735

 

$

2,835,262

 

$

1,511,516

 

$

736,272

 

$

378,488

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.81%

 

 

0.81%

 

 

0.82%

^

 

0.86%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.81%

 

 

0.81%

 

 

0.84%

 

 

0.87%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.94%

 

 

1.44%

 

 

1.62%

^

 

1.50%

 

 

1.46%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

36%

 

 

31%

 

 

25%

 

 

30%

 

 

36%

 

 

247


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

19.83

 

$

16.38

 

$

17.23

 

$

17.07

 

$

18.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.32

 

 

0.30

 

 

0.13

^

 

0.23

 

 

0.27

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(3.08

)

 

3.38

 

 

(0.90

)

 

 

 

(1.09

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.76

)

 

3.68

 

 

(0.77

)

 

0.23

 

 

(0.82

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.38

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.82

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.20

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

15.87

 

$

19.83

 

$

16.38

 

$

17.23

 

$

17.07

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-13.83%

#

 

22.50%

 

 

-4.46%

^

 

1.36%

 

 

-4.57%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

227,483

 

$

275,014

 

$

1,073,486

 

$

80,221

 

$

57,350

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.07%

^

 

1.14%

 

 

1.17%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.14%

 

 

1.17%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.67%

 

 

1.69%

 

 

0.80%

^

 

1.29%

 

 

1.49%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

36%

 

 

31%

 

 

25%

 

 

30%

 

 

36%

 

 

248


                 

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period 4/1/15* to

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

 

 

12/31/15

 

 

R6 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

19.59

 

$

16.18

 

$

17.07

 

 

$

17.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.36

 

 

0.31

 

 

0.31

^

 

 

0.21

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(3.05

)

 

3.38

 

 

(1.02

)

 

 

(0.95

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.69

)

 

3.69

 

 

(0.71

)

 

 

(0.74

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.42

)

 

(0.28

)

 

(0.18

)

 

 

(0.13

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.82

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.24

)

 

(0.28

)

 

(0.18

)

 

 

(0.13

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

15.66

 

$

19.59

 

$

16.18

 

 

$

17.07

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-13.62%

#

 

22.85%

 

 

-4.17%

^

 

 

-4.10%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

106,516

 

$

693,744

 

$

79,119

 

 

$

49,387

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.80%

^

 

 

0.80%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.81%

 

 

0.81%

 

 

0.86%

 

 

 

0.92%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.84%

 

 

1.68%

 

 

1.88%

^

 

 

1.55%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

36%

 

 

31%

 

 

25%

 

 

 

30%

 

 

  

*

The inception date for the R6 Shares was April 1, 2015.

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The amount of the reimbursement was less than $0.005 per share. There was no impact on the total return of the Portfolio. There was a 0.02%, 0.03% and 0.02% impact on the net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio’s Institutional, Open and R6 Shares, respectively.

#

The Portfolio received settlement proceeds from a foreign exchange trading class action lawsuit. The proceeds from the settlement represent a realized gain and were recorded in the period received. There was a 0.16%, 0.16% and 0.33% impact on the total return of the Portfolio’s Institutional, Open and R6 Shares, respectively.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year.

249


Lazard International Equity Select Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

11.02

 

$

8.65

 

$

8.80

 

$

9.24

 

$

9.76

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.13

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.15

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.82

)

 

2.31

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.46

)

 

(0.58

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.64

)

 

2.44

 

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.43

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

0.02

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.13

 

$

11.02

 

$

8.65

 

$

8.80

 

$

9.24

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-14.90%

 

 

28.31%

 

 

-0.63%

 

 

-3.63%

 

 

-4.29%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

74,582

 

$

53,929

 

$

28,299

 

$

18,757

 

$

12,749

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.15%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.31%

 

 

1.79%

 

 

2.13%

 

 

2.10%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.73%

 

 

1.27%

 

 

1.36%

 

 

1.25%

 

 

1.54%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

32%

 

 

30%

 

 

42%

 

 

51%

 

 

80%

 

 

250


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

11.03

 

$

8.66

 

$

8.82

 

$

9.25

 

$

9.79

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.15

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.11

 

 

0.11

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.82

)

 

2.31

 

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.47

)

 

(0.57

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.67

)

 

2.41

 

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.08

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.08

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.17

 

$

11.03

 

$

8.66

 

$

8.82

 

$

9.25

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-15.16%

 

 

27.89%

 

 

-1.03%

 

 

-3.85%

 

 

-4.76%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

1,502

 

$

2,831

 

$

2,092

 

$

2,184

 

$

3,048

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.37%

 

 

1.45%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.83%

 

 

2.07%

 

 

2.59%

 

 

2.75%

 

 

2.70%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.42%

 

 

1.01%

 

 

1.13%

 

 

1.15%

 

 

1.11%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

32%

 

 

30%

 

 

42%

 

 

51%

 

 

80%

 

 

  

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

251


Lazard International Equity Advantage Portfolio

                

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
5/29/15* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

 

 

12/31/15

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.92

 

$

8.91

 

$

9.21

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.24

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.18

)

 

 

0.04

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.01

)

 

2.03

 

 

(0.28

)

 

 

(0.70

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.77

)

 

2.22

 

 

(0.10

)

 

 

(0.66

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.33

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.20

)

 

 

(0.13

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.12

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.45

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.20

)

 

 

(0.13

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.70

 

$

10.92

 

$

8.91

 

 

$

9.21

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-16.26%

 

 

24.98%

 

 

-1.13%

 

 

 

-6.63%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

2,051

 

$

2,508

 

$

1,969

 

 

$

1,797

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

 

0.90%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

7.60%

 

 

8.91%

 

 

13.12%

 

 

 

14.93%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

2.29%

 

 

1.89%

 

 

2.08%

 

 

 

0.77%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

72%

 

 

88%

 

 

92%

 

 

 

58%

 

252


                

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
5/29/15* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

 

 

12/31/15

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.92

 

$

8.91

 

$

9.21

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.15

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.01

)

 

2.03

 

 

(0.28

)

 

 

(0.71

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.80

)

 

2.19

 

 

(0.13

)

 

 

(0.68

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.18

)

 

(0.17

)

 

 

(0.11

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.12

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.42

)

 

(0.18

)

 

(0.17

)

 

 

(0.11

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.70

 

$

10.92

 

$

8.91

 

 

$

9.21

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-16.52%

 

 

24.60%

 

 

-1.42%

 

 

 

-6.80%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

97

 

$

116

 

$

93

 

 

$

93

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

 

1.20%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

17.67%

 

 

20.85%

 

 

25.85%

 

 

 

30.10%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.99%

 

 

1.58%

 

 

1.74%

 

 

 

0.47%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

72%

 

 

88%

 

 

92%

 

 

 

58%

 

                  

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on May 29, 2015.

                

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(c)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

253


Lazard International Equity Concentrated Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
8/29/14* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

 

 

12/31/14

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.43

 

$

8.54

 

$

8.27

 

$

9.53

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.13

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.10

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.84

)

 

1.86

 

 

0.25

 

 

(1.25

)

 

 

(0.45

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.70

)

 

1.99

 

 

0.39

 

 

(1.15

)

 

 

(0.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.22

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 (b)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.34

 

$

10.43

 

$

8.54

 

$

8.27

 

 

$

9.53

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-16.20%

 

 

23.29%

 

 

4.74%

 

 

-12.06%

 

 

 

-4.60%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

49,105

 

$

69,440

 

$

15,473

 

$

13,753

 

 

$

9,103

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.00%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

 

1.15%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.13%

 

 

1.34%

 

 

2.29%

 

 

2.96%

 

 

 

7.40%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.45%

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.64%

 

 

1.13%

 

 

 

(0.41)%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

76%

 

 

81%

 

 

92%

 

 

91%

 

 

 

45%

 

254


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
8/29/14* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

 

 

12/31/14

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.45

 

$

8.56

 

$

8.29

 

$

9.53

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.09

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.11

 

 

0.06

 

 

 

(0.02

)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.82

)

 

1.86

 

 

0.26

 

 

(1.22

)

 

 

(0.45

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.73

)

 

1.96

 

 

0.37

 

 

(1.16

)

 

 

(0.47

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.15

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.08

)

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.22

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 (b)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.37

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.08

)

 

 

 (b)

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.35

 

$

10.45

 

$

8.56

 

$

8.29

 

 

$

9.53

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-16.47%

 

 

22.87%

 

 

4.41%

 

 

-12.18%

 

 

 

-4.66%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

399

 

$

220

 

$

114

 

$

55

 

 

$

559

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.29%

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.39%

 

 

 

1.45%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

5.24%

 

 

8.15%

 

 

11.98%

 

 

9.93%

 

 

 

12.39%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.96%

 

 

1.04%

 

 

1.32%

 

 

0.60%

 

 

 

-0.55%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

76%

 

 

81%

 

 

92%

 

 

91%

 

 

 

45%

 

                 

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on August 29, 2014.

               

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year

255


Lazard International Compounders Portfolio

       

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18*

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.98

 

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-0.20%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

149

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

8.45%

 

 

256


       

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18*

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.00

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

10

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.40%

 

 

                

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on December 31, 2018.

              

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(c)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

257


Lazard International Equity Value Portfolio

       

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

For Period

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

10/31/18* to 12/31/18

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.86

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.85

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.14

 

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-8.49%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

22,945

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.95%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.34%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.72%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

37%

 

 

258


       

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

For Period

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

10/31/18* to 12/31/18

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.86

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.86

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.13

 

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-8.63%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

38

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.20%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

7.91%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.03%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

37%

 

 

                 

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on October 31, 2018.

               

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(c)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

259


Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

15.70

 

$

12.44

 

$

13.33

 

$

13.72

 

$

14.46

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.20

^

 

0.16

 

 

0.19

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.85

)

 

3.29

 

 

(0.89

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.39

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.64

)

 

3.46

 

 

(0.69

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.20

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.16

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.96

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.38

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.17

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.15

)

 

(0.54

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

12.89

 

$

15.70

 

$

12.44

 

$

13.33

 

$

13.72

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-10.35%

 

 

27.85%

 

 

-5.17%

^

 

-1.70%

 

 

-1.48%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

4,630,334

 

$

5,911,184

 

$

5,114,357

 

$

4,923,328

 

$

3,727,391

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.81%

^

 

0.82%

 

 

0.84%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.81%

 

 

0.82%

 

 

0.84%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.36%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.56%

^

 

1.15%

 

 

1.28%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

40%

 

 

44%

 

 

47%

 

 

37%

 

 

33%

 

 

260


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

15.83

 

$

12.55

 

$

13.44

 

$

13.82

 

$

14.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.18

^

 

0.13

 

 

0.16

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.86

)

 

3.30

 

 

(0.90

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.41

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.69

)

 

3.44

 

 

(0.72

)

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.25

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.16

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.12

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.96

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.38

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.13

)

 

(0.16

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.50

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

13.01

 

$

15.83

 

$

12.55

 

$

13.44

 

$

13.82

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-10.55%

 

 

27.44%

 

 

-5.37%

^

 

-1.89%

 

 

-1.78%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

832,548

 

$

1,216,861

 

$

1,591,016

 

$

1,783,529

 

$

1,574,106

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.06%

^

 

1.08%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.08%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.10%

 

 

0.97%

 

 

1.34%

^

 

0.94%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

40%

 

 

44%

 

 

47%

 

 

37%

 

 

33%

 

 

261


                 

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period 01/19/15* to

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

 

 

12/31/15

 

 

R6 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

15.71

 

$

12.45

 

$

13.34

 

 

$

13.70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.19

^

 

 

(0.03

)

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.85

)

 

3.30

 

 

(0.88

)

 

 

(0.21

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.64

)

 

3.46

 

 

(0.69

)

 

 

(0.24

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.20

)

 

 

(0.11

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.96

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.17

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.20

)

 

 

(0.12

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

12.90

 

$

15.71

 

$

12.45

 

 

$

13.34

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-10.35%

 

 

27.82%

 

 

-5.17%

^

 

 

-1.73%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

97,394

 

$

110,383

 

$

96,284

 

 

$

72,362

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.80%

 

 

0.81%

^

 

 

1.03%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.81%

 

 

0.82%

 

 

0.82%

 

 

 

1.09%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.15%

 

 

1.46%

^

 

 

-0.22%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

40%

 

 

44%

 

 

47%

 

 

 

37%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The amount of the reimbursement was less than $0.005 per share. There was no impact on the total return of the Portfolio. The impact on net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio was less than 0.005%.

*

The inception date for the R6 Shares was January 19, 2015.

            

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year.

262


Lazard International Small Cap Equity Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.79

 

$

10.10

 

$

10.90

 

$

10.01

 

$

10.54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.12

^

 

0.10

 

 

0.12

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(3.51

)

 

3.59

 

 

(0.62

)

 

0.87

 

 

(0.40

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(3.39

)

 

3.69

 

 

(0.50

)

 

0.97

 

 

(0.28

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.27

)

 

 

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.25

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.18

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.45

)

 

 

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.25

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.95

 

$

13.79

 

$

10.10

 

$

10.90

 

$

10.01

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-24.88%

#

 

36.53%

 

 

-4.64%

^

 

9.71%

 

 

-2.77%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

35,121

 

$

41,267

 

$

37,049

 

$

51,828

 

$

46,329

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.08%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

0.96%

^

 

1.11%

 

 

1.13%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.08%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.11%

 

 

1.15%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.96%

 

 

0.85%

 

 

1.14%

^

 

0.91%

 

 

1.13%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

59%

 

 

35%

 

 

63%

 

 

48%

 

 

48%

 

 

263


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.82

 

$

10.15

 

$

10.93

 

$

10.03

 

$

10.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.11

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.10

^

 

0.07

 

 

0.09

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(3.54

)

 

3.60

 

 

(0.63

)

 

0.88

 

 

(0.40

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(3.43

)

 

3.67

 

 

(0.53

)

 

0.95

 

 

(0.31

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.24

)

 

 

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.18

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.42

)

 

 

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.97

 

$

13.82

 

$

10.15

 

$

10.93

 

$

10.03

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-25.09%

#

 

36.16%

 

 

-4.92%

^

 

9.49%

 

 

-3.05%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

20,265

 

$

42,362

 

$

44,523

 

$

55,776

 

$

19,994

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.21%

^

 

1.38%

 

 

1.43%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

1.38%

 

 

1.44%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.83%

 

 

0.61%

 

 

0.91%

^

 

0.63%

 

 

0.85%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

59%

 

 

35%

 

 

63%

 

 

48%

 

 

48%

 

 

  

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period
custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The impact on the net investment income per share amount was $0.01 per share. There was a 0.10% and 0.09% impact on the total return of the Institutional and Open Shares classes, respectively, of the Portfolio. There was a 0.10% and 0.09% impact on the net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio’s Institutional and Open Shares, respectively.

#

The Portfolio received settlement proceeds from a foreign exchange trading class action lawsuit. The proceeds from the settlement represented a realized gain and were recorded in the period received. There was a 0.46% and 0.53% impact on the total return of the Portfolio’s Institutional and Open Shares, respectively.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

264


Lazard Global Equity Select Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.04

 

$

10.53

 

$

10.33

 

$

10.32

 

$

10.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.09

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.09

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.07

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.02

)

 

2.93

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.29

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.93

)

 

3.00

 

 

0.27

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.06

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.39

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.49

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.06

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

11.72

 

$

13.04

 

$

10.53

 

$

10.33

 

$

10.32

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-7.12%

 

 

28.52%

 

 

2.66%

 

 

0.46%

 

 

3.84%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

65,382

 

$

58,201

 

$

31,197

 

$

20,624

 

$

12,266

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.07%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.08%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

1.75%

 

 

2.27%

 

 

4.62%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.70%

 

 

0.60%

 

 

0.86%

 

 

0.41%

 

 

0.64%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

34%

 

 

34%

 

 

40%

 

 

55%

 

 

64%

 

 

265


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

13.04

 

$

10.54

 

$

10.34

 

$

10.32

 

$

10.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.06

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.04

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.01

)

 

2.91

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.02

 

 

0.30

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.96

)

 

2.95

 

 

0.24

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.03

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.39

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.45

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.03

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

11.73

 

$

13.04

 

$

10.54

 

$

10.34

 

$

10.32

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-7.33%

 

 

28.01%

 

 

2.35%

 

 

0.24%

 

 

3.54%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

763

 

$

711

 

$

515

 

$

290

 

$

201

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.37%

 

 

1.40%

 

 

1.40%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

2.80%

 

 

3.70%

 

 

5.38%

 

 

7.42%

 

 

13.34%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.41%

 

 

0.32%

 

 

0.56%

 

 

0.09%

 

 

0.35%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

34%

 

 

34%

 

 

40%

 

 

55%

 

 

64%

 

 

  

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

266


Lazard Managed Equity Volatility Portfolio

                

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
5/29/15* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

 

 

12/31/15

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

11.57

 

$

9.99

 

$

9.59

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.18

 

 

 

0.09

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.03

)

 

1.87

 

 

0.44

 

 

 

(0.33

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.84

)

 

2.06

 

 

0.62

 

 

 

(0.24

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.16

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

(0.17

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.31

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.18

)

 

(0.48

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

(0.17

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.55

 

$

11.57

 

$

9.99

 

 

$

9.59

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-7.21%

 

 

20.57%

 

 

6.45%

 

 

 

-2.42%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

20,709

 

$

4,180

 

$

2,431

 

 

$

2,206

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

 

0.75%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.64%

 

 

6.51%

 

 

10.42%

 

 

 

13.51%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.66%

 

 

1.71%

 

 

1.82%

 

 

 

1.64%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

122%

 

 

87%

 

 

91%

 

 

 

56%

 

267


                

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
5/29/15* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

 

 

12/31/15

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

11.56

 

$

9.99

 

$

9.59

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.15

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.15

 

 

 

0.08

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.02

)

 

1.85

 

 

0.44

 

 

 

(0.34

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.87

)

 

2.01

 

 

0.59

 

 

 

(0.26

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.19

)

 

 

(0.15

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.31

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.15

)

 

(0.44

)

 

(0.19

)

 

 

(0.15

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.54

 

$

11.56

 

$

9.99

 

 

$

9.59

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-7.50%

 

 

20.11%

 

 

6.14%

 

 

 

-2.60%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

183

 

$

315

 

$

172

 

 

$

175

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

 

1.05%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

5.86%

 

 

12.07%

 

 

17.27%

 

 

 

23.94%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.28%

 

 

1.42%

 

 

1.52%

 

 

 

1.33%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

122%

 

 

87%

 

 

91%

 

 

 

56%

 

                  

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on May 29, 2015.

                

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(c)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

268


Lazard Global Strategic Equity Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
8/29/14* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

 

 

12/31/14

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

2.31

 

$

9.59

 

$

9.67

 

$

9.94

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.06

 

 

 

(b)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.18

)

 

2.24

 

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.25

)

 

 

(0.04

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.17

)

 

2.32

 

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.19

)

 

 

(0.04

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.08

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.49

)

 

(9.40

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.50

)

 

(9.60

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.08

)

 

 

(0.02

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

1.64

 

$

2.31

 

$

9.59

 

$

9.67

 

 

$

9.94

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-9.16%

 

 

24.20%

 

 

-0.15%

 

 

-1.85%

 

 

 

-0.36%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

2,505

 

$

2,750

 

$

19,816

 

$

9,254

 

 

$

7,112

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

 

1.10%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

6.41%

 

 

2.06%

 

 

2.03%

 

 

3.83%

 

 

 

7.11%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.60%

 

 

0.76%

 

 

0.76%

 

 

0.63%

 

 

 

(0.08)%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

46%

 

 

65%

 

 

67%

 

 

65%

 

 

 

24%

 

269


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
8/29/14* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

 

 

12/31/14

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

2.30

 

$

9.59

 

$

9.67

 

$

9.94

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.19

)

 

2.25

 

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.25

)

 

 

(0.04

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.18

)

 

2.28

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

(0.05

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

—(

b) 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.05

)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.49

)

 

(9.40

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.49

)

 

(9.57

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.05

)

 

 

(0.01

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

1.63

 

$

2.30

 

$

9.59

 

$

9.67

 

 

$

9.94

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-9.39%

 

 

23.72%

 

 

-0.45%

 

 

-2.16%

 

 

 

-0.46%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

131

 

$

149

 

$

114

 

$

114

 

 

$

135

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.41%

 

 

1.40%

 

 

1.40%

 

 

 

1.40%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

14.05%

 

 

12.33%

 

 

13.31%

 

 

14.12%

 

 

 

24.52%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.29%

 

 

0.34%

 

 

0.39%

 

 

0.30%

 

 

 

-0.32%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

46%

 

 

65%

 

 

67%

 

 

65%

 

 

 

24%

 

                 

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on August 29, 2014.

               

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year

270


Lazard Equity Franchise Portfolio

          

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

For the Period
9/29/17* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

 

12/31/17

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.38

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.20

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.75

)

 

 

0.40

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.55

)

 

 

0.43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.21

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.78

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.99

)

 

 

(0.05

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.84

 

 

$

10.38

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-5.10%

 

 

 

4.25%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

8,341

 

 

$

5,566

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.95%

 

 

 

0.95%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

3.42%

 

 

 

3.21%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.94%

 

 

 

1.26%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

97%

 

 

 

10%

 

271


          

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

For the Period
9/29/17* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

 

12/31/17

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.38

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.19

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.77

)

 

 

0.39

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.58

)

 

 

0.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.18

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.78

)

 

 

(0.02

)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.96

)

 

 

(0.04

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.84

 

 

$

10.38

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-5.34%

 

 

 

4.18%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

190

 

 

$

111

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.20%

 

 

 

1.20%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

10.19%

 

 

 

23.62%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.75%

 

 

 

1.14%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

97%

 

 

 

10%

 

  

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on September 29, 2017.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(c)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

272


Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

20.02

 

$

15.96

 

$

13.44

 

$

17.19

 

$

18.67

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.39

 

 

0.33

 

 

0.24

^

 

0.30

 

 

0.37

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(4.01

)

 

4.13

 

 

2.52

 

 

(3.76

)

 

(1.13

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(3.62

)

 

4.46

 

 

2.76

 

 

(3.46

)

 

(0.76

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.37

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.35

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.72

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.06

 

$

20.02

 

$

15.96

 

$

13.44

 

$

17.19

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-18.09%

 

 

28.02%

 

 

20.52%

^

 

-20.16%

 

 

-4.16%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

7,573,861

 

$

11,285,358

 

$

9,311,693

 

$

8,238,638

 

$

12,156,645

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.07%

 

 

1.08%

 

 

1.09%

^

 

1.10%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.07%

 

 

1.08%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

2.12%

 

 

1.82%

 

 

1.59%

^

 

1.83%

 

 

1.97%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

16%

 

 

14%

 

 

12%

 

 

14%

 

 

12%

 

 

273


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

20.60

 

$

16.41

 

$

13.82

 

$

17.65

 

$

19.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.35

 

 

0.29

 

 

0.21

^

 

0.26

 

 

0.34

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(4.12

)

 

4.25

 

 

2.58

 

 

(3.84

)

 

(1.16

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(3.77

)

 

4.54

 

 

2.79

 

 

(3.58

)

 

(0.82

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.32

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.35

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.30

)

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.67

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.53

 

$

20.60

 

$

16.41

 

$

13.82

 

$

17.65

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-18.32%

 

 

27.73%

 

 

20.17%

^

 

-20.33%

 

 

-4.39%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

1,004,569

 

$

1,515,715

 

$

1,287,552

 

$

832,706

 

$

1,474,597

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.32%

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.35%

^

 

1.37%

 

 

1.37%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.32%

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.35%

 

 

1.37%

 

 

1.37%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.85%

 

 

1.55%

 

 

1.35%

^

 

1.58%

 

 

1.76%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

16%

 

 

14%

 

 

12%

 

 

14%

 

 

12%

 

 

274


                 

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period 1/19/15* to

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

 

 

12/31/15

 

 

R6 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

20.02

 

$

15.96

 

$

13.44

 

 

$

17.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.40

 

 

0.35

 

 

0.23

^

 

 

0.27

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(4.02

)

 

4.11

 

 

2.53

 

 

 

(3.80

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(3.62

)

 

4.46

 

 

2.76

 

 

 

(3.53

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.40

 

(0.24

)

 

 

(0.23

)

 

    

  

  

   

(0.06

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.24

)

 

 

(0.29

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.06

 

$

20.02

 

$

15.96

 

 

$

13.44

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-18.09%

 

 

28.02%

 

 

20.52%

^

 

 

-20.50%

^

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

232,507

 

$

372,568

 

$

197,959

 

 

$

144,626

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.07%

 

 

1.08%

 

 

1.09%

^

 

 

1.12%

^

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.07%

 

 

1.08%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

 

1.13%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

2.15%

 

 

1.91%

 

 

1.54%

^

 

 

1.79%

^

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

16%

 

 

14%

 

 

12%

 

 

 

14%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The amount of the reimbursement was less than $0.005 per share. There was no impact on the total return of the Portfolio. The impact on net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio was less than 0.005%.

*

The inception date for the R6 Shares was January 19, 2015.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year.

275


Lazard Emerging Markets Core Equity Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.30

 

$

8.83

 

$

8.60

 

$

9.62

 

$

9.83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.11

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.39

)

 

3.45

 

 

0.22

 

 

(1.03

)

 

(0.15

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.23

)

 

3.56

 

 

0.30

 

 

(1.00

)

 

(0.12

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.18

)

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.08

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.01

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.18

)

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.09

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.89

 

$

12.30

 

$

8.83

 

$

8.60

 

$

9.62

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-18.12%

 

 

40.35%

 

 

3.47%

 

 

-10.36%

 

 

-1.25%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

207,955

 

$

230,343

 

$

122,995

 

$

102,421

 

$

39,832

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.31%

 

 

1.52%

 

 

2.28%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.44%

 

 

0.98%

 

 

0.89%

 

 

0.32%

 

 

0.28%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

30%

 

 

15%

 

 

62%

 

 

46%

 

 

45%

 

 

276


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.27

 

$

8.81

 

$

8.58

 

$

9.62

 

$

9.83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.11

 

 

0.06

 

 

0.07

 

 

—(

b) 

 

(0.04

)

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.37

)

 

3.45

 

 

0.20

 

 

(1.04

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.26

)

 

3.51

 

 

0.27

 

 

(1.04

)

 

(0.15

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.05

 

(0.04

)

 

 

 

(0.05

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.05

 

(0.04

)

 

 

 

(0.06

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.87

 

$

12.27

 

$

8.81

 

$

8.58

 

$

9.62

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-18.43%

 

 

39.80%

 

 

3.17%

 

 

-10.81%

 

 

-1.56%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

1,853

 

$

1,828

 

$

729

 

$

2,344

 

$

5,266

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.58%

 

 

1.60%

 

 

1.60%

 

 

1.60%

 

 

1.60%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

2.00%

 

 

2.45%

 

 

2.14%

 

 

2.35%

 

 

2.81%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.00%

 

 

0.56%

 

 

0.85%

 

 

-0.04%

 

 

-0.35%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

30%

 

 

15%

 

 

62%

 

 

46%

 

 

45%

 

 

277


       

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

For the Period

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

4/6/18* to 12/31/18

 

R6 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.14

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.28

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.14

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.18

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.18

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.89

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-17.52%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

494

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.16%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

7.68%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.71%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

30%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

*

The inception date for the R6 Shares was April 6, 2018

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

278


Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio

                

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
5/29/15* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

 

 

12/31/15

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.27

 

$

8.71

 

$

8.06

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.12

 

 

 

0.08

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.19

)

 

3.58

 

 

0.67

 

 

 

(1.88

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.00

)

 

3.70

 

 

0.79

 

 

 

(1.80

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.13

)

 

 

(0.14

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.14

)

 

 

(0.14

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.03

 

$

12.27

 

$

8.71

 

 

$

8.06

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-16.23%

 

 

42.52%

 

 

9.83%

 

 

 

-17.97%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

3,107

 

$

4,191

 

$

2,896

 

 

$

2,618

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

 

1.10%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

5.60%

 

 

6.29%

 

 

9.57%

 

 

 

11.47%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.59%

 

 

1.15%

 

 

1.41%

 

 

 

1.54%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

61%

 

 

52%

 

 

57%

 

 

 

38%

 

279


                

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
5/29/15* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

 

 

12/31/15

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.27

 

$

8.71

 

$

8.06

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.09

 

 

 

0.06

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.18

)

 

3.58

 

 

0.68

 

 

 

(1.87

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.02

)

 

3.66

 

 

0.77

 

 

 

(1.81

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 

(0.13

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(b)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.12

)

 

 

(0.13

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.04

 

$

12.27

 

$

8.71

 

 

$

8.06

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-16.40%

 

 

42.09%

 

 

9.51%

 

 

 

-18.13%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

476

 

$

356

 

$

120

 

 

$

95

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.40%

 

 

1.40%

 

 

1.40%

 

 

 

1.40%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

8.09%

 

 

12.17%

 

 

20.02%

 

 

 

26.37%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.35%

 

 

0.72%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

 

1.18%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

61%

 

 

52%

 

 

57%

 

 

 

38%

 

                   

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on May 29, 2015

                 

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

280


Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

14.48

 

$

10.28

 

$

9.04

 

$

10.43

 

$

11.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.11

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.05

^

 

0.06

 

 

0.09

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(3.08

)

 

4.20

 

 

1.29

 

 

(1.40

)

 

(1.30

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.97

)

 

4.23

 

 

1.34

 

 

(1.34

)

 

(1.21

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.17

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.17

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

11.42

 

$

14.48

 

$

10.28

 

$

9.04

 

$

10.43

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-20.58%

 

 

41.15%

 

 

14.81%

^

 

-12.84%

 

 

-10.27%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

215,120

 

$

268,730

 

$

189,035

 

$

343,788

 

$

426,847

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.14%

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.21%

^

 

1.20%

 

 

1.19%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.14%

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.23%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.19%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.83%

 

 

0.24%

 

 

0.48%

^

 

0.55%

 

 

0.80%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

63%

 

 

46%

 

 

56%

 

 

66%

 

 

57%

 

 

281


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

14.45

 

$

10.28

 

$

9.05

 

$

10.43

 

$

11.81

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.06

 

 

(0.02

)

 

0.01

^

 

0.01

 

 

0.08

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(3.06

)

 

4.19

 

 

1.28

 

 

(1.38

)

 

(1.33

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(3.00

)

 

4.17

 

 

1.29

 

 

(1.37

)

 

(1.25

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.09

)

 

 

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.13

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.09

)

 

 

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.13

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

11.36

 

$

14.45

 

$

10.28

 

$

9.05

 

$

10.43

 

 

Total Return#(c)

 

 

-20.83%

#

 

40.56%

 

 

14.31%

^

 

-13.11%

 

 

-10.57%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

7,263

 

$

12,569

 

$

7,272

 

$

10,903

 

$

16,029

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.51%

 

 

1.58%

 

 

1.60%

^

 

1.57%

 

 

1.49%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.51%

 

 

1.58%

 

 

1.65%

 

 

1.57%

 

 

1.49%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.42%

 

 

(0.17)%

 

 

0.06%

^

 

0.13%

 

 

0.70%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

63%

 

 

46%

 

 

56%

 

 

66%

 

 

57%

 

 

  

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The amount of the reimbursement was less than $0.005 per share. There was no impact on the total return of the Portfolio. For Institutional Shares, the impact on net 0.005%. For Open Shares, the net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio would be unchanged as the change to the period custodian fees was offset against the period expense waivers/reimbursements with no impact to net expenses or net investment income (loss).

#

The Portfolio received settlement proceeds from a foreign exchange trading class action lawsuit. The proceeds from the settlement represented a realized gain and were recorded in the period received. There was a 0.07% impact on the total return of the Portfolio’s Open Shares.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

282


Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Blend Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.93

 

$

9.60

 

$

8.53

 

$

10.00

 

$

11.18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.08

^

 

0.12

 

 

0.15

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.89

)

 

3.35

 

 

1.04

 

 

(1.39

)

 

(1.12

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.72

)

 

3.45

 

 

1.12

 

 

(1.27

)

 

(0.97

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.21

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

(b)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.21

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.02

 

$

12.93

 

$

9.60

 

$

8.53

 

$

10.00

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-21.05%

 

 

35.98%

 

 

13.12%

^

 

-12.74%

 

 

-8.66%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

291,404

 

$

385,492

 

$

282,473

 

$

287,857

 

$

463,043

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.15%

 

 

1.21%

 

 

1.25%

^

 

1.20%

 

 

1.28%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.15%

 

 

1.21%

 

 

1.26%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.28%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.39%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.88%

^

 

1.22%

 

 

1.33%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

61%

 

 

57%

 

 

47%

 

 

38%

 

 

44%

 

 

283


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

12.95

 

$

9.62

 

$

8.55

 

$

9.99

 

$

11.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.06

 

 

0.05

^

 

0.11

 

 

0.10

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(2.89

)

 

3.34

 

 

1.04

 

 

(1.38

)

 

(1.10

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(2.77

)

 

3.40

 

 

1.09

 

 

(1.27

)

 

(1.00

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.15

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.18

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.15

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.18

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

10.03

 

$

12.95

 

$

9.62

 

$

8.55

 

$

9.99

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-21.39%

 

 

35.38%

 

 

12.74%

^

 

-12.77%

 

 

-8.95%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

6,200

 

$

9,728

 

$

6,804

 

$

7,107

 

$

123,756

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.53%

 

 

1.60%

 

 

1.60%

^

 

1.54%

 

 

1.60%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.53%

 

 

1.61%

 

 

1.89%

 

 

1.54%

 

 

1.63%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.01%

 

 

0.50%

 

 

0.54%

^

 

1.10%

 

 

0.94%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

61%

 

 

57%

 

 

47%

 

 

38%

 

 

44%

 

 

  

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The amount of the reimbursement was less than $0.005 per share. There was no impact on the total return of the Portfolio. The impact on net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio was less than 0.005%.

*

The inception date for the Institutional Shares was December 30, 2016 and for the Open Shares was January 9, 2017.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

284


Lazard Emerging Markets Debt Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

8.43

 

$

7.90

 

$

7.71

 

$

8.84

 

$

9.53

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.46

 

 

0.46

 

 

0.48

^

 

0.39

 

 

0.49

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.07

)

 

0.53

 

 

0.19

 

 

(1.13

)

 

(0.66

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.61

)

 

0.99

 

 

0.67

 

 

(0.74

)

 

(0.17

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.43

)

 

(0.19

)

 

(b)

(0.15

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.37

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.46

)

 

(0.46

)

 

(0.48

)

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.52

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

7.36

 

$

8.43

 

$

7.90

 

$

7.71

 

$

8.84

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-7.45%

 

 

12.69%

 

 

8.64%

^

 

-8.55%

 

 

-2.07%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

143,015

 

$

280,808

 

$

240,833

 

$

258,517

 

$

326,165

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.93%

 

 

0.93%

 

 

0.96%

^

 

0.96%

 

 

0.96%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.93%

 

 

0.93%

 

 

0.96%

 

 

0.96%

 

 

0.96%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

5.78%

 

 

5.52%

 

 

5.90%

^

 

4.69%

 

 

5.14%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

97%

 

 

88%

 

 

118%

 

 

162%

 

 

204%

 

 

285


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

8.50

 

$

7.98

 

$

7.79

 

$

8.91

 

$

9.59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.47

 

 

0.44

 

 

0.46

^

 

0.36

 

 

0.46

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.10

)

 

0.51

 

 

0.19

 

 

(1.11

)

 

(0.68

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.63

)

 

0.95

 

 

0.65

 

 

(0.75

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.40

)

 

(0.18

)

 

(b)

(0.09

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.28

)

 

(0.37

)

 

(0.37

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.44

)

 

(0.43

)

 

(0.46

)

 

(0.37

)

 

(0.46

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

7.43

 

$

8.50

 

$

7.98

 

$

7.79

 

$

8.91

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-7.59%

 

 

12.16%

 

 

8.27%

^

 

-8.64%

 

 

-2.53%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

670

 

$

6,520

 

$

6,801

 

$

6,910

 

$

1,107

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.22%

 

 

1.28%

^

 

1.30%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.62%

 

 

1.36%

 

 

1.40%

 

 

1.75%

 

 

1.71%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

5.49%

 

 

5.21%

 

 

5.59%

^

 

4.54%

 

 

4.80%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

97%

 

 

88%

 

 

118%

 

 

162%

 

 

204%

 

 

286


              

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period 07/28/16* to

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

 

 

12/31/16

 

 

R6 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

8.88

 

$

7.90

 

 

$

8.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.48

 

 

0.45

 

 

 

0.20

^

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.12

)

 

0.54

 

 

 

(0.44

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.64

)

 

0.99

 

 

 

(0.24

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.08

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.25

)

 

—(

b)

 

(0.12

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.20

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

7.88

 

$

8.88

 

 

$

7.90

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-7.24%

 

 

12.61%

 

 

 

-2.93%

^

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

99,952

 

$

1

 

 

$

1,145

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

 

0.90%

^

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.94%

 

 

43.88%

 

 

 

2.21%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

5.97%

 

 

5.71%

 

 

 

5.73%

^

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

97%

 

 

88%

 

 

 

118%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period
custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period.
The amount of the reimbursement was less than $0.005 per share. For Institutional
Shares, there was a 0.14% impact on the total return and the impact on net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio was less than 0.005%. For Open and R6 Shares, there was no impact on the total return and the net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio would be unchanged as the change to the period custodian fees was offset against the period expense waivers/
reimbursements with no impact to net expenses or net investment income (loss).

*

The inception date for the R6 Shares was July 28, 2016.

           

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

287


Lazard Emerging Markets Income Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
4/30/14* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

 

 

12/31/14

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.14

 

$

8.40

 

$

8.42

 

$

9.16

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.34

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

0.01

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.87

)

 

0.79

 

 

0.08

 

 

(0.74

)

 

 

(0.85

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.53

)

 

0.98

 

 

0.24

 

 

(0.73

)

 

 

(0.84

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.90

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.16

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.10

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.33

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.23

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.26

)

 

(0.01

)

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

7.38

 

$

9.14

 

$

8.40

 

$

8.42

 

 

$

9.16

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-5.79%

 

 

11.73%

 

 

2.82%

 

 

-7.94%

 

 

 

-8.30%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

5,059

 

$

5,925

 

$

12,156

 

$

12,800

 

 

$

4,985

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

 

0.90%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

3.79%

 

 

2.13%

 

 

2.25%

 

 

2.55%

 

 

 

5.15%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

4.06%

 

 

2.17%

 

 

1.80%

 

 

0.09%

 

 

 

0.10%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

65%

 

 

74%

 

 

174%

 

 

175%

 

 

 

125%

 

288


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
4/30/14* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

 

 

12/31/14

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.43

 

$

8.50

 

$

8.39

 

$

9.14

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.35

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.13

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.92

)

 

0.79

 

 

0.08

 

 

(0.73

)

 

 

(0.85

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.57

)

 

0.97

 

 

0.21

 

 

(0.75

)

 

 

(0.86

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.65

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.10

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.24

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.89

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.10

)

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

7.97

 

$

9.43

 

$

8.50

 

$

8.39

 

 

$

9.14

 

Total Return(b)

 

 

-5.97%

 

 

11.42%

 

 

2.52%

 

 

-8.21%

 

 

 

-8.50%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

111

 

$

109

 

$

128

 

$

155

 

 

$

132

 

Ratios to average net assets:(c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.13%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

 

1.20%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

13.51%

 

 

12.51%

 

 

12.29%

 

 

12.19%

 

 

 

13.96%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

3.95%

 

 

1.96%

 

 

1.51%

 

 

-0.18%

 

 

 

-0.18%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

65%

 

 

74%

 

 

174%

 

 

175%

 

 

 

125%

 

                  

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on April 30, 2014.

                

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(c)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

289


Lazard Explorer Total Return Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.03

 

$

8.77

 

$

8.56

 

$

9.32

 

$

9.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.40

 

 

0.31

 

 

0.42

 

 

0.28

 

 

0.36

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.25

)

 

0.24

 

 

0.21

 

 

(0.75

)

 

(0.38

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.85

)

 

0.55

 

 

0.63

 

 

(0.47

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.15

)

 

(0.49

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.42

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.52

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

7.79

 

$

9.03

 

$

8.77

 

$

8.56

 

$

9.32

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-9.65%

 

 

6.41%

 

 

7.47%

 

 

-5.13%

 

 

-0.21%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

107,276

 

$

242,040

 

$

256,331

 

$

249,222

 

$

133,473

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.12%

 

 

1.16%

 

 

1.24%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.10%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.12%

 

 

1.16%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

4.64%

 

 

3.45%

 

 

4.80%

 

 

3.17%

 

 

3.57%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

151%

 

 

152%

 

 

173%

 

 

262%

 

 

182%

 

 

290


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.08

 

$

8.82

 

$

8.61

 

$

9.37

 

$

9.88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.35

 

 

0.28

 

 

0.39

 

 

0.24

 

 

0.33

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.24

)

 

0.24

 

 

0.21

 

 

(0.75

)

 

(0.38

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.89

)

 

0.52

 

 

0.60

 

 

(0.51

)

 

(0.05

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.43

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.26

)

 

(0.39

)

 

(0.26

)

 

(0.46

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.01

 

 

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

7.83

 

$

9.08

 

$

8.82

 

$

8.61

 

$

9.37

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-9.97%

 

 

6.02%

 

 

7.07%

 

 

-5.42%

 

 

-0.52%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

95

 

$

992

 

$

1,176

 

$

1,342

 

$

7,150

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.40%

 

 

1.42%

 

 

1.48%

 

 

1.50%

 

 

1.54%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

5.22%

 

 

2.36%

 

 

2.34%

 

 

1.66%

 

 

1.78%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

3.94%

 

 

3.09%

 

 

4.46%

 

 

2.62%

 

 

3.26%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

151%

 

 

152%

 

 

173%

 

 

262%

 

 

182%

 

 

  

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

291


Lazard US Corporate Income Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

4.89

 

$

4.87

 

$

4.64

 

$

4.91

 

$

5.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.22

 

 

0.22

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.24

 

 

0.26

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.35

)

 

0.02

 

 

0.23

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.09

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.13

)

 

0.24

 

 

0.46

 

 

(0.03

)

 

0.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.27

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.27

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

4.54

 

$

4.89

 

$

4.87

 

$

4.64

 

$

4.91

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-2.73%

 

 

5.09%

 

 

10.09%

 

 

-0.71%

 

 

3.31%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

308,285

 

$

344,508

 

$

302,997

 

$

243,712

 

$

185,959

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.55%

 

 

0.55%

 

 

0.55%

 

 

0.55%

 

 

0.55%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.64%

 

 

0.67%

 

 

0.69%

 

 

0.69%

 

 

0.71%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

4.65%

 

 

4.57%

 

 

4.78%

 

 

4.94%

 

 

5.28%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

16%

 

 

21%

 

 

14%

 

 

17%

 

 

28%

 

 

292


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

4.91

 

$

4.89

 

$

4.66

 

$

4.93

 

$

5.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.25

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.34

)

 

0.02

 

 

0.24

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.10

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.13

)

 

0.23

 

 

0.45

 

 

(0.04

)

 

0.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.25

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.22

)

 

(0.23

)

 

(0.25

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

4.57

 

$

4.91

 

$

4.89

 

$

4.66

 

$

4.93

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-2.78%

 

 

4.77%

 

 

9.74%

 

 

-0.98%

 

 

3.01%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

4,314

 

$

5,708

 

$

7,618

 

$

1,968

 

$

1,811

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.85%

 

 

0.85%

 

 

0.85%

 

 

0.85%

 

 

0.85%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.11%

 

 

1.13%

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.69%

 

 

1.55%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

4.34%

 

 

4.28%

 

 

4.44%

 

 

4.65%

 

 

5.00%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

16%

 

 

21%

 

 

14%

 

 

17%

 

 

28%

 

 

293


              

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period 11/03/16* to

 

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

 

 

12/31/16

 

 

R6 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

4.89

 

$

4.87

 

 

$

4.84

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.22

 

 

 

0.04

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.35

)

 

0.02

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.12

)

 

0.24

 

 

 

0.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

(0.04

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

(0.04

)

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

4.67

 

$

4.89

 

 

$

4.87

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-2.43%

#

 

5.09%

 

 

 

1.37%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

1

 

$

1,783

 

 

$

1,697

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.55%

 

 

0.55%

 

 

 

0.55%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

4.62%

 

 

1.69%

 

 

 

1.73%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

4.61%

 

 

4.58%

 

 

 

4.71%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

16%

 

 

21%

 

 

 

14%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

*

The inception date for the R6 Shares was November 03, 2016.

         

#

The Portfolio received settlement proceeds from a foreign exchange trading class action lawsuit. The proceeds from the settlement represented a realized gain and were recorded in the period received. There was a 0.62% impact on the total return of the Portfolio’s R6 Shares.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

294


Lazard US Short Duration Fixed Income

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.79

 

$

9.86

 

$

9.89

 

$

9.99

 

$

10.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.13

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.09

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.04

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.01

 

 

0.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.05

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.04

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.04

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.09

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.70

 

$

9.79

 

$

9.86

 

$

9.89

 

$

9.99

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

1.08%

 

 

0.72%

 

 

1.00%

 

 

0.05%

 

 

0.49%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

116,276

 

$

100,390

 

$

103,175

 

$

103,150

 

$

114,705

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.40%

 

 

0.40%

 

 

0.40%

 

 

0.40%

 

 

0.40%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.43%

 

 

0.43%

 

 

0.50%

 

 

0.48%

 

 

0.52%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

2.00%

 

 

1.43%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

0.87%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

170%

 

 

108%

 

 

157%

 

 

57%

 

 

46%

 

 

295


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.79

 

$

9.87

 

$

9.90

 

$

10.01

 

$

10.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.11

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.06

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.03

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.04

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.09

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.04

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.16

)

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.06

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.71

 

$

9.79

 

$

9.87

 

$

9.90

 

$

10.01

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

0.88%

 

 

0.32%

 

 

0.70%

 

 

0.77%

 

 

0.38%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

37

 

$

25

 

$

44

 

$

27

 

$

36

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.70%

 

 

0.70%

 

 

0.70%

 

 

0.70%

 

 

0.70%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

38.00%

 

 

33.88%

 

 

31.22%

 

 

42.51%

 

 

17.62%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.68%

 

 

1.13%

 

 

1.00%

 

 

1.68%

 

 

0.60%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

170%

 

 

108%

 

 

157%

 

 

57%

 

 

46%

 

 

  

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

296


Lazard Global Fixed Income Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.04

 

$

8.57

 

$

8.74

 

$

9.30

 

$

9.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.20

 

 

0.20

 

 

0.20

 

 

0.19

 

 

0.22

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.38

)

 

0.47

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.56

)

 

(0.21

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.18

)

 

0.67

 

 

0.03

 

 

(0.37

)

 

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.10

)

 

 

 

(0.12

)

 

 

 

(0.17

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.05

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.19

)

 

(0.22

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.65

 

$

9.04

 

$

8.57

 

$

8.74

 

$

9.30

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-2.06%

 

 

7.87%

 

 

0.22%

 

 

-4.03%

 

 

0.08%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

5,495

 

$

4,705

 

$

4,266

 

$

5,795

 

$

6,497

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.70%

 

 

0.72%

 

 

0.75%

 

 

0.76%

 

 

0.80%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

3.61%

 

 

4.39%

 

 

4.70%

 

 

4.26%

 

 

4.12%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

2.33%

 

 

2.33%

 

 

2.18%

 

 

2.08%

 

 

2.28%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

60%

 

 

42%

 

 

47%

 

 

60%

 

 

78%

 

 

297


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

9.04

 

$

8.57

 

$

8.74

 

$

9.30

 

$

9.51

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.17

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.19

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.39

)

 

0.47

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.56

)

 

(0.21

)

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.21

)

 

0.64

 

 

(b)

(0.40

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.08

)

 

 

 

(0.10

)

 

 

 

(0.14

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.07

)

 

(0.16

)

 

(0.05

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.18

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.16

)

 

(0.19

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.65

 

$

9.04

 

$

8.57

 

$

8.74

 

$

9.30

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-2.31%

 

 

7.55%

 

 

-0.07%

 

 

-4.31%

 

 

-0.22%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

33

 

$

34

 

$

34

 

$

56

 

$

56

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.98%

 

 

1.02%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

1.10%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

38.42%

 

 

42.88%

 

 

27.52%

 

 

27.72%

 

 

20.84%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

2.08%

 

 

1.95%

 

 

1.88%

 

 

1.80%

 

 

2.01%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

60%

 

 

42%

 

 

47%

 

 

60%

 

 

78%

 

 

  

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

298


Lazard US Realty Equity Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

18.85

 

$

19.37

 

$

18.93

 

$

19.71

 

$

16.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.28

 

 

0.31

 

 

0.29

 

 

0.33

 

 

0.28

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.74

)

 

1.18

 

 

0.72

 

 

0.55

 

 

3.85

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.46

)

 

1.49

 

 

1.01

 

 

0.88

 

 

4.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.37

)

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.38

)

 

(0.20

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.38

)

 

(1.64

)

 

(0.26

)

 

(1.28

)

 

(0.27

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.70

)

 

(2.01

)

 

(0.57

)

 

(1.66

)

 

(0.47

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.69

 

$

18.85

 

$

19.37

 

$

18.93

 

$

19.71

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-7.77%

 

 

7.93%

 

 

5.31%

 

 

4.63%

 

 

25.70%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

15,715

 

$

18,724

 

$

19,625

 

$

21,143

 

$

21,806

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.00%

 

 

1.02%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.09%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

1.12%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

1.18%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.56%

 

 

1.55%

 

 

1.50%

 

 

1.64%

 

 

1.50%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

52%

 

 

32%

 

 

41%

 

 

51%

 

 

43%

 

 

299


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

18.94

 

$

19.44

 

$

19.00

 

$

19.78

 

$

16.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.25

 

 

0.23

 

 

0.26

 

 

0.19

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.75

)

 

1.20

 

 

0.72

 

 

0.56

 

 

3.90

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.52

)

 

1.45

 

 

0.95

 

 

0.82

 

 

4.09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.31

)

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.15

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.38

)

 

(1.64

)

 

(0.26

)

 

(1.28

)

 

(0.27

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.65

)

 

(1.95

)

 

(0.51

)

 

(1.60

)

 

(0.42

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

16.77

 

$

18.94

 

$

19.44

 

$

19.00

 

$

19.78

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-8.06%

 

 

7.69%

 

 

4.99%

 

 

4.34%

 

 

25.33%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

43,946

 

$

47,811

 

$

59,307

 

$

75,907

 

$

88,897

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.29%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.32%

 

 

1.35%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.29%

 

 

1.30%

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.32%

 

 

1.42%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.27%

 

 

1.24%

 

 

1.17%

 

 

1.32%

 

 

1.01%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

52%

 

 

32%

 

 

41%

 

 

51%

 

 

43%

 

 

  

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

300


Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

15.99

 

$

14.17

 

$

13.42

 

$

13.72

 

$

13.13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.41

 

 

0.39

 

 

0.31

^

 

0.33

 

 

0.34

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.96

)

 

2.54

 

 

0.92

 

 

0.89

 

 

2.01

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.55

)

 

2.93

 

 

1.23

 

 

1.22

 

 

2.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.72

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(1.17

)

 

(1.04

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.21

)

 

(0.82

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.72

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.93

)

 

(1.11

)

 

(0.48

)

 

(1.52

)

 

(1.76

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

13.51

 

$

15.99

 

$

14.17

 

$

13.42

 

$

13.72

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-3.68%

 

 

20.73%

 

 

9.30%

^

 

9.30%

 

 

17.95%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

4,924,359

 

$

4,778,042

 

$

2,931,161

 

$

2,156,325

 

$

1,372,216

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.95%

 

 

0.95%

 

 

0.96%

^

 

0.96%

 

 

0.98%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

0.95%

 

 

0.95%

 

 

0.96%

 

 

0.96%

 

 

0.98%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

2.65%

 

 

2.44%

 

 

2.29%

^

 

2.32%

 

 

2.35%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

49%

 

 

33%

 

 

35%

 

 

34%

 

 

41%

 

 

301


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

16.01

 

$

14.20

 

$

13.45

 

$

13.74

 

$

13.15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.37

 

 

0.35

 

 

0.29

^

 

0.31

 

 

0.29

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.97

)

 

2.55

 

 

0.91

 

 

0.88

 

 

2.02

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.60

)

 

2.90

 

 

1.20

 

 

1.19

 

 

2.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.68

)

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.31

)

 

(1.13

)

 

(1.00

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.21

)

 

(0.82

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.35

)

 

(0.72

)

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.89

)

 

(1.09

)

 

(0.45

)

 

(1.48

)

 

(1.72

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

13.52

 

$

16.01

 

$

14.20

 

$

13.45

 

$

13.74

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-3.98%

 

 

20.47%

 

 

9.01%

^

 

9.06%

 

 

17.61%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

426,749

 

$

633,243

 

$

462,613

 

$

393,786

 

$

145,901

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.21%

 

 

1.22%

^

 

1.23%

 

 

1.29%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.21%

 

 

1.22%

 

 

1.23%

 

 

1.29%

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

2.36%

 

 

2.16%

 

 

2.09%

^

 

2.19%

 

 

2.04%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

49%

 

 

33%

 

 

35%

 

 

34%

 

 

41%

 

 

  

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The amount of the reimbursement was less than $0.005 per share. There was no impact on the total return of the Portfolio. The impact on net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio was less than 0.005%.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

302


Lazard Real Assets and Pricing Opportunities Portfolio

             

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
12/30/16* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

 

 

12/31/16

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.71

 

$

10.00

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.19

 

 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.96

)

 

0.78

 

 

 

(b)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.80

)

 

0.97

 

 

 

(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.25

)

 

(0.13

)

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.13

)

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.49

)

 

(0.26

)

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.42

 

$

10.71

 

 

$

10.00

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-7.47%

 

 

9.80%

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

16,164

 

$

17,812

 

 

$

13,090

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

 

0.00%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

2.04%

 

 

3.13%

 

 

 

3.49%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.53%

 

 

1.79%

 

 

 

0.00%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

72%

 

 

76%

 

 

 

0%

 

303


          

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

 

For the Period
1/9/17* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

 

12/31/17

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.70

 

 

$

10.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.14

 

 

 

0.18

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.96

)

 

 

0.74

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.82

)

 

 

0.92

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.23

)

 

 

(0.12

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.24

)

 

 

(0.13

)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.47

)

 

 

(0.25

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.41

 

 

$

10.70

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-7.70%

 

 

 

9.17%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

43

 

 

$

135

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.15%

 

 

 

1.15%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

13.72%

 

 

 

20.65%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.29%

 

 

 

1.69%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

72%

 

 

 

76%

 

                   

^

Consolidated Financial Highlights.

                 

*

The inception date for the Institutional Shares was December 30, 2016 and for the Open Shares was January 9, 2017.

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

304


Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14*

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

8.67

 

$

9.16

 

$

8.89

 

$

10.00

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.06

 

 

0.11

^

 

0.05

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(b)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.20

)

 

0.40

 

 

0.35

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(b)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.14

)

 

0.51

 

 

0.40

 

 

(0.23

)

 

(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.10

)

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.14

)

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.83

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.35

)

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.39

)

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.22

)

 

(1.00

)

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.88

)

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.31

 

$

8.67

 

$

9.16

 

$

8.89

 

$

10.00

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-1.66%

 

 

5.56%

^

 

4.50%

 

 

-2.32%

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

16,184

 

$

15,206

 

$

14,077

 

$

4,823

 

$

4,899

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

2.36%

 

 

2.78%

^

 

1.79%

 

 

1.70%

 

 

1.70%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

3.80%

 

 

5.02%

^

 

3.60%

 

 

13.45%

 

 

69.35%

(e)

 

Gross expenses, excluding

expenses on securities

sold short

  

2.71%

 

 

3.45%

 

 

3.51%

 

 

13.45%

 

 

69.35%

(e)

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.73%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

0.57%

 

 

-0.22%

 

 

-1.70%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate:

 

 

              

 

Excluding securities sold short

  

312%

 

 

210%

 

 

247%

 

 

639%

 

 

37%

  

Including securities sold short

  

409%

 

 

310%

 

 

340%

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

  

305


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14*

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

8.65

 

$

9.15

 

$

8.89

 

$

10.00

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.10

^

 

0.04

 

 

(0.05

)

 

(b)

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.19

)

 

0.37

 

 

0.33

 

 

(0.21

)

 

(b)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.15

)

 

0.47

 

 

0.37

 

 

(0.26

)

 

(b)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.08

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.06

)

 

(0.11

)

 

 

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.83

)

 

(0.05

)

 

(0.35

)

 

 

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.39

)

 

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.97

)

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.85

)

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.30

 

$

8.65

 

$

9.15

 

$

8.89

 

$

10.00

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-1.80%

 

 

5.16%

^

 

4.13%

 

 

-2.57%

 

 

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

105

 

$

117

 

$

112

 

$

110

 

$

100

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

2.60%

 

 

3.01%

^

 

2.07%

 

 

1.95%

 

 

1.95%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

14.49%

 

 

16.40%

^

 

15.58%

 

 

26.46%

 

 

69.36%

(e)

 

Gross expenses, excluding

expenses on securities sold short

  

13.40%

 

 

14.85%

 

 

15.46%

 

 

26.46%

 

 

69.36%

(e)

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

0.48%

 

 

1.06%

 

 

0.45%

 

 

-0.46%

 

 

-1.95%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate:

 

 

             

 

 

Excluding securities sold short

  

312%

 

 

210%

 

 

247%

 

 

639%

 

 

37%

 

 

Including securities sold short

  

410%

 

 

310%

 

 

340%

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 
                

^

A one- time voluntary reimbursement by the administrator increased the net investment income per share amount of $0.04 per share. For Institutional Shares and Open Shares, the one- time voluntary reimbursement by the administrator increased the total return ratio by 0.49%, decreased the gross expense and net expense ratios by 0.44% and increased the net investment income (loss) ratio by 0.44%.

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on December 31, 2014.

              

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

(e)

Gross expense ratio was the result of the Portfolio being in existence for one day during the period ended December 31, 2014.

306


Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio

                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.60

 

$

9.70

 

$

9.36

 

$

10.02

 

$

10.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.14

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.16

^

 

0.07

 

 

0.04

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.48

)

 

1.62

 

 

0.34

 

 

(0.46

)

 

0.41

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.34

)

 

1.72

 

 

0.50

 

 

(0.39

)

 

0.45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.28

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.48

)

 

(0.68

)

 

 

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.39

)

 

 

Return of capital

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(b)

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.52

)

 

(0.82

)

 

(0.16

)

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.67

)

 

 

Redemption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

(b)

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.74

 

$

10.60

 

$

9.70

 

$

9.36

 

$

10.02

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-12.72%

 

 

17.74%

 

 

5.36%

^

 

-3.80%

 

 

4.40%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

102,783

 

$

151,767

 

$

141,494

 

$

170,626

 

$

185,489

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.02%

 

 

1.05%

 

 

1.02%

^

 

1.02%

 

 

1.02%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.15%

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.19%

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.15%

 
 

Gross expenses, excluding

expenses on securities

sold short

  

1.15%

 

 

1.15%

 

 

1.19%

 

 

1.18%

 

 

1.15%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.32%

 

 

0.99%

 

 

1.72%

^

 

0.66%

 

 

0.35%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate:

 

 

             

 

 

Excluding securities sold short

  

227%

 

 

142%

 

 

238%

 

 

255%

 

 

265%

  

Including securities sold short

  

N/A

 

 

153%

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

  

307


                   

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

12/31/16

 

12/31/15

 

12/31/14

 

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

10.55

 

$

9.65

 

$

9.32

 

$

10.02

 

$

10.24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.10

 

 

0.05

 

 

0.13

^

 

0.01

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(1.46

)

 

1.64

 

 

0.33

 

 

(0.47

)

 

0.41

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(1.36

)

 

1.69

 

 

0.46

 

 

(0.46

)

 

0.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

 

 

(0.11

)

 

(0.11

)

 

(b)

(0.25

)

 

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(0.48

)

 

(0.68

)

 

 

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.39

)

 

 

Return of Capital

 

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(b)

 

 

 

Total distributions

 

 

(0.50

)

 

(0.79

)

 

(0.13

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.64

)

 

 

Remption fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

8.69

 

$

10.55

 

$

9.65

 

$

9.32

 

$

10.02

 

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-13.05%

 

 

17.48%

 

 

4.97%

^

 

-4.51%

 

 

4.10%

 

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

286

 

$

428

 

$

823

 

$

725

 

$

3,950

 

 

Ratios to average net assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.32%

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.32%

^

 

1.32%

 

 

1.32%

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

4.22%

 

 

3.87%

 

 

3.31%

 

 

1.66%

 

 

1.81%

 
 

Gross expenses, excluding

expenses on securities

sold short

  

4.22%

 †

 

3.85%

 

 

3.31%

 

 

1.66%

 

 

1.81%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.00%

 

 

0.53%

 

 

1.43%

^

 

0.15%

 

 

0.14%

 

 

Portfolio turnover rate:

 

 

             

 

 

Excluding securities sold short

  

227%

 

 

142%

 

 

238%

 

 

255%

 

 

265%

  

Including securities sold short

  

N/A

 

153%

  

N/A

  

N/A

  

N/A

  
  

^

Refer to Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for discussion of prior period
custodian out- of- pocket expenses that were reimbursed to the Portfolio in the period. The amount of the reimbursement was less than $0.005 per share. There was no impact on the total return of the Portfolio. The net expenses and net investment income (loss) ratios of the Portfolio would be unchanged as the change to the period custodian fees was offset against the period expense waivers/reimbursements with no impact to net expenses or net investment income (loss).

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower.

No securities sold short in current year.

308


Lazard Global Dynamic Multi-Asset Portfolio

             

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
5/27/16* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

 

 

12/31/16

 

Institutional Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

11.49

 

$

10.00

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.16

 

 

0.15

 

 

 

0.06

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.92

)

 

1.92

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.76

)

 

2.07

 

 

 

0.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.14

)

 

 

(0.05

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.26

)

 

(0.44

)

 

 

(b)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.46

)

 

(0.58

)

 

 

(0.05

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.27

 

$

11.49

 

 

$

10.00

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-6.35%

 

 

20.69%

 

 

 

0.53%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

42,577

 

$

68,761

 

 

$

48,544

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

0.90%

 

 

0.90%

 

 

 

0.90%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.34%

 

 

1.42%

 

 

 

2.14%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.36%

 

 

1.40%

 

 

 

0.95%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

120%

 

 

102%

 

 

 

67%

 

309


             

 

Selected data for a share of capital

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

For the Period
5/27/16* to

 

 

stock outstanding throughout each period

 

12/31/18

 

12/31/17

 

 

 

12/31/16

 

Open Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

 

$

11.49

 

$

10.00

 

 

$

10.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)(a)

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.12

 

 

 

0.04

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

 

 

(0.91

)

 

1.91

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

Total from investment operations

 

 

(0.79

)

 

2.03

 

 

 

0.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less distribution from:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.17

)

 

(0.10

)

 

 

(0.03

)

 

Net realized gains

 

 

(1.26

)

 

(0.44

)

 

 

(b)

 

Total distributions

 

 

(1.43

)

 

(0.54

)

 

 

(0.03

)

Net asset value, end of period

 

$

9.27

 

$

11.49

 

 

$

10.00

 

Total Return(c)

 

 

-6.64%

 

 

20.33%

 

 

 

0.35%

 

Ratios and Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets, end of period (in thousands)

 

$

225

 

$

414

 

 

$

210

 

Ratios to average net assets:(d)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.20%

 

 

1.20%

 

 

 

1.20%

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

4.20%

 

 

5.79%

 

 

 

9.43%

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

 

 

1.07%

 

 

1.09%

 

 

 

0.72%

 

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

120%

 

 

102%

 

 

 

67%

 

                  

*

The Portfolio commenced operations on May 27, 2016.

                

(a)

Net investment income (loss) has been computed using the average shares method.

(b)

Amount is less than $0.01 per share.

(c)

Total returns reflect reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, if any. Certain expenses of the Portfolio may have been waived or reimbursed by the Investment Manager, State Street or DST; without such waiver/reimbursement of expenses, the Portfolio’s returns would have been lower. Returns for a period of less than one year are not annualized.

(d)

Annualized for a period of less than one year except for non-recurring expenses.

310


Lazard Funds Other Performance of the Investment Manager

This is not the Portfolios’ performance

The Portfolios’ investment objectives, policies and strategies are substantially similar to those used by the Investment Manager in advising certain discretionary accounts (“Other Accounts”).

For the International Compounders Portfolio, there is currently only one Other Account that corresponds to the strategy employed by the Portfolio (the “International Compounders Other Account”). The International Compounders Other Account was funded by the Investment Manager and had $1 million in assets under management as of December 31, 2018.

Each other chart below shows the historical investment performance for a composite (each, a “Composite”) of Other Accounts that correspond to the referenced Portfolio. Each Composite’s performance is compared to an appropriate securities market index (each of which is unmanaged, has no fees or costs and is not available for investment).

The Other Accounts are portfolios separate and distinct from the corresponding Portfolio. Therefore, the performance information of the Other Accounts should not be considered a substitute for a Portfolio’s own performance information, nor indicative of the future performance of the Portfolio.

Certain Other Accounts are not subject to certain investment limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed on registered investment companies, such as the Portfolios, by the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended which, if applicable, may have adversely affected the performance of the Other Accounts.

The performance results are presented net of all fees and expenses (other than custody fees, except for any mutual funds, for which results include all fees). With respect to the Other Accounts that do not pay management fees, a hypothetical management fee has been deducted equal to the highest rate that would have been charged by the Investment Manager to a comparable fee-paying account. The Portfolios bear fees and operational expenses not typically borne by managed accounts such as the Other Accounts (including distribution and servicing fees of Open Shares). Performance shown below would have been lower if the Other Accounts had been subject to the fees and expenses of the corresponding Portfolio.

Additionally, although it is anticipated that each Portfolio and its corresponding Other Account(s) will hold similar securities, the investment results of a Portfolio and its corresponding Other Account(s) are expected to differ. In particular, differences in asset size and cash flows may result in different securities selections, differences in the relative weightings of securities or differences in the prices paid for particular portfolio holdings. However, such differences do not alter the conclusion that each Portfolio and its corresponding Other Account(s) have substantially similar investment objectives, policies and strategies.

The returns of the Other Accounts are dollar-weighted based upon beginning period market values. This calculation methodology differs from guidelines of the SEC for calculating performance of mutual funds.

      

INTERNATIONAL COMPOUNDERS OTHER ACCOUNT PERFORMANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

Inception
Date

One Year

Three Years

Since
Inception

(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

 

International Compounders Other Account

1/1/16

-11.7%

6.5%

6.5%

MSCI All Country World ex-US Index1

N/A

-14.2%

4.5%

4.5%

311


      

Annual Total Returns

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

for the periods ended December 31

International Compounders Other Account

N/A

N/A

1.8%

34.2%

-11.7%

MSCI All Country World ex-US Index1

N/A

N/A

4.5%

27.2%

-14.2%

1 The MSCI All Country World Index ex-US is a free float adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets, excluding the US.

The year to date total return of the International Compounders Other Account as of March 31, 2019 was 13.5%.

       

EQUITY FRANCHISE COMPOSITE PERFORMANCE OF OTHER ACCOUNTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns

 

Inception
Date

One Year

Three Years

Five Years

Since
Inception

(for the periods ended December 31, 2018)

 

Equity Franchise Composite

10/01/131

-5.7%

8.7%

8.8%

9.5%

MSCI World Index2

N/A

-8.7%

6.3%

4.6%

5.9%

      

Annual Total Returns

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

for the periods ended December 31

Equity Franchise Composite

15.1%

3.0%

11.1%

22.5%

-5.7%

MSCI World Index2

4.9%

-0.9%

7.5%

22.4%

-8.7%

1 Inception date of the oldest Other Account in the Equity Franchise Composite.

2 The MSCI World Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of companies representative of the market structure of 23 developed market countries in North America, Europe and the Asia/Pacific region.

The year to date total return of the Equity Franchise Composite as of March 31, 2019 was 7.3%.

312


For more information about the Portfolios, the following documents are available, free of charge, upon request:

Annual and Semi-Annual Reports (Reports):
The Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders contain additional information on each Portfolio’s investments. In the annual report, you will find a broad discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected each Portfolio’s performance during its last fiscal year.

Statement of Additional Information (SAI):
The SAI provides more detailed information about the Portfolios, including their operations and investment policies. It is incorporated by reference and is legally considered a part of this Prospectus.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings:
Each Portfolio will publicly disclose its portfolio holdings on a calendar quarter-end basis on its website accessible from https://www.lazardassetmanagement.com/us/en_us/funds/list/mutual-funds/42, no earlier than 5 days after such quarter end. The information will remain accessible at least until the Fund files a report as an exhibit to Form N-PORT or on Form N-CSR for the period that includes the date as of which the information was current.

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

   
   
 

You can get a free copy of the Reports and the SAI at http://www.lazardassetmanagement.com, or request the Reports and the SAI and other information and discuss your questions about the Portfolios, by contacting the Fund at:

The Lazard Funds, Inc.
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112-6300
Telephone: (800) 823-6300
http://www.lazardassetmanagement.com

 
   

You also can get a free copy of the Reports and the SAI from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Investment Company Act file no. 811-06312

Investment Manager
Lazard Asset Management LLC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112-6300
Telephone: (800) 823-6300
 
Distributor
Lazard Asset Management Securities LLC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112-6300
 
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Iron Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210

Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent
DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 219441
Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9441
Telephone: (800) 986-3455
 
Legal Counsel
Proskauer Rose LLP
Eleven Times Square
New York, New York 10036-8299
http://www.proskauer.com  

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte & Touche LLP
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, New York 10112-0015

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained in this Prospectus, and information or representations not contained herein must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Fund or the Distributor. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer of any security other than the registered securities to which it relates or an offer to any person in any jurisdiction where such offer would be unlawful.

Lazard Asset Management LLC 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 800-823-6300 www.lazardassetmanagement.com