485BPOS 1 d811562d485bpos.htm FORM 485BPOS Form 485BPOS
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 7, 2019

Securities Act File No. 033-52742

Investment Company Act File No. 811-07238

FORM N-1A

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  
Pre-Effective Amendment No.  
Post-Effective Amendment No. 115  
and/or    
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940  
Amendment No. 116  

SUNAMERICA SERIES TRUST

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

21650 Oxnard Street, 10th Floor

Woodland Hills, California 91367

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(800-858-8850)

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including area code)

Kathleen D. Fuentes, Esq.

SunAmerica Asset Management, LLC

Harborside 5

185 Hudson Street, Suite 3300

Jersey City, NJ 07311

(Name and Address for Agent for Service)

Copy to:

Manda Ghaferi, Esq.

AIG Consumer Insurance

21650 Oxnard Street, 10th Floor

Woodland Hills, California 91367

Margery K. Neale, Esq.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, New York 10019

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.


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

☒    Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

☐    on (date), pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

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

☐    on (date), pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

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

☐    on (date), pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

If appropriate, check the following box:

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

Title of Securities Being Registered: Shares of beneficial interest, no par value.

This filing relates solely to SA Franklin U.S. Equity Smart Beta Portfolio.

 

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PROSPECTUS

October 7, 2019

SUNAMERICA SERIES TRUST

(Class 1 and Class 3 Shares)

SA Franklin U.S. Equity Smart Beta Portfolio

This Prospectus contains information you should know before investing, including information about risks. Please read it before you invest and keep it for future reference.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Topic

   Page  

Portfolio Summary

     1  

Additional Information About the Portfolio’s Investment Strategies and Investment Risks

     4  

Glossary

     5  

Investment Terms

     5  

Risk Terminology

     5  

About the Index

     6  

Management

     7  

Account Information

     9  

Financial Highlights

     12  

For More Information

     13  

 

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PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: SA FRANKLIN U.S. EQUITY SMART BETA PORTFOLIO

 

Investment Goal

 

 

The Portfolio’s investment goal is long-term capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Portfolio

 

 

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Portfolio. The Portfolio’s annual operating expenses do not reflect the separate account fees charged in the variable annuity or variable life insurance policy (“Variable Contracts”) in which the Portfolio is offered. If separate account fees were shown, the Portfolio’s annual operating expenses would be higher. Please see your Variable Contract prospectus for more details on the separate account fees.

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

 

     Class 1      Class 3  

Management Fees

     0.50%        0.50%  

Service (12b-1) Fees

            0.25%  

Other Expenses1

     0.12%        0.12%  

Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses

     0.62%        0.87%  

 

1 

“Other Expenses” has been estimated because the Portfolio had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus.

Expense Example

This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Portfolio with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Portfolio for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Portfolio’s operating expenses remain the same. The Example does not reflect charges imposed by the Variable Contract. If the Variable Contract fees were reflected, the expenses would be higher. See the Variable Contract prospectus for information on such charges. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions and the net expenses shown in the fee table, your costs would be:

 

     1 Year      3 Years  

Class 1 Shares

   $ 63      $ 199  

Class 3 Shares

     89        278  

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. These costs, which are not reflected in annual portfolio operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Portfolio’s performance.

Principal Investment Strategies of the Portfolio

 

 

The Portfolio seeks to achieve a lower level of risk and higher risk-adjusted performance than the Russell 1000® Index (the “Index”) over the long term through a rules-based multi-factor selection process employed by the Portfolio’s subadviser. Under normal circumstances, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of U.S. issuers. The Portfolio primarily invests in common stock of U.S. large capitalization companies included in the Index. As of August 31, 2019, the median market capitalization of a company in the Index was approximately $10 billion and the dollar-weighted average capitalization of the companies in the Index was approximately $224 billion. The size of the companies in the Index changes with market conditions and the composition of the Index.

The subadviser’s selection process is designed to select stocks for the Portfolio that have favorable exposure to four investment style factors (commonly referred to as “smart beta”) – quality, value, momentum and low volatility. Factors are common characteristics that relate to a group of issuers or securities that are important in explaining the returns and risks of those issuers’ securities. The “quality” factor incorporates measurements such as return on equity, earnings variability, cash return on assets and leverage. The “value” factor incorporates measurements such as price to earnings, price to forward earnings, price to book value and dividend yield. The “momentum” factor incorporates measurements such as 6-month risk adjusted price momentum and 12-month risk-adjusted price momentum. The “low volatility” factor incorporates measurements such as historical beta (i.e., a measure of the volatility of a security relative to the total market).

Under normal market conditions, the Portfolio will hold 200 to 250 of the common stocks in the Index. The subadviser will select such stocks on a semi-annual basis. The Portfolio employs a strategy to continue to hold stocks between its semi-annual selection of stocks, even if there are adverse developments concerning a particular stock, an industry, the economy or the stock market generally.

The principal investment strategies and principal investment techniques of the Portfolio may be changed without shareholder approval. You will receive at least sixty (60) days’ notice of any change to the 80% investment policy set forth above.

 

 

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PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: SA FRANKLIN U.S. EQUITY SMART BETA PORTFOLIO

 

Principal Risks of Investing in the Portfolio

 

 

As with any mutual fund, there can be no assurance that the Portfolio’s investment goal will be met or that the net return on an investment in the Portfolio will exceed what could have been obtained through other investment or savings vehicles. Shares of the Portfolio are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by any bank, government entity or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. If the value of the assets of the Portfolio goes down, you could lose money.

The following is a summary of the principal risks of investing in the Portfolio.

Affiliated Fund Rebalancing Risk. The Portfolio may be an investment option for other mutual funds for which SunAmerica Asset Management, LLC (“SunAmerica”) serves as investment adviser that are managed as “funds of funds.” From time to time, the Portfolio may experience relatively large redemptions or investments due to the rebalancing of a fund of funds. In the event of such redemptions or investments, the Portfolio could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.

Equity Securities Risk. The Portfolio invests principally in equity securities and is therefore subject to the risk that stock prices will fall and may underperform other asset classes. Individual stock prices fluctuate from day-to-day and may decline significantly.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons directly related to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.

Large-Cap Companies Risk. Large-cap companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, the Portfolio’s value may not rise as much as the value of portfolios that emphasize smaller companies.

Factor-Based Investing Risk. There can be no assurance that the multi-factor selection process employed by the subadviser will enhance performance. Exposure to investment style factors may detract from performance in some market environments, which may continue for prolonged periods.

Disciplined Strategy Risk. The Portfolio will not deviate from its strategy (except to the extent necessary to comply with federal tax laws or other applicable laws). If the Portfolio is committed to a strategy that is unsuccessful, the Portfolio will not meet its investment goal. Because the Portfolio generally will not use certain techniques available to other

mutual funds to reduce stock market exposure (e.g., derivatives), the Portfolio may be more susceptible to general market declines than other mutual funds.

Market Risk. The Portfolio’s share price can fall because of weakness in the broad market, a particular industry, or specific holdings. The market as a whole can decline for many reasons, including adverse political or economic developments in the United States or abroad, changes in investor psychology, or heavy institutional selling. In addition, the subadviser’s assessment of securities held in the Portfolio may prove incorrect, resulting in losses or poor performance even in a rising market.

Securities Selection Risk. A strategy used by the Portfolio, or individual securities selected by the subadviser, may fail to produce the intended return.

Performance Information

 

 

Since the Portfolio has not been in operation for a full calendar year, no performance information is available.

Investment Adviser

 

 

The Portfolio’s investment adviser is SunAmerica.

The Portfolio is subadvised by Franklin Advisers, Inc.

Portfolio Managers

 

Name and Title

   Portfolio
Manager of the
Portfolio Since
 

Chandra Seethamraju, Ph.D

  

Portfolio Manager

     2019  

Sundaram Chettiappan, CFA

  

Portfolio Manager

     2019  

Purchases and Sales of Portfolio Shares

 

 

Shares of the Portfolio may only be purchased or redeemed through Variable Contracts offered by the separate accounts of participating life insurance companies. Shares of the Portfolio may be purchased and redeemed each day the New York Stock Exchange is open, at the Portfolio’s net asset value determined after receipt of a request in good order.

The Portfolio does not have any initial or subsequent investment minimums. However, your insurance company may impose investment or account minimums. Please consult the prospectus (or other offering document) for your Variable Contract which may contain additional information about purchases and redemptions of Portfolio shares.

 

 

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PORTFOLIO SUMMARY: SA FRANKLIN U.S. EQUITY SMART BETA PORTFOLIO

 

Tax Information

 

 

The Portfolio will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the net investment company taxable income or net capital gains distributed to shareholders as ordinary income dividends or capital gain dividends and the separate accounts that receive the dividends are not subject to tax. However contract holders may be subject to U.S. federal income tax (and a U.S. federal Medicare tax of 3.8% that applies to net investment income, including taxable annuity payments, if applicable) upon withdrawal from a Variable Contract. Contract holders should consult the prospectus (or other offering document) for the Variable Contract for additional information regarding taxation.

Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries

 

 

The Portfolio is not sold directly to the general public but instead is offered as an underlying investment option for Variable Contracts. The Portfolio and its related companies may make payments to the sponsoring insurance company (or its affiliates) for distribution and/or other services. These payments may create a conflict of interest as they may be a factor that the insurance company considers in including the Portfolio as an underlying investment option in the Variable Contract. The prospectus (or other offering document) for your Variable Contract may contain additional information about these payments.

 

 

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PORTFOLIOS INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND INVESTMENT RISKS

 

From time to time, the Portfolio may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies, in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. There is no limit on the Portfolio’s investments in money market securities for temporary defensive purposes. If the Portfolio takes such a temporary defensive position, it may not achieve its investment goal.

In addition to the securities and techniques described herein, there are other securities and investment techniques in which the Portfolio may invest in limited instances, which are not described in this Prospectus. These securities and investment practices are listed in the Statement of Additional Information of SunAmerica Series Trust (the “Trust”), which you may obtain free of charge (see back cover). In addition, the Glossary contains additional information about the Portfolio’s principal investments and risks identified in the Portfolio Summary.

Unless otherwise indicated, investment restrictions, including percentage limitations, apply at the time of purchase under normal market conditions. You should consider your ability to assume the risks involved before investing in the Portfolio through one of the Variable Contracts. Percentage limitations may be calculated based on the Portfolio’s total or net assets. “Total assets” means net assets plus liabilities (e.g., borrowings). If not specified as net assets, the percentage is calculated based on total assets.

The principal investment goal and strategies for the Portfolio are non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) without shareholder approval. Shareholders will be given at least 60 days’ written notice in advance of any change to the Portfolio’s investment goal.

 

 

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GLOSSARY

 

Investment Terms

 

 

 

Capital appreciation/growth is an increase in the market value of securities held.

Defensive investments include high-quality, fixed income securities, repurchase agreements and other money market instruments. The Portfolio may make temporary defensive investments in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions or when necessary or advisable to maintain a cash position. When the Portfolio takes a defensive position, it may miss out on investment opportunities that could have resulted from investing in accordance with its principal investment strategies. As a result, the Portfolio may not achieve its investment goal.

Equity securities. Equity securities such as common stocks, represent shares of equity ownership in a corporation. Common stocks may or may not receive dividend payments. Certain securities have common stock characteristics, including certain convertible securities such as convertible bonds, convertible preferred stock, rights and warrants, and may be classified as equity securities. Investments in equity securities and securities with equity characteristics include:

 

    Convertible securities are securities (such as bonds or preferred stocks) that may be converted into common stock of the same or a different company.

 

    Rights represent a preemptive right of stockholders to purchase additional shares of a stock at the time of a new issuance before the stock is offered to the general public.
    Warrants are rights to buy common stock of a company at a specified price during the life of the warrant.

Market capitalization ranges. Companies are determined to be large-cap companies, mid-cap companies, or small-cap companies based upon the total market value of the outstanding common stock (or similar securities) of the company at the time of purchase. The market capitalization of the companies in which the Portfolio invests may change over time. The Portfolio will not automatically sell or cease to purchase stock of a company that it already owns just because the company’s market capitalization grows or falls outside of a specific range. With respect to the Portfolio:

 

    Large-Cap companies will include companies whose market capitalizations are equal to or greater than the market capitalization of the smallest company in the Russell 1000® Index during the most recent 12-month period. As of August 31, 2019, the market capitalization range of the companies in the Russell 1000® Index was approximately $745 million to $1 trillion.

“Net assets” when referred to under “Investment Goal” and “Principal Investment Strategies of the Portfolio” for the Portfolio takes into account borrowings for investment purposes.

Short-term investments. Short-term investments include money market securities, such as short-term U.S. government obligations, repurchase agreements, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances and certificates of deposit. These securities provide the Portfolio with sufficient liquidity to meet redemptions and cover expenses.

 

 

Risk Terminology

 

 

 

Affiliated Fund Rebalancing Risk. The Portfolio may be an investment option for other mutual funds for which SunAmerica serves as investment adviser that are managed as “funds of funds.” From time to time, the Portfolio may experience relatively large redemptions or investments due to the rebalancing of a fund of funds. In the event of such redemptions or investments, the Portfolio could be required to sell securities or to invest cash at a time when it is not advantageous to do so.

Disciplined Strategy Risk. The Portfolio will not deviate from its strategy (except to the extent necessary to comply with federal tax laws or other applicable laws). If the Portfolio

is committed to a strategy that is unsuccessful, the Portfolio will not meet its investment goal. Because the Portfolio generally will not use certain techniques available to other mutual funds to reduce stock market exposure (e.g., derivatives), the Portfolio may be more susceptible to general market declines than other mutual funds.

Equity Securities Risk. This is the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of time. Although the stock market has historically outperformed other asset classes over the long term, the stock market tends to move in cycles. Individual stock prices fluctuate from day-to-day and may underperform other asset classes over an extended period of

 

 

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GLOSSARY

 

time. Individual companies may report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends and developments. The prices of securities issued by such companies may suffer a decline in response. These price movements may result from factors affecting individual companies, industries or the securities market as a whole.

Factor-Based Investing Risk. There can be no assurance that the multi-factor selection process employed by the subadviser will enhance performance. Exposure to investment style factors may detract from performance in some market environments, which may continue for prolonged periods.

Issuer Risk. The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons directly related to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.

Large-Cap Companies Risk. Large-cap companies tend to go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Large-cap companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange

for this potentially lower risk, the Portfolio’s value may not rise as much as the value of portfolios that emphasize smaller companies.

Market Risk. The Portfolio’s share price can fall because of weakness in the broad market, a particular industry, or specific holdings. The market as a whole can decline for many reasons, including adverse political or economic developments in the United States or abroad, changes in investor psychology, or heavy institutional selling. The prospects for an industry or company may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings or changes in the competitive environment. In addition, SunAmerica’s or the subadviser’s assessment of securities held in the Portfolio may prove incorrect, resulting in losses or poor performance even in a rising market. Finally, the Portfolio’s investment approach could fall out of favor with the investing public, resulting in lagging performance versus other comparable portfolios.

Securities Selection Risk. A strategy used by the Portfolio, or individual securities selected by SunAmerica or the subadviser, may fail to produce the intended return.

 

 

About the Index

 

 

 

Unlike mutual funds, the index does not incur expenses. If expenses were deducted, the actual returns of the index would be lower.

The Russell 1000® Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 92% of the total market capitalization of the Russell 3000® Index.

 

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

Information about the Investment Adviser and Manager

 

 

SunAmerica serves as investment adviser and manager for the Portfolio. SunAmerica selects the subadviser for the Portfolio, oversees the subadviser’s management of the Portfolio, provides various administrative services and supervises the daily business affairs of the Portfolio. SunAmerica is a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware, and managed, advised or administered assets in excess of $71 billion as of June 30, 2019. SunAmerica is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American General Life Insurance Company, and is located at Harborside 5, 185 Hudson Street, Suite 3300, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311.

SunAmerica has received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits SunAmerica, subject to certain conditions, to enter into agreements relating to the Trust with unaffiliated subadvisers approved by the Board without obtaining shareholder approval. The exemptive order also permits SunAmerica, subject to the approval of the Board but without shareholder approval, to employ new unaffiliated subadvisers for new or existing portfolios, change the terms of particular agreements with unaffiliated subadvisers or continue the employment of existing unaffiliated subadvisers after events that would otherwise cause an automatic termination of a subadvisory agreement. Shareholders will be notified of any subadviser changes. Affiliated subadvisers selected and approved by the Board are subject to shareholder approval.

Shareholders of the Portfolio have the right to terminate an agreement with a subadviser for the Portfolio at any time by a vote of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the investment advisory agreement for the Portfolio will be available in the Trust’s Annual Report to shareholders for the period ended January 31, 2020. In addition to serving as investment adviser and manager of the Trust, SunAmerica serves as adviser, manager and/or administrator for the series of each of Anchor Series Trust, SunAmerica Series Trust, SunAmerica Series, Inc., SunAmerica Equity Funds, SunAmerica Income Funds, SunAmerica Money Market Funds, Inc., SunAmerica Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc., SunAmerica Specialty Series, VALIC Company I and VALIC Company II.

Management Fee. As compensation for its services in managing the Portfolio, SunAmerica receives a monthly fee, before any advisory fee waivers, at an annual rate equal to the following percentage of average daily net assets:

Average Daily Net Assets

   Fee  

On first $100 million

     0.50%  

On next $150 million

     0.48%  

On next $250 million

     0.46%  

On next $250 million

     0.44%  

Over $750 million

     0.43%  

Waivers and Reimbursements. Pursuant to an Expense Limitation Agreement, SunAmerica has contractually agreed through April 30, 2021, to waive its fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Portfolio to the extent that the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 0.70% and 0.95% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Class 1 and Class 3 shares, respectively. For purposes of the Expense Limitation Agreement, “Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses” do not include extraordinary expenses (i.e., expenses unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence, such as litigation), or acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses relating to the purchase and sale of portfolio securities, interest, taxes and governmental fees, and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Trust’s business on behalf of the Portfolio. Any waivers and/or reimbursements made by SunAmerica with respect to the Portfolio are subject to recoupment from the Portfolio within two years after the occurrence of the waiver and/or reimbursement, provided that the recoupment does not cause the expense ratio of the applicable share class of the Portfolio to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time the waivers and/or reimbursements occurred, or (b) the current expense limitation of that share class. The agreement may be modified or discontinued prior to April 30, 2021, only with the approval of the Board of the Trust, including a majority of the trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).

Information about the Subadviser

 

 

The investment manager(s) and/or management team(s) that have primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio are set forth herein. Unless otherwise noted, a management team’s members share responsibility in making investment decisions on behalf of the Portfolio and no team member is limited in his/her role with respect to the management team.

SunAmerica compensates the subadviser out of the advisory fees that it receives from the Portfolio. SunAmerica may terminate any agreement with the subadviser without shareholder approval.

A discussion regarding the basis for the Board’s approval of the subadvisory agreement for the Portfolio will be available in the Trust’s Annual Report to shareholders for the period ended January 31, 2020.

 

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

The Statement of Additional Information provides information regarding the portfolio managers listed in this Prospectus, including other accounts they manage, their ownership interest in the Portfolio, and the structure and method used by the adviser/subadviser to determine their compensation.

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin”) is a California corporation with its principal offices at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403-1906. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. (referred to as Franklin Templeton Investments). Franklin managed approximately $715 billion in assets worldwide as of June 30, 2019.

The SA Franklin U.S. Equity Smart Beta Portfolio is managed by Dr. Chandra Seethamraju and Sundaram Chettiappan, CFA. Dr. Seethamraju is the Director of Quantitative Strategies at Franklin, where he has worked for six years. He also manages other funds and has 18 years of experience. Since joining Franklin in 2013, Dr. Chandra Seethamraju has worked as a director and portfolio manager.

Sundaram Chettiappan is a vice president and senior research analyst for Franklin Systematic, the quantitative hub of Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions. He is focused on factor based strategies in Quantitative Equities. Prior to joining Franklin Templeton Investments in 2018, Mr. Chettiappan worked at Balyasny Asset Management where he was a Senior Quantitative Researcher building deep fundamental sector based long short models within the Systematic Strategies

group. Prior to that, he spent 12 years at Mckinley Capital Management working on multi factor alpha modeling and portfolio construction for systematic strategies covering Global and Non US Equities including managing an Emerging Markets Equity portfolio systematically for seven years using Smart Beta factors. Mr. Chettiappan holds a Bachelor of Engineering Computer Sciences and Engineering degree from College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University and a master’s degree in Quantitative and Computational Finance from Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder.

Information about the Distributor

 

 

AIG Capital Services, Inc. (the “Distributor”) distributes the Portfolio’s shares and incurs the expenses of distributing the Portfolio’s shares under a Distribution Agreement with respect to the Portfolio, none of which are reimbursed by or paid for by the Portfolio. The Distributor is located at Harborside 5, 185 Hudson Street, Suite 3300, Jersey City, NJ 07311.

Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Paying Agent

 

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, Massachusetts, acts as Custodian of the Trust’s assets. VALIC Retirement Services Company (“VALIC”) is the Trust’s Transfer and Dividend Paying Agent and in so doing performs certain bookkeeping, data processing and administrative services.

 

 

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ACCOUNT INFORMATION

 

Shares of the Portfolio are not offered directly to the public. Instead, shares are currently issued and redeemed only in connection with investments in and payments under Variable Contracts offered by life insurance companies affiliated with SunAmerica, the Trust’s investment adviser and manager. All shares of the Trust are owned by “Separate Accounts” of the life insurance companies. If you would like to invest in the Portfolio, you must purchase a Variable Contract from one of the life insurance companies. The Trust offers three classes of shares: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 shares. This Prospectus offers only Class 1 and Class 3 shares. Certain classes of shares are offered only to existing contract owners and are not available to new investors. In addition, not all portfolios are available to all contract owners.

You should be aware that the Variable Contracts involve fees and expenses that are not described in this Prospectus, and that the contracts also may involve certain restrictions and limitations. You will find information about purchasing a Variable Contract and the Portfolio available to you in the prospectus that offers the Variable Contracts, which accompanies this Prospectus.

The Trust does not foresee a disadvantage to contract owners arising out of the fact that the Trust offers its shares for Variable Contracts through the various life insurance companies. Nevertheless, the Board intends to monitor events in order to identify any material irreconcilable conflicts that may possibly arise and to determine what action, if any, should be taken in response. If such a conflict were to occur, one or more insurance company separate accounts might withdraw their investments in the Trust. This might force the Trust to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices.

Service (12b-1) Plan

 

 

Class 3 shares of the Portfolio are subject to a Rule 12b-1 Plan that provides for service fees payable at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such class of shares. The service fees will be used to compensate the life insurance companies for costs associated with the servicing of Class 3 shares, including the cost of reimbursing the life insurance companies for expenditures made to financial intermediaries for providing service to contract holders who are the indirect beneficial owners of the Portfolio’s Class 3 shares. Because these fees are paid out of the Portfolio’s Class 3 assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. Class 1 shares of the Portfolio are not subject to service fees.

Payments in Connection with Distribution

 

 

Certain life insurance companies affiliated with SunAmerica receive revenue sharing payments from SunAmerica in

connection with certain administrative, marketing and other servicing activities, including payments to help offset costs for marketing activities and training to support sales of the Portfolio, as well as occasional gifts, entertainment or other compensation as incentives. Payments may be derived from 12b-1 (service) fees that are deducted directly from the assets of the Portfolio or from investment management fees received by the adviser.

Transaction Policies

 

 

Valuation of shares. The net asset value per share (“NAV”) for the Portfolio and each class is determined each business day at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) by dividing the net assets of each class by the number of such class’s outstanding shares. Because Class 3 shares are subject to service fees, while Class 1 shares are not, the NAV of the Class 3 shares will generally be lower than the NAV of the Class 1 shares of the Portfolio.

Securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at their market price as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE for the day, unless, in accordance with pricing procedures approved by the Trust’s Board, the market quotations are determined to be unreliable.

Securities and other assets for which market quotations are unavailable or unreliable are valued at fair value in accordance with pricing procedures periodically approved and revised by the Board. There is no single standard for making fair value determinations, which may result in the use of prices that vary from those used by other funds. In addition, there can be no assurance that fair value pricing will reflect actual market value, and it is possible that the fair value determined for a security may differ materially from the value that could be realized upon the sale of the security. Investments in registered investment companies that do not trade on an exchange are valued at the end of the day NAV per share. Investments in registered investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price or official closing price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded. The prospectus for any such open-end funds should explain the circumstances under which these funds use fair value pricing and the effect of using fair value pricing.

As of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, securities traded primarily on security exchanges outside the United States are valued at the last sale price on such exchanges on the day of valuation or if there is no sale on the day of valuation, at the last reported bid price. If a security’s price is available from more than one exchange, the Portfolio will use the exchange that is the primary market for the security. However, depending on the foreign market, closing prices

 

 

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ACCOUNT INFORMATION

 

may be up to 15 hours old when they are used to price the Portfolio’s shares, and the Portfolio may determine that certain closing prices do not reflect the fair value of the securities. This determination will be based on a review of a number of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. If the Portfolio determines that closing prices do not reflect the fair value of the securities, the Portfolio will adjust the previous closing prices in accordance with pricing procedures approved by the Board to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE.

The Portfolio may also fair value securities in other situations, for example, when a particular foreign market is closed but the Portfolio is open. For foreign equity securities and foreign equity index futures contracts, the Trust uses an outside pricing service to provide it with closing market prices and information used for adjusting those prices.

Because Class 3 shares are subject to service fees, while Class 1 shares are not, the NAV of the Class 3 shares will generally be lower than the NAV of the Class 1 shares of the Portfolio.

The Portfolio may invest to a large extent in securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Trust does not price its shares. As a result, the value of the Portfolio’s securities may change on days when the Trust is not open for purchases or redemptions.

Buy and sell prices. The Separate Accounts buy and sell shares of the Portfolio at NAV, without any sales or other charges. However, as discussed above, Class 3 shares are subject to service fees pursuant to a Rule 12b-1 plan.

Execution of requests. The Trust is open on those days when the NYSE is open for regular trading. Buy and sell requests are executed at the next NAV to be calculated after the request is accepted by the Trust. If the order is received and is in good order by the Trust, or the insurance company as its authorized agent, before the Trust’s close of business (generally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time), the order will receive that day’s closing price. If the order is received after that time, it will receive the next business day’s closing price.

Under the 1940 Act, the Portfolio may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days in the following unusual circumstances:

 

    during any period in which the NYSE is closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings or during any period in which trading on the NYSE is deemed to be restricted;
    during any period in which an emergency exists, as a result of which (i) it is not reasonably practicable for the Portfolio to dispose of securities owned by it or (ii) it is not reasonably practicable for the Portfolio to fairly determine the value of its net assets; or

 

    during such other periods as the SEC may by order permit to protect Portfolio shareholders.

The SEC will determine the conditions under which trading shall be deemed to be restricted and the conditions under which an emergency shall be deemed to exist.

Your redemption proceeds typically will be sent within three business days after your request is submitted, but in any event, within seven days. Under normal circumstances, the Trust expects to meet redemption requests by using cash or cash equivalents in the Portfolio or by selling portfolio assets to generate cash. During periods of stressed market conditions, the Portfolio may be more likely to limit cash redemptions and may determine to pay redemption proceeds by borrowing under a line of credit.

Frequent Purchases and Redemptions of Shares

 

 

The Portfolio, which is offered only through Variable Contracts, is intended for long-term investment and not as a frequent short-term trading (“market timing”) vehicle. Accordingly, organizations or individuals that use market timing investment strategies and make frequent transfers or redemptions should not acquire Variable Contracts that relate to shares of the Portfolio, including the SAI.

The Board has adopted policies and procedures with respect to market timing activity as discussed below.

The Trust believes that market timing activity is not in the best interest of the Portfolio’s performance or its participants. Market timing can disrupt the ability of SunAmerica or the subadviser to invest assets in an orderly, long-term manner, which may have an adverse impact on the performance of the Portfolio. In addition, market timing may increase the Portfolio’s expenses through increased brokerage, transaction and administrative costs; forced and unplanned portfolio turnover; and large asset swings that decrease the Portfolio’s ability to provide maximum investment return to all participants. This in turn can have an adverse effect on Portfolio performance.

Shares of the Portfolio are generally held through Separate Accounts. The ability of the Trust to monitor transfers made by the participants in Separate Accounts maintained by financial intermediaries is limited by the institutional nature of these omnibus accounts. The Board’s policy is that the

 

 

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ACCOUNT INFORMATION

 

Portfolio, including the SAI, must rely on the Separate Accounts to both monitor market timing within the Portfolio and attempt to prevent it through its own policies and procedures.

The Trust has entered into agreements with the Separate Accounts that require the Separate Accounts to provide certain information to help identify frequent trading activity and to prohibit further purchases or exchanges by a shareholder identified as having engaged in frequent trades. In situations in which the Trust becomes aware of possible market timing activity, it will notify the Separate Account in order to help facilitate the enforcement of such entity’s market timing policies and procedures.

There is no guarantee that the Trust will be able to detect market timing activity or the participants engaged in such activity, or, if it is detected, to prevent its recurrence. Whether or not the Trust detects it, if market timing activity occurs, you may be subject to the disruptions and increased expenses discussed above. The Trust reserves the right, in its sole discretion and without prior notice, to reject or refuse purchase orders received from insurance company Separate Accounts, whether directly or by transfer, including orders that have been accepted by a financial intermediary, that the Trust determines not to be in the best interest of the Portfolio. Such rejections or refusals will be applied uniformly without exception.

Any restrictions or limitations imposed by the Separate Accounts may differ from those imposed by the Trust. Please review your Variable Contract prospectus for more information regarding the insurance company’s market timing policies and procedures, including any restrictions or limitations that the Separate Accounts may impose with respect to trades made through a Variable Contract. Please refer to the documents pertaining to your Variable Contract prospectus on how to direct investments in or redemptions from (including making transfers into or out of) the Portfolio and any fees that may apply.

Payments in Connection with Distribution

 

 

Certain life insurance companies affiliated with SunAmerica receive revenue sharing payments from SunAmerica and certain subadviser in connection with certain administrative, marketing and other servicing activities, including payments to help offset costs for marketing activities and training to support sales of the Portfolio, as well as occasional gifts, entertainment or other compensation as incentives. Payments may be derived from 12b-1 (service) fees that are deducted directly from the assets of the Portfolio or from investment management fees received by SunAmerica or the subadviser.

Portfolio Holdings

 

 

The Trust’s policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the Portfolio’s securities are described in the Statement of Additional Information.

Dividend Policies and Taxes

 

 

Distributions. The Portfolio annually declares and distributes substantially all of its net investment income in the form of dividends. Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are paid annually for the Portfolio.

Distribution Reinvestments. The dividends and distributions, if any, will be reinvested automatically in additional shares of the Portfolio on which they were paid. The per share dividends on Class 3 shares will generally be lower than the per share dividends on Class 1 shares of the Portfolio as a result of the fact that Class 3 shares are subject to service fees, while Class 1 shares are not.

Taxability of the Portfolio. The Portfolio intends to qualify as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. As long as the Portfolio is qualified as a regulated investment company, it will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the earnings that it distributes to its shareholders.

If the Portfolio receives dividend income from U.S. sources, it will annually report certain amounts of their dividends paid as eligible for the dividends-received deduction. If the Portfolio incurs foreign taxes, it will elect to pass-through allowable foreign tax credits. These reports and elections will benefit the life insurance companies, in potentially material amounts, and will not beneficially or adversely affect you or the Portfolio. The benefits to the life insurance companies will not be passed to you or the Portfolio.

The Portfolio further intends to meet certain additional diversification and investor control requirements that apply to regulated investment companies that underlie Variable Contracts. If the Portfolio were to fail to qualify as a regulated investment company or were to fail to comply with the additional diversification or investor control requirements, Variable Contracts invested in the Portfolio may not be treated as annuity, endowment, or life insurance contracts for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and income and gains earned inside the Variable Contracts would be taxed currently to policyholders and would remain taxable in future years, even if the Portfolio were to become adequately diversified and otherwise compliant in the future.

 

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

Financial highlights are not available at this time because the Portfolio has not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus.

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

The following documents contain more information about the Portfolio’s investments and are available free of charge upon request:

 

   

Annual and Semi-annual Reports contain financial statements, performance data and information on portfolio holdings. The annual report also contains a written analysis of market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Portfolio’s performance for the most recently completed fiscal year.

 

   

Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) contains additional information about the Portfolio’s policies, investment restrictions and business structure. This Prospectus incorporates the SAI by reference.

The Trust’s Prospectus(es), SAIs and semi-annual and annual reports are available at www.aig.com/getprospectus or online through the internet websites of the life insurance companies offering the Portfolio as an investment option. You may obtain copies of these documents or ask questions about the Portfolio at no charge by calling (800) 445-7862 or by writing the Trust at P.O. Box 15570, Amarillo, Texas 79105-5570.

Reports and other information (including the SAI) about the Portfolio are available on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov and copies of this information may be obtained upon payment of a duplicating fee by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov.

You should rely only on the information contained in this Prospectus. No one is authorized to provide you with any different information.

The Trust’s Investment Company Act

File No: 811-7238

 

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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SUNAMERICA SERIES TRUST

October 7, 2019

SunAmerica Series Trust (the “Trust”), a Massachusetts business trust, is a registered open-end management investment company currently consisting of 60 portfolios. This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) relates to the following portfolio:

SA Franklin U.S. Equity Smart Beta Portfolio

This SAI is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus (Class 1 and Class 3) of the Trust, dated October 7, 2019. This SAI expands upon and supplements the information contained in the current Prospectus of the Trust. This SAI incorporates the Prospectus by reference. You may request a copy of the Prospectus at no charge by calling (800) 445-7862 or writing the Trust at the address below. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined have the meanings assigned to them in the Prospectus.

P.O. BOX 15570

AMARILLO, TEXAS 79105-5570

(800) 445-7862


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

THE TRUST

     3  

INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

     4  

SUPPLEMENTAL GLOSSARY

     4  

INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     10  

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

     13  

TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP OF PORTFOLIO SHARES

     18  

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

     19  

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

     20  

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

     21  

PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADING

     23  

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

     24  

RULE 12b-1 PLANS

     24  

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

     24  

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

     28  

SHARES OF THE TRUST

     28  

PRICE OF SHARES

     31  

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

     32  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     35  

GENERAL INFORMATION

     36  

APPENDIX

     42  

 

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THE TRUST

The Trust, organized as a Massachusetts business trust on September 11, 1992, is an open-end management investment company. A Massachusetts business trust is a voluntary association with transferrable shares that is established under and governed by its declaration of trust. The Trust is composed of 60 separate portfolios, including the SA Franklin U.S. Equity Smart Beta Portfolio (the “Portfolio”) described herein. The Trust’s other portfolios are discussed in separate statements of additional information. Shares of the Trust are issued and redeemed only in connection with investments in and payments under variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies (“Variable Contracts”).

Shares of the Trust are held by separate accounts of American General Life Insurance Company, a Texas life insurer (“AGL”), The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, a New York life insurer (“USL”), and The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, a Texas life insurer (“VALIC”) (the “Separate Accounts”). AGL, USL and VALIC (the “Life Companies”) are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”), a Delaware corporation.

The Trust commenced operations on February 9, 1993. The Board of Trustees (the “Board” or the “Board of Trustees,” and the members of which are referred to as “Trustees”) approved the addition of the Portfolio on June 12, 2019, which has not yet commenced operations as of the date of this SAI.

SunAmerica Asset Management, LLC (“SunAmerica” or the “Adviser”) serves as investment adviser and manager for the Trust. As described in the Prospectus, SunAmerica retains Franklin Advisers, Inc. (“Franklin” or the “Subadviser”) to act as Subadviser to the Portfolio pursuant to a subadvisory agreement with SunAmerica (the “Subadvisory Agreement”).

Each class of the Portfolio’s shares is offered only in connection with certain Variable Contracts. Class 3 shares of the Portfolio are identical in all respects to Class 1 shares of the Portfolio, except that (i) each class may bear differing amounts of certain class-specific expenses; (ii) Class 3 shares are subject to service and distribution fees, while Class 1 shares of the Portfolio are subject only to distribution fees; (iii) Class 3 shares have voting rights on matters that pertain to the Rule 12b-1 plan adopted with respect to Class 3 shares; and (iv) Class 1 shares of the Portfolio have voting rights on matters that pertain to the Rule 12b-1 plan adopted with respect to Class 1 shares. The Board may establish additional portfolios or classes in the future.

 

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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

The investment goal and principal investment strategy for the Portfolio, along with certain types of investments the Portfolio makes under normal market conditions and for efficient portfolio management, are described under “Portfolio Summary” and “Additional Information About the Portfolio’s Investment Strategies and Investment Risks” in the Prospectus.

The following information supplements the information contained in the Prospectus and also provides information concerning investments the Portfolio may make on a periodic basis, which include infrequent investments or investments in which the Portfolio reserves the right to invest. We have also included a supplemental glossary to detail additional investments the Portfolio reserves the right to make as well as to define investment and risk terminology that do not otherwise appear in the Prospectus under the section entitled “Glossary.” Unless otherwise indicated, investment restrictions, including percentage limitations, are based on the net assets of the Portfolio and, except for the Portfolio’s borrowing policy, apply at the time of purchase.

We will notify shareholders at least 60 days prior to any change to the Portfolio’s investment goal or 80% investment policy. “Net assets” will take into account borrowing for investment purposes.

SUPPLEMENTAL GLOSSARY

Borrowing. The Portfolio is authorized to borrow money to the extent permitted by applicable law. The 1940 Act permits the Portfolio to borrow up to 3313% of its total assets from banks. In seeking to enhance performance, the Portfolio may borrow for investment purposes and may pledge assets to secure such borrowings.

In the event that asset coverage for the Portfolio’s borrowings falls below 300%, the Portfolio will reduce within three days the amount of its borrowings in order to provide for 300% asset coverage.

To the extent the Portfolio borrows for investment purposes, borrowing creates leverage which is a speculative characteristic. Although the Portfolio is authorized to borrow, it will do so only when the Adviser or the Subadviser believes that borrowing will benefit the Portfolio after taking into account considerations such as the costs of borrowing and the likely investment returns on securities purchased with borrowed monies. Borrowing by the Portfolio will create the opportunity for increased net income but, at the same time, will involve special risk considerations. Leveraging results from borrowing and will magnify declines as well as increases in the Portfolio’s net asset value per share (“NAV”) and net yield. The Portfolio expects that all of its borrowing will be made on a secured basis. The Portfolio will segregate cash or other liquid assets securing the borrowing for the benefit of the lenders. If assets used to secure a borrowing decrease in value, the Portfolio may be required to pledge additional collateral to the lender in the form of cash or securities to avoid liquidation of those assets.

Cyber Security Risk. As the use of the Internet and other technologies has become more prevalent in the course of business, the Portfolio has become more susceptible to operational and financial risks associated with cyber security. Cyber security incidents can result from deliberate attacks such as 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, or from unintentional events, such as the inadvertent release of confidential information. Cyber security failures or breaches of the Portfolio or its service providers, financial intermediaries, or the issuers of securities in which the Portfolio invests have the ability to cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, the inability of Portfolio shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs. While measures have been developed that are designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security, there is no guarantee that those measures will be effective, particularly since the Portfolio does not directly control the cyber security defenses or plans of its service providers, financial intermediaries and companies in which it invests or with which it does business.

 

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Illiquid Investments. No more than 15% of the Portfolio’s net assets may be invested in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Portfolio reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. If illiquid investments exceed 15% of the Portfolio’s net assets, the Liquidity Rule (as defined below) and the Liquidity Program (as defined below) require that certain remedial actions be taken. Investment of the Portfolio’s assets in illiquid investments may restrict the ability of the Portfolio to dispose of its investments in a timely fashion and for a fair price as well as its ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The risks associated with illiquidity will be particularly acute where the Portfolio’s operations require cash, such as when the Portfolio redeems shares or pays dividends, and could result in the Portfolio borrowing to meet short-term cash requirements or incurring capital losses on the sale of illiquid investments.

Interfund Borrowing and Lending Program. The Trust has received exemptive relief from the SEC that permits the Portfolio to participate in an interfund lending program among investment companies advised by SunAmerica or an affiliate. The interfund lending program allows the participating portfolios to borrow money from and loan money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The program is subject to a number of conditions designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of participating portfolios, including the requirement that no portfolio may borrow from the program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than would be available to any of the participating portfolios from a typical bank for a comparable transaction. In addition, the Portfolio may participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation is consistent with the Portfolio’s investment objective and policies (for instance, money market funds would normally participate only as lenders). Interfund loans and borrowings may extend overnight but could have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one business day’s notice. The Portfolio may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending portfolio could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional costs. The program is subject to the oversight and periodic review of the Board of the participating portfolios. To the extent the Portfolio is actually engaged in borrowing through the interfund lending program, the Portfolio will comply with its investment policy on borrowing.

IPO Investing. The Portfolio’s purchase of shares issued as part of, or a short period after, a company’s initial public offering (“IPOs”) exposes it to the risks associated with companies that have little operating history as public companies, as well as to the risks inherent in those sectors of the market where these new issuers operate. The market for IPO issuers may be volatile, and share prices of newly public companies have fluctuated in significant amounts over short periods of time. 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 often have a diminished effect on the Portfolio’s performance. Companies offering stock in IPOs generally have limited operating histories and purchase of their securities may involve greater investment risk.

Liquidity Risk Management. In October 2016, the SEC adopted Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act (the “Liquidity Rule”), which requires open-end funds, such as the Portfolio, to establish a liquidity risk management program and enhance disclosures regarding fund liquidity. As required by the Liquidity Rule, the Portfolio has implemented its liquidity risk management program (the “Liquidity Program”), and the Board has appointed SunAmerica as the liquidity risk program administrator of the Liquidity Program. Under the Liquidity Program, SunAmerica assesses, manages, and periodically reviews the Portfolio’s liquidity risk and classifies each investment held by the Portfolio as a “highly liquid investment,” “moderately liquid investment,” “less liquid investment” or “illiquid investment.” The Liquidity Rule defines “liquidity risk” as the risk that the Portfolio could not meet requests to redeem shares issued by the Portfolio without significant dilution of the remaining investors’ interests in the Portfolio. The liquidity of the Portfolio’s portfolio investments is determined based on relevant market, trading and investment-specific considerations under the Liquidity Program. To the extent that an investment is deemed to be an illiquid investment or a less liquid investment, the Portfolio can expect to be exposed to greater liquidity risk.

Other Investment Companies. The Portfolio may invest in securities of other investment companies (including exchange traded funds (“ETFs”)) subject to statutory limitations prescribed by the 1940 Act. ETFs are a widely used type of other investment company. These limitations include a prohibition on the Portfolio acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any other investment company, and a prohibition on investing more than 5% of the Portfolio’s total assets in securities of any one investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of all investment companies. The Portfolio is subject to the above investment restrictions unless the Portfolio has received an order for exemptive relief from the SEC that is applicable to the Portfolio, and the Portfolio takes appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. The SEC has issued an exemptive order to the Trust,

 

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which permits the Portfolio to invest in ETFs and other investment companies beyond the limitations in the 1940 Act, subject to certain terms and conditions. In addition, certain ETFs also have similar exemptive orders. The Portfolio will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies.

Recent Market Events. In the past decade, the U.S. and global financial markets have experienced depressed valuations, decreased liquidity, unprecedented volatility and heighted uncertainty. These conditions may continue, recur, worsen or spread. Those events that have contributed to these market conditions include, but are not limited to, geopolitical events (including terrorism and war); natural disasters; measures to address budget deficits; changes in oil and commodity prices; and public sentiment. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, have taken steps to support financial markets, including by keeping interest rates at historically low levels. More recently, the Federal Reserve has terminated certain of its market support activities. Further reduction or withdrawal of Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank support, including interest rate increases, could negatively affect financial markets generally, increase market volatility and reduce the value and liquidity of securities in which the Portfolio invests. The current market environment could make identifying investment risks and opportunities especially difficult for SunAmerica. In addition, policy and legislative changes in the United States and in other countries are changing 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.

A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Responses to the financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not work, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or have other unintended consequences. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and others of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world.

On March 29, 2017, the United Kingdom (the “UK”) notified the European Council, in accordance with Article 50(2) of the Treaty on European Union (“Article 50”), of the UK’s intention to withdraw from the European Union (“Brexit”). In issuing the notice, the UK has begun the two year process set out in Article 50 for the UK and the European Union to negotiate the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, taking into account the framework for the UK’s future relationship with the European Union. In accordance with Article 50, the UK was scheduled to cease membership in the European Union on March 30, 2019. However, pursuant to an agreement between the UK and the European Union, this date has been extended to October 31, 2019. This historic event is widely expected to have consequences that are both profound and uncertain for the economic and political future of the UK and the European Union, and those consequences include significant legal and business uncertainties pertaining to an investment in the Portfolio. Due to the very recent occurrence of these events, the full scope and nature of the consequences are not at this time known and are unlikely to be known for a significant period of time. At the same time, it is reasonable to assume that the significant uncertainty in the business, legal and political environment engendered by these events has resulted in immediate and longer term risks that would not have been applicable had the UK not sought to withdraw from the European Union.

Depreciation of the British pound sterling and/or the Euro in relation to the U.S. dollar in anticipation of Brexit would adversely affect Portfolio investments denominated in British pound sterling and/or the Euro that are not fully and effectively hedged, regardless of the performance of the investment.

If the UK leaves the European Union without agreements on trade, finance and other key elements, often called a hard Brexit, the UK would have to trade with the European Union under World Trade Organization rules, under which there would be customs and regulatory checks, and tariffs imposed on goods that the UK exports to the

 

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European Union. In addition, there would be no 21-month post-Brexit transition period. A hard Brexit would mean the UK would leave Europe’s single market and customs union, which could hurt global financial stability.

Other countries may seek to withdraw from the European Union and/or abandon the euro, the common currency of the European Union. A number of countries in Europe have suffered terror attacks, and additional attacks may occur in the future. The Ukraine has experienced ongoing military conflict; this conflict may expand and military attacks could occur elsewhere in Europe. Europe has also been struggling with mass migration from the Middle East and Africa. The ultimate effects of these events and other socio-political or geographical issues are not known but could profoundly affect global economies and markets. Whether or not the Portfolio invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Portfolio’s investments.

Restricted Securities. Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), are referred to as “private placements” or “restricted securities” and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of these restricted securities because of the potential for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose of restricted securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in additional expense and delay. There will generally be a lapse of time between a mutual fund’s decision to sell an unregistered security and the registration of such security promoting the sale. Adverse market conditions could impede a public offering of such securities. When purchasing unregistered securities, the Portfolio will generally seek to obtain the right of registration at the expense of the issuer (except in the case of Rule 144A securities, discussed below).

A large institutional market has developed for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on an issuer’s ability to honor a demand for repayment. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such investments.

Commercial paper issues in which the Portfolio’s net assets may be invested include securities issued by major corporations without registration under the Securities Act in reliance on the exemption from such registration afforded by Section 3(a)(3) thereof, and commercial paper issued in reliance on the so-called private placement exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act (“Section 4(a)(2) paper”). Section 4(a)(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws in that any resale must similarly be made in an exempt transaction. Section 4(a)(2) paper is normally resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of investment dealers who make a market in Section 4(a)(2) paper, thus providing liquidity. Section 4(a)(2) paper issued by a company that files reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is generally eligible to be sold in reliance on the safe harbor of Rule 144A described above.

Securities Lending. Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, the Portfolio may lend portfolio securities in amounts up to 3313% of total assets to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions, provided that such loans are callable at any time by the Portfolio and are at all times secured by cash, U.S. government securities or certain bank letters of credit. In lending its portfolio securities, the Portfolio receives income while retaining the securities’ potential for capital appreciation. The advantage of such loans is that the Portfolio continues to receive the interest and dividends on the loaned securities while at the same time earning interest on the collateral, which, in the case of cash collateral, will be invested in short-term highly liquid obligations. The market value of loaned securities is monitored daily and the borrower is required to deposit additional collateral whenever the market value of the

 

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loaned securities rises or the value of the non-cash collateral declines. A borrower is not required to deposit additional collateral if a loan becomes under-collateralized as a result of declines in the market value of securities in which the cash collateral is invested. A loan may be terminated by the borrower on one business day’s notice or by the Portfolio at any time. As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, these loans of portfolio securities will be made only to firms deemed by the Adviser to be creditworthy. On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Portfolio, and any gain or loss in the market price of the loaned security during the loan would inure to the Portfolio. The Portfolio may also suffer losses if the value of the securities in which cash collateral is invested declines. In addition to the fees paid to the lending agent, the Portfolio may pay reasonable finders’, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities.

Since voting or consent rights that accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Portfolio will follow the policy of calling the loan, in whole or in part as may be appropriate, to permit the exercise of such rights if the Adviser determines that the matters involved would have a material effect on the Portfolio’s investment in the securities that are the subject of the loan and that it is feasible to recall the loan on a timely basis.

The Portfolio may lend securities; however, at the present time the Portfolio does not engage in securities lending.

Short-Term Investments. Short-term investments, including both U.S. and non-U.S. dollar denominated money market instruments, are invested in for reasons that may include (a) liquidity purposes (to meet redemptions and expenses); (b) to generate a return on idle cash held by the Portfolio during periods when the Adviser or Subadviser is unable to locate favorable investment opportunities; or (c) temporary defensive purposes. The Portfolio may invest in short-term investments. Common short-term investments include, but are not limited to:

Money Market Securities. Money market securities may include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, repurchase agreements, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances, time deposits and certificates of deposit.

Commercial Bank Obligations. Commercial bank obligations are certificates of deposit (“CDs”) (interest-bearing time deposits issued by domestic banks, foreign branches of domestic banks, U.S. branches of foreign banks and non-U.S. branches of foreign banks), bankers’ acceptances (time drafts drawn on a commercial bank where the bank accepts an irrevocable obligation to pay at maturity) and documented discount notes (corporate promissory discount notes accompanied by a commercial bank guarantee to pay at maturity) representing direct or contingent obligations of commercial banks. CDs are securities that represent deposits in a depository institution for a specified rate of interest and normally are negotiable. CDs issued by a foreign branch (usually London) of a U.S. domestic bank or by a non-U.S. branch of a foreign bank are known as Eurodollar CDs. Although certain risks may be associated with Eurodollar CDs that are not associated with CDs issued in the U.S. by domestic banks, the credit risks of these obligations are similar because banks generally are liable for the obligations of their branches. CDs issued through U.S. branches of foreign banks are known as Yankee CDs. These branches are subject to federal or state banking regulations. The secondary markets for Eurodollar and Yankee CDs may be less liquid than the market for CDs issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks.

Savings Association Obligations are CDs issued by mutual savings banks or savings and loan associations for a definite period of time and earning a specified return.

Commercial Paper. Short-term notes (up to 12 months) issued by domestic and foreign corporations or governmental bodies, including variable amount master demand notes and floating rate or variable rate notes.

Extendible Commercial Notes (“ECNs”). ECNs are very similar to commercial paper except that with ECNs the issuer has the option to extend maturity to 390 days. ECNs are issued at a discount rate with an initial redemption of not more than 90 days from the date of issue. The issuer of an ECN has the option to extend maturity to 390 days. If ECNs are not redeemed by the issuer on the initial redemption date the issuer will pay a premium (step-up) rate based on the ECNs’ credit rating at the time.

Variable Amount Master Demand Notes. Variable amount master demand notes permit the Portfolio to invest varying amounts at fluctuating rates of interest pursuant to the agreement in the master note. These are direct lending obligations between the lender and borrower, they are generally not traded, and there is no secondary market for

 

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such obligations. Such instruments are payable with accrued interest in whole or in part on demand. The amounts of the instruments are subject to daily fluctuations as the participants increase or decrease the extent of their participation. In connection with variable amount master demand note arrangements, the Adviser or the Subadviser, subject to the direction of the Trustees, monitors on an ongoing basis the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the borrower, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand. The Adviser or A Subadviser also considers the extent to which the variable amount master demand notes are backed by bank letters of credit. These notes generally are not rated by Moody’s Investor Service or S&P Global (Ratings) and the Portfolio may invest in them only if it is determined that at the time of investment the notes are of comparable quality to the other commercial paper in which the Portfolio may invest. Master demand notes are considered to have a maturity equal to the repayment notice period unless the Adviser/Subadviser has reason to believe that the borrower could not make timely repayment upon demand.

Corporate Bonds and Notes. The Portfolio may purchase corporate obligations that mature or that may be redeemed in 397 days or less. These obligations originally may have been issued with maturities in excess of such period.

U.S. Government Securities. Debt securities maturing generally within 12 months of the date of purchase and include adjustable-rate mortgage securities backed by Government National Mortgage Association, Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other non-agency issuers. Although certain floating or variable rate obligations (securities whose coupon rate changes at least annually and generally more frequently) have maturities in excess of one year, they are also considered short-term debt securities.

Repurchase Agreements. The Portfolio will enter into repurchase agreements involving only securities in which it could otherwise invest, and with selected banks and securities dealers whose financial condition is monitored by the Adviser or the Subadviser, subject to the guidance of the Board. In such agreements, the seller agrees to repurchase the security at a mutually agreed-upon time and price. The period of maturity is usually quite short, either overnight or a few days, although it may extend over a number of months. The repurchase price is in excess of the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon rate of return effective for the period of time the Portfolio’s money is invested in the security. Whenever the Portfolio enters into a repurchase agreement, it obtains appropriate collateral. The instruments held as collateral are valued daily and if the value of the instruments declines, the Portfolio will require additional collateral. If the seller under the repurchase agreement defaults, the Portfolio may incur a loss if the value of the collateral securing the repurchase agreement has declined, and may incur disposition costs in connection with liquidating the collateral. In addition, if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Portfolio may be delayed or limited.

 

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INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

The Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio, has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions which cannot be changed without approval by a majority of its outstanding voting securities. A majority of the outstanding voting securities is defined as the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio. A change in policy affecting only the Portfolio may be effected with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Portfolio.

All percentage limitations expressed in the following investment restrictions are measured at the time of purchase, except with respect to the Portfolio’s borrowing policy.

Fundamental Investment Restrictions Applicable to the Portfolio

The Portfolio may not:

 

1.

Borrow money except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

 

2.

Engage in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

 

3.

Lend money or other assets except to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

 

4.

Issue senior securities except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

 

5.

Purchase or sell real estate except as permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

 

6.

Purchase or sell commodities or contracts related to commodities except to the extent permitted by (i) the 1940 Act or interpretations or modifications by the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, or (ii) exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority.

 

7.

Except as permitted by exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC staff or other authority with appropriate jurisdiction, make any investment if, as a result, the Portfolio’s investments will be concentrated in any one industry.

The Portfolio’s fundamental investment restrictions will be interpreted broadly. For example, the restrictions will be interpreted to refer to the 1940 Act and the related rules as they are in effect from time to time, and to interpretations and modifications of or relating to the 1940 Act by the SEC and others as they are given from time to time. When a policy provides that an investment practice may be conducted as permitted by the 1940 Act, the policy will be interpreted to mean either that the 1940 Act expressly permits the practice or that the 1940 Act does not prohibit the practice.

The following descriptions of the 1940 Act may assist investors in understanding the above restrictions.

With respect to fundamental investment restriction number 1 above, the 1940 Act permits the Portfolio to borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Portfolio’s total assets from banks for any purpose, and to borrow up to an additional 5% of the Portfolio’s total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. (The Portfolio’s total assets include the amounts being borrowed.) To limit the risks attendant to borrowing, the 1940 Act requires the Portfolio to maintain an “asset coverage” of at least 300% of the amount of its borrowings (other than the 5% temporary borrowings); provided that in the event that the Portfolio’s asset coverage falls below 300%, the Portfolio is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings so that it meets the 300% asset coverage threshold within three

 

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days (not including Sundays and holidays). Asset coverage means the ratio that the value of the Portfolio’s total assets (including amounts borrowed), minus liabilities other than borrowings, bears to the aggregate amount of all borrowings. Certain trading practices and investments may be considered to be borrowings and thus subject to the 1940 Act restrictions. The investment restriction will be interpreted to permit the Portfolio to engage in trading practices and investments that may be considered to be borrowings to the extent consistent with the 1940 Act. Short-term credits necessary for the settlement of securities transactions and arrangements with respect to securities lending are not considered to be borrowings under the restriction. Practices and investments that may involve leverage but are not considered to be borrowings are not subject to the restriction.

With respect to fundamental investment restriction number 2 above, the 1940 Act permits the Portfolio to engage in the underwriting business or underwrite the securities of other issuers within certain limits. The Portfolio engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act. Under the 1933 Act, an underwriter may be liable for material omissions or misstatements in an issuer’s registration statement or prospectus. Securities purchased from an issuer and not registered for sale under the 1933 Act are considered restricted securities. There may be a limited market for these securities. If these securities are registered under the 1933 Act, they may then be eligible for sale but participating in the sale may subject the seller to underwriter liability. These risks could apply to the Portfolio if it invests in restricted securities. Although it is not believed that the application of the 1933 Act provisions described above would cause the Portfolio to be engaged in the business of underwriting, investment restriction number 2 above will be interpreted not to prevent the Portfolio from engaging in transactions involving the acquisition or disposition of portfolio securities, regardless of whether the Portfolio may be considered to be an underwriter under the 1933 Act.

With respect to fundamental investment restriction number 3 above, the 1940 Act permits the Portfolio to make loans within certain limits. The fundamental investment restriction permits the Portfolio to engage in securities lending, enter into repurchase agreements, acquire debt and other securities (to the extent deemed lending) and allows the Portfolio to lend money and other assets, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by the 1940 Act. SEC staff interpretations currently prohibit funds from lending portfolio securities of more than one-third of its total assets. Currently, the Portfolio does not, and does not expect to, engage in the lending of securities. If in the future, the Portfolio wished to lend securities, it would be permitted to do so only after it receives Board approval. The fundamental investment restriction will be interpreted not to prevent the Portfolio from purchasing or investing in debt obligations and loans. In addition, collateral arrangements with respect to options, forward currency and futures transactions and other derivative instruments, as well as delays in the settlement of securities transactions, will not be considered loans under the restriction.

With respect to fundamental investment restriction number 4, the 1940 Act prohibits the Portfolio from issuing “senior securities,” which are defined as Portfolio obligations that have a priority over the Portfolio’s shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of Portfolio assets, except that the Portfolio may borrow money in amounts of up to one-third of the Portfolio’s total assets from banks for any purpose. The Portfolio also may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes, and these borrowings are not considered senior securities. The issuance of senior securities by the Portfolio can increase the speculative character of the Portfolio’s outstanding shares through leveraging. Leveraging of the Portfolio through

the issuance of senior securities magnifies the potential for gain or loss on monies, because even though the Portfolio’s net assets remain the same, the total risk to investors is increased to the extent of the Portfolio’s gross assets. The fundamental investment restriction will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.

With respect to fundamental investment restriction number 5, the 1940 Act does not prohibit the Portfolio from owning real estate; however, the Portfolio is limited in the amount of illiquid investments it may purchase (real estate is generally considered illiquid). Investing in real estate may involve risks, including that real estate is generally considered illiquid and may be difficult to value and sell. Owners of real estate may be subject to various liabilities, including environmental liabilities. To the extent that investments in real estate are considered illiquid, the Liquidity Rule limits the Portfolio’s acquisition of any illiquid investment, if immediately after the acquisition, the Portfolio would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. The restriction will be interpreted to permit the Portfolio to invest in real estate-related companies, companies whose businesses consist in whole or in part of investing in real estate, instruments (like mortgages) that are secured by real estate or interests therein, or real estate investment trust securities.

 

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With respect to fundamental investment restriction number 6, the 1940 Act does not prohibit the Portfolio from owning commodities, whether physical commodities or contracts related to physical commodities (such as oil or grains and related futures contracts), or financial commodities and contracts related to financial commodities (such as currencies). However, the Portfolio is limited in the amount of illiquid investments it may purchase. To the extent that investments in commodities are considered illiquid, the Liquidity Rule limits the Portfolio’s acquisition of any illiquid investment, if immediately after the acquisition, the Portfolio would have invested more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments that are assets. If the Portfolio were to invest in a physical commodity or a physical commodity-related instrument, the Portfolio would be subject to the additional risks of the particular physical commodity and its related market. The value of commodities and commodity-related instruments may be extremely volatile and may be affected either directly or indirectly by a variety of factors. There also may be storage charges and risks of loss associated with physical commodities. The restriction will be interpreted to permit investments in other investment companies that invest in physical and/or financial commodities.

With respect to fundamental investment restriction number 7, the 1940 Act does not define what constitutes “concentration” in an industry. The SEC staff has taken the position that investment of 25% or more of a fund’s total assets in one or more issuers conducting its principal activities in the same industry or group of industries constitutes concentration. It is possible that interpretations of concentration could change in the future. A fund that invests a significant percentage of its total assets in a single industry may be particularly susceptible to adverse events affecting that industry and may be more risky than a fund that does not concentrate in an industry. The fundamental investment restriction will be interpreted to refer to concentration as it may be determined from time to time. The fundamental investment restriction also will be interpreted to permit investment without limit in the following: securities of the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities; securities of state, territory, possession or municipal governments and its authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions (other than private activity municipal debt securities whose principal and interest payments are derived principally from the revenues and the assets of a non-governmental user); and repurchase agreements collateralized by any of such obligations. Accordingly, issuers of the foregoing securities will not be considered to be members of any industry. Finally, the restriction will be interpreted to give broad authority to the Portfolio as to how to classify issuers within or among industries.

Diversification

The Portfolio is currently classified as a diversified fund under the 1940 Act. This means that the Portfolio may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities) if, with respect to 75% of its total assets, (a) more than 5% of the Portfolio’s total assets would be invested in securities of that issuer or (b) the Portfolio would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer. With respect to the remaining 25% of its total assets, the Portfolio can invest more than 5% of its assets in one issuer. Under the 1940 Act, the Portfolio cannot change its classification from diversified to non-diversified without shareholder approval.

 

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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST

The following table lists the Trustees and officers of the Trust, their ages, current position(s) held with the Trust, length of time served, principal occupations during the past five years, number of funds overseen within the Fund Complex (as defined below) and other directorships/trusteeships held outside of the Fund Complex. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each executive officer and Trustee is 21650 Oxnard Street, 10th Floor, Woodland Hills, California 91367. As mentioned above, Trustees who are not deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act are referred to as “Independent Trustees.” Trustees who are deemed to be “interested persons” of the Trust are referred to as “Interested Trustees.” Trustees and officers of the Trust are also directors or trustees and officers of some or all of the other investment companies managed, administered or advised by SunAmerica and distributed by AIG Capital Services, Inc. (“ACS” or the “Distributor”) and other affiliates of SunAmerica.

Trustees

 

Name and Age

  

Position(s)

Held With

Trust

  

Term of

Office

and Length

of

Time
Served1

  

Principal

Occupation(s)

        During Past 5 Years        

  

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen By

Trustee2,3

  

Other Directorship(s)

              Held By

Trustee4

Independent Trustees            

Garrett F. Bouton

Age: 74

   Trustee    2007 – Present    Retired (2003-Present); Managing Director and CEO, Barclays Global Investors (1996-2003).    79    Chairman/Director, The LEGG Company (consulting services) (2006-2010).

Carl D. Covitz

Age: 80

   Trustee    2001 – Present    Owner and President, Landmark Capital, Inc. (1973-Present).    79    Director, Arden Realty Inc. (real estate) (1995-2006).

Jane Jelenko

Age: 70

   Trustee    2006 – Present    Retired Partner of KPMG LLP and Managing Director of BearingPoint, Inc. (formerly, KPMG Consulting) (2003-Present).    79    Director, Countrywide Bank (banking) (2003-2008); and Director, Cathay General Bancorp and Cathay Bank (banking) (2012-Present).

 

Gilbert T. Ray

Age: 74

   Trustee    2001 – Present    Retired Partner, O’Melveny & Myers LLP (law firm) (2000-Present).    79    Director, Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (retail-auto & home supply stores) (2002-2016); Director, Watson, Wyatt Worldwide (services– management consulting services) (2000-2018); Director, DineEquity (services–restaurant) (2004-Present); Director, Diamond Rock Hospitality (financial– real estate) (2005-Present); Director, Towers Watson & Co. (services–management consulting services) (2010-2016).

Allan L. Sher

Age: 87

   Trustee    1997 – Present    Retired, Brokerage Executive (1992-Present).    79    Director, Bowl America Incorporated (1997-Present).

 

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Bruce G. Willison

Age: 70

   Trustee and Chairman    2001 – Present    Professor of Management, Anderson School at UCLA (1999-2011); Dean, Anderson School at UCLA (1999-2005); co-founder, Grandpoint Capital, Inc. (2009-2010).    79    Director, Grandpoint Capital, Inc. (banking) (2011-Present); Director, Indy Mac Bancorp (banking) (2003-2008); Director, Move, Inc. (internet real estate site) (2003-Present); Director, Health Net, Inc. (health insurance plan) (2000-2016).

 

Interested Trustee            

Sharon French5

Age: 54

   Trustee    2019 – Present    President and CEO of SunAmerica (since 2019); Vice President of AIG (since 2019); Executive Vice President and Head of Beta Solutions, OppenheimerFunds (2016-2019); President, F-Squared Capital, LLC (financial services) (2013-2015).    79    None.

 

1

Trustees serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

2

The term “Fund Complex” means two or more registered investment companies that hold themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment services or have a common investment adviser or an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of SunAmerica. The “Fund Complex” includes the SunAmerica Income Funds (3 funds); SunAmerica Money Market Funds, Inc. (1 fund); SunAmerica Equity Funds (2 funds); SunAmerica Series, Inc. (“SunAmerica Series”) (6 funds); SunAmerica Specialty Series (“Specialty Series”) (6 funds); Anchor Series Trust (5 portfolios); SunAmerica Senior Floating Rate Fund, Inc. (1 fund); VALIC Co. I (34 funds); VALIC Co. II (15 funds); the Trust (“SAST”) (60 portfolios); and Seasons Series Trust (“SST”) (19 portfolios).

3

Number includes the Trust (60 portfolios) and SST (19 portfolios).

4

Directorships of companies required for reporting to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i.e., “public companies”) or other investment companies regulated under the 1940 Act other than those listed under the preceding column.

5

Effective October 3, 2019, Sharon French was appointed as an Interested Trustee to the Trust’s Board. Ms. French is considered to be an Interested Trustee based on her positions with AIG and its affiliates.

Officers

 

    

Position(s)

                    Held  with

  

Length

of Time Served

  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

Name and Age

  

Trust

  

 

  

 

John T. Genoy

Age: 50

   President    2007 – Present    Chief Financial Officer and Director, SunAmerica (2002-Present); Senior Vice President, SunAmerica (2003-Present); Chief Operating Officer, SunAmerica (2006-Present).

Gregory R. Kingston

Age: 53

   Treasurer    2014 – Present    Senior Vice President, SunAmerica (2014-Present); Vice President, SunAmerica (2001-Present); Head of Mutual Fund Administration, SunAmerica (2014-Present).

Christopher C. Joe

Age: 49

   Chief Compliance Officer    2017 – Present    Chief Compliance Officer, AIG Funds, Anchor Series Trust, Seasons Series Trust, SunAmerica Series Trust, VALIC Company I and VALIC Company II (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, VALIC Retirement Services Company (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, Invesco PowerShares (2012-2017); Chief Compliance Officer, Invesco Investment Advisers, LLC (2010-2013); U.S. Compliance Director, Invesco Ltd. (2006-2014); Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, Invesco Advisers, LLC (2014-2015).

Gregory N. Bressler

Age: 52

   Vice President and Assistant Secretary    2005 – Present    Senior Vice President and General Counsel, SunAmerica (2005-Present).

Kathleen D. Fuentes

Age: 50

   Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary    2015 – Present    Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, SunAmerica (2006-Present).

Shawn Parry

Age: 46

   Vice President and Assistant Treasurer    2014 – Present    Vice President, SunAmerica (2014-Present); Assistant Vice President, SunAmerica (2005-2014).

 

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Donna McManus

Age: 58

   Vice President and Assistant Treasurer    2014 – Present    Vice President, SunAmerica (2014-Present); Managing Director, BNY Mellon (2009-2014).

Timothy Pettee

Age: 60

   Vice President    2018 – Present    Lead Portfolio Manager, Rules Based Funds (2013- present); Chief Investment Strategist (2013-present); Chief Investment Officer, SunAmerica (2003-2013).

Matthew J.

Hackethal

Age: 47

  

Anti-Money

Laundering

Compliance Officer

   2006 – Present    Acting Chief Compliance Officer, SunAmerica (2016-2017); Chief Compliance Officer, SunAmerica (2007-Present); and Vice President, SunAmerica (2011-Present).

Leadership Structure of the Board

Overall responsibility for oversight of the Trust and its portfolios rests with the Board. The Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio, has engaged SunAmerica and has engaged the Subadviser, to manage the Portfolio on a day-to-day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing SunAmerica, the Subadviser and any other service providers in the operations of the Portfolio in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable provisions of state and other laws, the Trust’s Declaration of Trust (“Declaration”) and By-laws, and the Portfolio’s investment objectives and strategies. The Board is presently comprised of six members, all of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board currently conducts regular in-person meetings at least quarterly and holds special in-person or telephonic meetings, or informal conference calls, to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular Board meetings. The Independent Trustees also meet at least quarterly in executive sessions, at which no trustee who is an interested person of SunAmerica is present. The Independent Trustees have engaged independent legal counsel to assist them in performing their oversight responsibilities.

The Board has appointed Mr. Willison, an Independent Trustee, to serve as Chairman of the Board. The Chairman’s role is to preside at all meetings of the Board and to act as a liaison with service providers, including SunAmerica, officers, attorneys, and other Trustees generally, between meetings. The Chairman may also perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board has established three committees, i.e., Audit Committee, Nomination and Governance Committee (the “Nomination Committee”) and Ethics Committee (each, a “Committee”) to assist the Board in the oversight and direction of the business and affairs of the Portfolio, and from time to time may establish informal working groups to review and address the policies and practices of the Portfolio with respect to certain specified matters. The Committee system facilitates the timely and efficient consideration of matters by the Trustees, and facilitates effective oversight of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and of the Portfolio’s activities and associated risks. The standing Committees currently conduct an annual review of their charters, which includes a review of their responsibilities and operations. The Nomination Committee and the Board as a whole also conduct an annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, including consideration of the effectiveness of the Board’s committee structure. The Board has determined that the Board’s leadership structure is appropriate because it allows the Board to exercise informed and independent judgment over the matters under its purview and it allocates areas of responsibility among the Committees and the full Board in a manner that enhances efficient and effective oversight.

The Portfolio is subject to a number of risks, including, among others, investment, compliance, operational and valuation risks. Risk oversight forms part of the Board’s general oversight of the Portfolio and is addressed as part of various Board and Committee activities. Day-to-day risk management functions are subsumed within the responsibilities of SunAmerica, which carries out the Portfolio’s investment management and business affairs, and also by the Portfolio’s Subadviser and other service providers in connection with the services they provide to the Portfolio. Each of SunAmerica, the Subadviser and other service providers have their own, independent interest in risk management, and their policies and methods of risk management will depend on their functions and business models. As part of its regular oversight of the Portfolio, the Board, directly and/or through a Committee, interacts with and reviews reports from, among others, SunAmerica, the Subadviser and the Portfolio’s other service providers (including the Portfolio’s distributor and transfer agent), the Portfolio’s Chief Compliance Officer, the independent registered public accounting firm for the Portfolio, legal counsel to the Portfolio, and internal auditors

 

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for SunAmerica or its affiliates, as appropriate, relating to the operations of the Portfolio. The Board recognizes that it may not be possible to identify all of the risks that may affect the Portfolio or to develop processes and controls to eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. The Board may, at any time and in its discretion, change the manner in which it conducts risk oversight.

Board and Committees

Among the attributes common to all Trustees are their ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the other Trustees, SunAmerica, the Subadviser, other service providers, legal counsel and the independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective business judgment in the performance of their duties as Trustees. A Trustee’s ability to perform his or her duties effectively may have been attained, as set forth below, through the Trustee’s executive, business, consulting, public service and/or academic positions; experience from service as a Trustee of the Trust and the other funds in the Fund Complex (and/or in other capacities), other investment funds, public companies, or non-profit entities or other organizations; educational background or professional training; and/or other life experiences.

Bruce G. Willison. Mr. Willison has served as a Trustee since 2001, and Chairman of the Board since January 1, 2006. He has more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry. Mr. Willison also has broad experience serving as a director of other entities. Mr. Willison’s years of experience as a bank executive, which included management responsibility for investment management, and his experience serving on many public company boards gives him an inside perspective on the management of complex organizations, especially regulated ones.

Garrett F. Bouton. Mr. Bouton has served as a Trustee since 2007. He is a retired senior executive with over 25 years of experience in the investment services industry. Mr. Bouton also serves as a board member on non-profit organizations.

Carl D. Covitz. Mr. Covitz has served as a Trustee since 2001. He has more than 25 years of executive and business experience in the real estate and investment industries. Mr. Covitz also has broad corporate governance experience from serving on corporate boards for more than 15 years.

Jane Jelenko. Ms. Jelenko has served as a Trustee since 2006. Ms. Jelenko was previously a partner in the consulting arm of KPMG, the international professional services firm, where she served for 25 years. She was the national industry director for the banking and finance group and served on the firm’s board of directors. During her term on the board, she served on the Pension Committee, Strategic Planning Committee and the Political Action Committee. She is a director of the Music Center-Los Angeles Performing Arts Center, the Gabriella Axelrad Education Foundation, and the Constitutional Rights Foundation (emeritus). She is the President and Director of the Center Dance Arts. She has served on various corporate and community boards, including the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Organization of Women Executives.

Gilbert T. Ray. Mr. Ray has served as a Trustee since 2001. He is a retired partner of O’Melveny & Meyers LLP, with more than 25 years of business experience as an attorney. Mr. Ray has extensive experience with conventional corporate and tax-exempt transactions, as well as international finance. His experience as an attorney allows Mr. Ray to provide guidance on legal and fiduciary matters. Mr. Ray has broad experience serving as a director on several other boards. Mr. Ray’s service as a director and committee chair on several public companies provides the Trust with valuable insights into compensation, audit and governance issues.

Allan L. Sher. Mr. Sher has served as a Trustee since 1997. He is a retired senior executive of a securities brokerage firm. Mr. Sher has over 10 years of experience serving as a director on other boards. Mr. Sher has over 50 years of experience in the securities industry, including serving as a broker, manager and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of a securities firm. Mr. Sher has also served as a CEO of a money management firm. Mr. Sher is a former board member of the American Stock Exchange.

Sharon French. Ms. French has served as a Trustee since 2019. She currently serves as President and CEO of SunAmerica. She previously served as Executive Vice President and Head of Beta Solutions at OppenheimerFunds where she led the strategy, development and implementation of the firm’s smart beta ETF products and solutions as well as its entrance into the sustainable investing marketplace. She also served on that firm’s Executive Committee governing the overall strategic direction at OppenheimerFunds. Ms. French has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and has held a variety of senior roles, including President of F-Squared Capital, LLC and Senior Strategic Advisor to the CEO and President of BNY Mellon. Previous to that, she was Head of Private Client & Institutions at BlackRock, Inc. for its iShares business. Ms. French spent nearly a decade at AllianceBernstein L.P. and held prior roles at mPower, Inc., Smith Barney, Inc. (now Morgan Stanley) and Chase Manhattan Bank. Ms. French received a B.S. in business management from the University of Delaware and earned her Certified Management Analyst designation from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

The Trust pays no salaries or compensation to any of its officers, all of whom are officers or employees of SunAmerica or its affiliates. For the Trust and SST (the “Annuity Funds”), an annual fee and expenses are paid to each Trustee who is not an officer or employee of AGL or its affiliates for attendance at meetings of the Board. Effective January 1, 2018, the annual fee of $181,750 increased to $195,000. Trustees are compensated $2,500 for

 

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special in-person or telephonic Board meetings. The Independent Chairman receives an additional retainer fee of $67,500. These expenses are allocated on the basis of the relative net assets of the Portfolio of the Annuity Funds. All other Trustees receive no remuneration from the Trust.

Each Independent Trustee serves on each Committee of the Board and Ms. French serves on the Ethics Committee. Members of each Committee serve without compensation, except that Mr. Sher, as Audit Committee Chair, receives an additional retainer fee of $12,500 and Mr. Ray, as Nomination Committee Chair, receives an additional retainer fee of $7,500.

The Audit Committee is charged with selecting, overseeing and setting the compensation of the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all audit and non-audit services performed by the independent public accounting firm for the Trust and, should it be necessary, for pre-approving certain non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm for SunAmerica and certain control persons of SunAmerica. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the audit plan and results of the audit along with other matters. The Audit Committee met 3 times during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2019.

The Nomination Committee recommends to the Trustees those persons to be nominated as candidates to serve as Trustees and voted upon by shareholders and selects and proposes nominees for election by the Trustees to the Board between shareholders’ meetings. The Nomination Committee will consider candidates proposed by shareholders for election as Trustees. Any such recommendations from shareholders should be directed to the attention of the Secretary of the Trust at Harborside 5, 185 Hudson Street, Suite 3300, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311. The Nomination Committee reviews at least annually the independence of the Independent Trustees and the independence of legal counsel. The Nomination Committee also reviews and makes recommendations with respect to the size and composition of the Board and its Committees and monitors and evaluates the functioning of the Committees. The Nomination Committee met 2 times during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2019.

The Ethics Committee is responsible for applying the code of ethics applicable to the Trust’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer to specific situations in which questions are presented to it and has the authority to interpret the code of ethics in any particular situation. The Ethics Committee will inform the Board of violations or waivers to the Trust’s code of ethics, as appropriate. Mr. Willison serves as the Chair of the Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee met 2 times during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2019.

As of September 30, 2019, the Trustees and officers of the Trust owned in the aggregate less than 1% of the total outstanding shares of the Portfolio of the Trust.

 

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TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP OF PORTFOLIO SHARES

The following table shows the dollar range of shares beneficially owned by each Trustee.

 

Name of Trustee

  Dollar Range of
Equity
  Securities in the  
Trust1
    Aggregate Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in All Registered
Investment
Companies Overseen  by
Trustee in Family of Investment
Companies2
 

Independent Trustees

   

Garrett F. Bouton

    $0       $0  

Carl D. Covitz

    0       0  

Jane Jelenko

    0       0  

Gilbert T. Ray

    0       0  

Allan L. Sher

    0       0  

Bruce G. Willison

    0       0  

Interested Trustee

   

Peter A. Harbeck3

    0       0  

        

   

 

1    Includes the value of shares beneficially owned by each Trustee in the Portfolio of the Trust as of December 31, 2018.

2    Includes the Trust (58 portfolios) and Seasons Series Trust (19 portfolios).

3    Effective June 28, 2019, Mr. Harbeck retired as a Trustee of the Trust.

As of December 31, 2018, no Independent Trustees nor any of their immediate family members owned beneficially or of record any securities in the Adviser or the Distributor or any person other than a registered investment company, directly or indirectly, controlling, controlled by or under common control with such entities.

Compensation of Trustees

The following table sets forth information summarizing the compensation of each Trustee, who is not an officer or employee of AGLIC or its affiliates, for his/her services as Trustee for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2019.

 

TRUSTEE

   AGGREGATE
  COMPENSATION  
FROM TRUST
   PENSION OR
RETIREMENT
BENEFITS
ACCRUED AS
  PART OF TRUST  
EXPENSES
   TOTAL
COMPENSATION
FROM TRUST AND
FUND
    COMPLEX PAID TO    
TRUSTEES*

Garrett Bouton

   $163,124       $200,000

Carl D. Covitz

   163,124       200,000

Jane Jelenko

   163,124       200,000

Gilbert T. Ray

   167,204       205,000

Allan L. Sher

   173,320       212,500

Bruce G. Willison

   218,180       267,500

        

        

 

 

*

As of January 31, 2019, the Fund Complex included SAST (58 portfolios), Specialty Series (6 funds), SAMMF, Inc. (1 fund), SAEF (2 funds), SunAmerica Income Funds (3 funds), SunAmerica Series (6 funds), AST (5 portfolios), SASFR (1 fund), VALIC Company I (34 funds), VALIC Company II (15 funds), and SST (19 portfolios).

 

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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

The Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio, entered into an Investment Advisory and Management Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with SunAmerica to handle the management of the Trust and its day-to-day affairs. The Adviser, located at Harborside 5185 Hudson Street, Suite 3300, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGL, which in turn is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of AIG, a U.S.-based international insurance organization.

AIG, a Delaware corporation, is a holding company that, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in a broad range of insurance and insurance-related activities in the United States and abroad. AIG’s primary activities include both general and life insurance operations. Other significant activities include financial services, retirement savings and asset management.

Terms of the Advisory Agreement

The Advisory Agreement provides that SunAmerica shall act as investment adviser to the Portfolio, manage the Portfolio’s investments, administer its business affairs, furnish offices, necessary facilities and equipment, provide clerical, bookkeeping and administrative services, and permit any of SunAmerica’s officers or employees to serve without compensation as Trustees or officers of the Trust if duly elected to such positions. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Trust agrees to assume and pay certain charges and expenses of its operations, including: direct charges relating to the purchase and sale of portfolio securities, interest charges, fees and expenses of independent legal counsel and independent accountants, cost of stock certificates and any other expenses (including clerical expenses) of issue, sale, repurchase or redemption of shares, expenses of registering and qualifying shares for sale, expenses of printing and distributing reports, notices and proxy materials to shareholders, expenses of data processing and related services, shareholder recordkeeping and shareholder account service, expenses of printing and distributing prospectuses and statements of additional information, expenses of annual and special shareholders’ meetings, fees and disbursements of transfer agents and custodians, expenses of disbursing dividends and distributions, fees and expenses of Trustees who are not employees of the Adviser or its affiliates, membership dues in the Investment Company Institute or any similar organization, all taxes and fees to federal, state or other governmental agencies, insurance premiums and extraordinary expenses such as litigation expenses.

The Advisory Agreement, after initial approval with respect to the Portfolio, continues in effect for a period of two years, in accordance with its terms, unless terminated, and thereafter may be renewed from year to year as to the Portfolio for so long as such renewal is specifically approved at least annually by (i) the Board, or by the vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio, and (ii) the vote of a majority of Trustees who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or “interested persons” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement provides that it may be terminated by either party without penalty upon the specified written notice contained in the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement also provides for automatic termination upon assignment.

Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, SunAmerica is not liable to the Trust, or the Portfolio, or to any other person, for any act or omission by it or for any losses sustained by the Portfolio or its shareholders except in the case of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty.

Advisory Fees

As compensation for its services, the Adviser receives from the Trust a fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, based on the net assets of the Portfolio at the following annual rates:

 

Average Daily Net Assets

  

  Fee Rate

On first $100 million

   0.50%

On next $150 million

   0.48%

On next $250 million

   0.46%

On next $250 million

   0.44%

 

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Over $750 million

   0.43%

Pursuant to an Expense Limitation Agreement, SunAmerica has contractually agreed through April 30, 2021, to waive its fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Portfolio to the extent that the Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses exceed 0.70% and 0.95% of the average daily net assets of the Portfolio’s Class 1 and Class 3 shares, respectively.

For purposes of the Expense Limitation Agreement, “Total Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses” do not include extraordinary expenses (i.e., expenses that are unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence, such as litigation), or acquired fund fees and expenses, brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses relating to the purchase and sale of portfolio securities, interest, taxes and governmental fees; and other expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Trust’s business on behalf of the Portfolio. Any waivers and/or reimbursements made by SunAmerica with respect to the Portfolio are subject to recoupment from the Portfolio within two years after the occurrence of the waiver and/or reimbursement, provided that the recoupment does not cause the expense ratio of the share class to exceed the lesser of (a) the expense limitation in effect at the time the waivers and/or reimbursements occurred, or (b) the current expense limitation of that share class. This agreement may be modified or discontinued prior to April 30, 2021 only with the approval of the Board of the Trust, including a majority of the trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act.

SunAmerica may voluntarily reimburse additional amounts to increase returns to the Portfolio’s investors. Any such waivers and/or reimbursements will continue indefinitely, but may be terminated at any time.

As of the date of this SAI, the Portfolio has not paid any advisory fees.

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT

Franklin Advisers, Inc. acts as Subadviser to the Portfolio pursuant to a Subadvisory Agreement with SunAmerica. Under the Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadviser manages the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Portfolio. The Subadviser is independent of SunAmerica and discharges its responsibilities subject to the policies of the Trustees and the oversight and supervision of SunAmerica, which pays the Subadviser’s fees.

Franklin is a subsidiary of Franklin Templeton Investments.

The Subadvisory Agreement, after initial approval with respect to the Portfolio, continues in effect for a period of two years, in accordance with its terms, unless terminated, and may thereafter be renewed from year to year as to the Portfolio for so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by the Trustees, by the holders of a majority of the Portfolio’s outstanding voting securities, by SunAmerica on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice to the Subadviser, or by the Subadviser on 90 days’ written notice to SunAmerica and the Trust. Under the terms of the Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadviser is not liable to the Portfolio, or its shareholders, for any act or omission by it or for any losses sustained by the Portfolio or its shareholders, except in the case of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties.

Subadvisory Fees

The Adviser pays the Subadviser a monthly fee with respect to the Portfolio for which the Subadviser performs services, computed on average daily net assets, at the following annual rates:

 

        Annual Fee (as a % of the average daily net assets the Subadviser Manages in the Portfolio)

On first $100 million

   0.15%            

On next $150 million

   0.13%            

On next $250 million

   0.11%            

On next $250 million

   0.09%            

Over $750 million

   0.08%            

 

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As of the date of this SAI, SunAmerica has not paid Franklin any subadvisory fees.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Other Accounts

The portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio, as listed in the Prospectus (“Portfolio Managers”), are often engaged in the management of other accounts, which may include registered investment companies and pooled investment vehicles. The total number of other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers (whether managed as part of a team or individually) and the total assets in those accounts, as of August 31, 2019, are provided in the table below. If applicable, the total number of accounts and total assets in accounts that have an advisory fee that is all or partly based on the account’s performance are provided in parentheses.

 

Adviser/

Subadviser

  Portfolio Managers   

 

Other Accounts

(As of August 31, 2019)

  

Registered Investment

Companies

  

Pooled Investment

Vehicles

   Other Accounts
  

No. of 

Accounts 

  

Assets 

(in millions) 

  

No. of 

Accounts 

  

Total Assets 

(in millions) 

  

No. of 

Accounts 

  

Total Assets

(in millions)

  Franklin

 

Chettiappan, Sundaram, CFA  

Seethamraju, Chandra, Ph.D  

  

3

5

   $315.2
$527.3
   0
4
   $0
$802.4
   0
0
   $0
$0

Potential Conflicts of Interest

As shown in the tables above, the Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing other accounts for multiple clients, including affiliated clients (“Other Client Accounts”), in addition to the Portfolio. In certain instances, conflicts may arise in his/her management of the Portfolio and such Other Client Accounts. The Portfolio Managers aim to conduct their activities in such a manner that permits them to deal fairly with each of their clients on an overall basis in accordance with applicable securities laws and fiduciary obligations. Notwithstanding, transactions, holdings and performance, among others, may vary among the Portfolio and such Other Client Accounts.

 

 

Trade Allocations. Conflicts may arise between the Portfolio and Other Client Accounts in the allocation of trades among the Portfolio and the Other Client Accounts. For example, the Adviser (solely for the purposes of this section “Potential Conflicts of Interest,” the term “Adviser” is defined to include SunAmerica or the Subadviser, as applicable) may determine that there is a security that is suitable for the Portfolio, as well as, for Other Client Accounts that have a similar investment objective. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more other clients are selling that same security, or the Adviser and/or Portfolio Manager may take “short” positions in Other Client Accounts with respect to securities held “long” within the Portfolio, or vice-versa, which may adversely affect the value of securities held by the Portfolio. In certain instances, the Adviser and/or Portfolio Manager may have ownership or different interests in Other Client Accounts, including different compensation with respect to Other Client Accounts, such as incentive fees. Such ownership or different interests may cause a conflict of interest. The Trust and the Adviser generally have adopted policies, procedures and/or practices regarding the allocation of trades and brokerage, which the Trust and Adviser believe address the conflicts associated with managing multiple accounts for multiple clients (including affiliated clients). Subject to cash and security availability and lot size, among other factors, the policies, procedures and/or practices generally require that securities be allocated among the Portfolio and Other Client Accounts with a similar investment objective in a manner that is fair, equitable and consistent with their fiduciary obligations to each.

 

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Allocation of Portfolio Managers’ Time. The Portfolio Managers’ management of the Portfolio and Other Client Accounts may result in the Portfolio Managers devoting a disproportionate amount of time and attention to the management of the Portfolio and Other Client Accounts if the Portfolio and Other Client Accounts have different objectives, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees. Generally, the Adviser seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of the Portfolio Managers. Although the Adviser does not track the time the Portfolio Managers spend on the Portfolio or a single Other Client Account, the Adviser periodically assesses whether the Portfolio Managers have adequate time and resources to effectively manage all of the Portfolio Managers’ accounts. In certain instances, the Portfolio Managers may be employed by two or more employers. Where the Portfolio Managers receive greater compensation, benefits or incentives from one employer over another, the Portfolio Managers may favor one employer over the other (or Other Client Accounts) causing a conflict of interest.

 

 

Personal Trading by Portfolio Managers. The management of personal accounts by the Portfolio Managers may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. While generally, the SunAmerica Code (defined below) and Subadviser’s code of ethics will impose limits on the ability of the Portfolio Managers to trade for their personal accounts, especially where such trading might give rise to a potential conflict of interest, there is no assurance that the SunAmerica Code and Subadviser’s code of ethics will eliminate such conflicts.

Other than the conflicts described above, the Trust is not aware of any material conflicts that may arise in connection with the Adviser’s management of the Portfolio, investments and such Other Client Accounts.

Compensation

Pursuant to the Subadvisory Agreement, the Subadviser is responsible for paying its own expenses in connection with the management of the Portfolio, including the compensation of their Portfolio Managers. The structure and method of compensation of the Portfolio Managers are described below.

Franklin. The investment manager seeks to maintain a compensation program that is competitively positioned to attract, retain and motivate top-quality investment professionals. Portfolio managers receive a base salary, a cash incentive bonus opportunity, an equity compensation opportunity, and a benefits package. Portfolio manager compensation is reviewed annually and the level of compensation is based on individual performance, the salary range for the portfolio manager’s level of responsibility and Franklin Templeton guidelines. Portfolio managers are provided no financial incentive to favor one fund or account over another. The Portfolio Managers’ compensation consists of the following three elements:

Base salary. The Portfolio Managers are paid a base salary.

Annual bonus. Annual bonuses are structured to align the interests of the Portfolio Managers with those of the Portfolio’s shareholders. The Portfolio Managers are eligible to receive an annual bonus. Bonuses generally are split between cash (50% to 65%), restricted shares of Resources stock (17.5% to 25%) and mutual fund shares (17.5% to 25%). The deferred equity-based compensation is intended to build a vested interest of the Portfolio Managers in the financial performance of both Resources and mutual funds advised by the investment manager. The bonus plan is intended to provide a competitive level of annual bonus compensation that is tied to the Portfolio Managers achieving consistently strong investment performance, which aligns the financial incentives of the Portfolio Managers and Portfolio shareholders. The Chief Investment Officer of the investment manager and/or other officers of the investment manager, with responsibility for the Portfolio, have discretion in the granting of annual bonuses to portfolio managers in accordance with Franklin Templeton guidelines. The following factors are generally used in determining bonuses under the plan:

• Investment performance. Primary consideration is given to the historic investment performance over the one, three and five preceding years of all accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers. The pretax performance of each fund managed is measured relative to a relevant peer group and/or applicable benchmark as appropriate.

Non-investment performance. The more qualitative contributions of the Portfolio Managers to the investment manager’s business and the investment management team, including professional knowledge, productivity, responsiveness to client needs and communication, are evaluated in determining the amount of any bonus award.

 

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Responsibilities. The characteristics and complexity of funds managed by the Portfolio Managers are factored in the investment manager’s appraisal.

Additional long-term equity-based compensation. Portfolio managers may also be awarded restricted shares or units of Resources stock or restricted shares or units of one or more mutual funds. Awards of such deferred equity-based compensation typically vest over time, so as to create incentives to retain key talent.

Portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans and programs available generally to all employees of the investment manager.

Ownership of Portfolio Managers

As of the date of this SAI, the Portfolio Managers had no ownership interest in the Portfolio.

PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADING

The Trust, the Adviser and the Distributor have adopted a written code of ethics (the “SunAmerica Code”) pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act, which governs, among other things, the personal trading activities of certain access persons of the Portfolio. The SunAmerica Code is designed to detect and prevent conflicts of interests between the Portfolio and the personal trading activities of certain access persons. The SunAmerica Code is filed as an exhibit to the Trust’s registration statement. SunAmerica reports violations of the SunAmerica Code to the Board.

The Subadviser has adopted a code of ethics (a “Code of Ethics”). Such provisions may be more restrictive than the provisions set forth in the SunAmerica Code. Material violations of the Subadviser’s Code of Ethics by employees that provide direct services to the Portfolio or those that involve the subadvised Portfolio are reported to the Board.

 

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DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

The Trust, on behalf of the Portfolio, has entered into a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with the Distributor, an affiliate of SunAmerica, a registered broker-dealer and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of AIG, to act as the principal underwriter in connection with the continuous offering of each class of shares of the Portfolio to the Separate Accounts of the Life Companies. The address of the Distributor is Harborside 5, 185 Hudson Street, Suite 3300, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311. The Distribution Agreement provides that the Distributor may distribute shares of the Portfolio. The Distribution Agreement also provides that the Distributor will pay for promotional expenses, including the cost of printing and distributing prospectuses, annual reports and other periodic reports with respect to the Portfolio, for distribution to persons who are not shareholders of the Portfolio and the costs of preparing, printing and distributing any other supplemental advertising and sales literature. However, certain promotional expenses may be borne by the Portfolio, including printing and distributing prospectuses, proxy statements, notices, annual reports and other periodic reports to existing shareholders.

After its initial approval, the Distribution Agreement will continue in effect for an initial two-year term and thereafter from year to year, with respect to the Portfolio, if such continuance is approved at least annually by vote of a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Trust or the Distributor each has the right to terminate the Distribution Agreement with respect to the Portfolio on 60 days’ written notice, without penalty. The Distribution Agreement automatically terminates with respect to the Portfolio in the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder).

RULE 12b-1 PLANS

The Board has adopted a Rule 12b-1 Plan for Class 1 shares (the “Class 1 Plan”) and Class 3 shares (the “Class 3 Plan” and, together with the Class 1, the “12b-1 Plans”) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Reference is made to “Account Information” in the Prospectus for certain information with respect to the 12b-1 Plans. The Class 1 Plan does not provide for a service fee. The Class 3 Plan provides for service fees payable at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of such Class 3 shares. The service fees will be used to compensate the life insurance companies for costs associated with the servicing of Class 3 shares, including the cost of reimbursing the life insurance companies for expenditures made to financial intermediaries for providing services to contract holders who are the indirect beneficial owners of the Portfolio’s Class 3 shares. It is possible that, in any given year, the amount paid to certain financial intermediaries for such services could exceed the financial intermediaries’ costs as described above.

Continuance of the 12b-1 Plans with respect to the Portfolio is subject to annual approval by vote of the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees. Each 12b-1 Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount authorized to be spent thereunder with respect to Class 1 and Class 3 shares of the Portfolio, without approval of the shareholders of the Class 1 and Class 3 shares of the Portfolio, respectively. In addition, all material amendments to each 12b-1 Plan must be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. The 12b-1 Plans may be terminated at any time with respect to the Portfolio without payment of any penalty by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of Class 1 and Class 3 shares of the Portfolio. So long as each 12b-1 Plan is in effect, the election and nomination of the Independent Trustees of the Trust shall be committed to the discretion of the Independent Trustees. In the Trustees’ quarterly review of the 12b-1 Plans, they will consider the continued appropriateness of, and the level of, compensation provided in the 12b-1 Plans. In their consideration of the 12b-1 Plans with respect to the Portfolio, the Trustees must consider all factors they deem relevant, including information as to the benefits for the Portfolio for the shareholders of Class 1 and Class 3 shares of the Portfolio.

As of the date of this SAI, the Portfolio had not paid any account maintenance or service fees.

DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

Since the shares of the Portfolio are offered only in connection with the Variable Contracts, or certain other deferred tax arrangements, no discussion is set forth herein as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences at the shareholder

 

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level. For information concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences to purchasers of the Variable Contracts, see the prospectus for such Variable Contracts. Purchasers of Variable Contracts should also consult their tax advisors regarding specific questions as to federal, state and local taxes.

The Tax Act, which was enacted on December 22, 2017, makes significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for individuals and corporations, generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Most of the changes applicable to individuals are temporary and, without further legislation, will not apply after 2025. The application of certain provisions of the Tax Act is uncertain, and the changes in the act may have indirect effects on the Portfolio, its investments and its shareholders that cannot be predicted. In addition, legislative, regulatory or administrative changes could be enacted or promulgated at any time, either prospectively or with retroactive effect. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisers regarding the implications of the Tax Act on the investment in the Portfolio.

Under the Code, the Portfolio is treated as a separate regulated investment company provided that certain qualification requirements are met. To qualify as a regulated investment company, the Portfolio must, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies, other income (including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from interests in “qualified publicly traded partnerships (“QPTPs”)” (i.e., partnerships that are traded on an established securities market or tradable on a secondary market, other than partnerships that derive at least 90% of their income from interest, dividends, capital gains, and other traditionally permitted regulated investment company income); and (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the Portfolio’s taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Portfolio’s assets is represented by cash, securities of other regulated investment companies, U.S. government securities and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Portfolio’s assets and not greater than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government securities or securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, any two or more issuers of which 20% or more of the voting stock is held by the Portfolio and that are determined to be engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or businesses or in the securities of one or more QPTPs.

So long as the Portfolio qualifies as a regulated investment company, such Portfolio will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the net investment company taxable income or net capital gains distributed to shareholders as ordinary income dividends or capital gain dividends, provided that the Portfolio satisfies a minimum distribution requirement as described below. However, any taxable income or gain the Portfolio does not distribute will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates. Dividends from net investment income and capital gain distributions, if any, are paid annually. All distributions are reinvested in shares (of the same class) of the Portfolio at NAV unless the transfer agent is instructed otherwise.

The Portfolio may be able to cure a failure to derive at least 90% of its income from the sources specified above or a failure to diversify its holdings in the manner described above by paying a tax, by disposing of certain assets, or by doing both of these things.

If, in any taxable year, the Portfolio fails to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code or fails to meet the distribution requirement and does not timely cure the failure, it will be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to its shareholders will not be deductible by the Portfolio in computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify, the Portfolio’s distributions, to the extent derived from the Portfolio’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, including any distributions of net long-term capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders as dividend income. Moreover, if the Portfolio fails to qualify as a regulated investment company in any year, it must pay out its earnings and profits accumulated in that year in order to qualify again as a regulated investment company. If the Portfolio fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for a period greater than two taxable years, the Portfolio may be required to recognize any net built-in gains with respect to certain of its assets (i.e., the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if the Portfolio had been liquidated) if it qualifies as a regulated investment company in a subsequent year.

 

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Further, if the Portfolio should fail to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Portfolio would be considered as a single investment, which may result in Variable Contracts invested in that Portfolio not being treated as annuity, endowment or life insurance contracts under the Code. All income and gain inside the Variable Contracts would be taxed currently to the holders, and the contracts would remain subject to taxation as ordinary income thereafter, even if the Portfolio became adequately diversified.

Generally, a regulated investment company must timely distribute substantially all of its ordinary income and capital gains in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement in order to avoid imposition of a non-deductible 4% excise tax. However, the excise tax generally does not apply to a regulated investment company whose only shareholders are certain tax-exempt trusts or segregated asset accounts of life insurance companies held in connection with Variable Contracts. In order to avoid imposition of the excise tax, the Portfolio intends to qualify for this exemption or to comply with the calendar year distribution requirement.

In addition, the Portfolio intends to comply with the diversification requirements of Section 817(h) of the Code, which relate to the tax-deferred status of the Separate Accounts. To comply with Treasury Department regulations promulgated under Section 817(h) of the Code, the Portfolio will be required to diversify its investments so that on the last day of each calendar quarter or within 30 days thereafter no more than 55% of the value of its assets is represented by any one investment, no more than 70% is represented by any two investments, no more than 80% is represented by any three investments and no more than 90% is represented by any four investments. Generally, all securities of the same issuer are treated as a single investment. For the purposes of Section 817(h), obligations of the U.S. Treasury and of each U.S. government agency or instrumentality are treated as securities of separate issuers. In certain circumstances, each Separate Account will “look-through” its investment in qualifying regulated investment companies , partnerships or trusts and include its pro rata share of the investment companies’ investments in determining if it satisfies the diversification rule of Section 817(h). An alternative asset diversification test may be satisfied under certain circumstances.

The Portfolio may invest in debt securities issued at a discount or providing for deferred interest, which may result in income to the Portfolio equal, generally, to a portion of the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity of the securities over the issue price thereof (“original issue discount”) each year that the securities are held, even though the Portfolio receives no actual interest payments thereon. Original issue discount is treated as income earned by the Portfolio and, therefore, is subject to distribution requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Since the original issue discount income earned by the Portfolio in a taxable year may not be represented by cash income, the Portfolio may have to dispose of securities, which it might otherwise have continued to hold, or borrow to generate cash in order to satisfy its distribution requirements. In addition, the Portfolio’s investment in foreign currencies or foreign currency denominated or referenced debt securities and contingent payment or inflation-indexed debt instruments also may accelerate the Portfolio’s recognition of taxable income in excess of cash generated by such investments.

Options, forward contracts, futures contracts and foreign currency transactions entered into by the Portfolio will be subject to special tax rules. These rules may accelerate income to the Portfolio, defer Portfolio losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of Portfolio securities, convert capital gain into ordinary income, and/or convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. As a result, these rules could affect the amount, timing and character of distributions by the Portfolio.

In certain situations, the Portfolio may, for a taxable year, defer all or a portion of its net capital loss (or if there is no net capital loss then any net long-term or short-term capital loss) realized after October and its late-year ordinary loss (defined as the sum of the excess of post-October foreign currency and passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) losses over post-October foreign currency and PFIC gains plus the excess of post-December ordinary losses over post- December ordinary income) until the next taxable year in computing its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, which will defer the recognition of such realized losses. Such deferrals and other rules regarding gains and losses realized after October (or December) may affect the tax character of shareholder distributions.

Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates that occur between the time the Portfolio accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time such Portfolio actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, gains or losses from sales of currencies or dispositions of debt securities or

 

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certain forward contracts, futures contracts, options or similar financial instruments denominated in a foreign currency or determined by reference to the value of one or several foreign currencies also are treated as ordinary income or loss to the extent attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates.

The Code includes special rules applicable to the listed non-equity options, regulated futures contracts, and options on futures contracts that the Portfolio may write, purchase or sell. Such options and contracts are classified as “Section 1256 contracts” under the Code. The character of gain or loss resulting from the sale, disposition, closing out, expiration or other termination of Section 1256 contracts, except forward foreign currency exchange contracts, is generally treated as long-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 60% thereof and short-term capital gain or loss to the extent of 40% thereof (“60/40 gain or loss”). Such contracts, when held by the Portfolio at the end of a fiscal year, generally are required to be treated as sold at market value on the last day of such fiscal year for U.S. federal income tax purposes (“marked-to-market”). Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are not classified as Section 1256 contracts and are not subject to the marked-to-market rule or to 60/40 gain or loss treatment. Any gains or losses recognized by the Portfolio from transactions in OTC options written by the Portfolio generally constitute short-term capital gains or losses. Any gain or loss recognized by the Portfolio from transactions in OTC options purchased by such Portfolio generally has the same character as the property to which the option relates as in the hands of such Portfolio (or would have if acquired by the Portfolio). When call options written, or put options purchased, by the Portfolio are exercised, the gain or loss realized on the sale of the underlying securities may be either short-term or long-term, depending on the holding period of the securities. In determining the amount of such gain or loss, the sales proceeds are reduced by the premium paid for the OTC puts or increased by the premium received for OTC calls.

A substantial portion of the Portfolio’s transactions in options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, particularly its hedging transactions, may constitute “straddles,” which are defined in the Code as offsetting positions with respect to personal property. A straddle in which at least one (but not all) of the positions is a Section 1256 contract would constitute a “mixed straddle” under the Code. The Code generally provides with respect to straddles (i) “loss deferral” rules that may postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses from certain closing purchase transactions or other dispositions of a position in the straddle to the extent of unrealized gains in the offsetting position, (ii) “wash sale” rules that may postpone recognition for tax purposes of losses where a position is sold and a new offsetting position is acquired within a prescribed period, (iii) “short sale” rules that may suspend the holding period of securities owned by the Portfolio when offsetting positions are established, which may convert certain losses from short-term to long-term, and (iv) “conversion transaction” rules that may treat all or a portion of the gain on a transaction as ordinary income rather than as capital gains. The Code provides that certain elections may be made for mixed straddles that can alter the character of the capital gain or loss recognized upon disposition of positions that form part of a straddle. Certain other elections also are provided in the Code; no determination has been reached to make any of these elections.

As a result of entering into swap contracts, the Portfolio may make or receive periodic net payments. The Portfolio may also make or receive a payment when a swap is terminated prior to maturity through an assignment of the swap or other closing transaction. Periodic net payments will generally constitute ordinary income or deductions, while termination of a swap will generally result in capital gain or loss (which will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the Portfolio has been a party to the swap for more than one year). With respect to certain types of swaps, the Portfolio may be required to currently recognize income or loss with respect to future payments on such swaps or may elect under certain circumstances to mark such swaps to market annually for tax purposes as ordinary income or loss.

In general, gain or loss on a short sale, to the extent permitted, is recognized when the Portfolio closes the sale by delivering the borrowed property to the lender, not when the borrowed property is sold. Gain or loss from a short sale is generally considered as capital gain or loss to the extent that the property used to close the short sale constitutes a capital asset in the Portfolio’s hands. Except with respect to certain situations where the property used by the Portfolio to close a short sale has a long-term holding period on the date of the short sale, special rules would generally treat the gains on short sales as short-term capital gains. These rules may also terminate the running of the holding period of “substantially identical property” held by the Portfolio. Moreover, a loss on a short sale will be treated as a long-term capital loss if, on the date of the short sale, “substantially identical property” has been held by the Portfolio for more than one year. In general, the Portfolio will not be permitted to deduct payments made to reimburse the lender of securities for dividends paid on borrowed stock if the short sale is closed on or before the 45th day after the short sale is entered into.

 

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A PFIC is a foreign corporation that, in general, meets either of the following tests: (a) at least 75% of its gross income is passive or (b) an average of at least 50% of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. If the Portfolio acquires and holds stock in a PFIC beyond the end of the year of its acquisition, the Portfolio will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a portion of any “excess distribution” received on the stock or on any gain from disposition of the stock (collectively, the “PFIC income”), plus certain interest charges, even if the Portfolio distributes the PFIC income as a taxable dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in the Portfolio’s investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent that income is distributed to its shareholders. The Portfolio may make a mark-to-market election with respect to any stock it holds of a PFIC, if such stock is marketable (as defined by the Code for purposes of such election). For these purposes, all stock in a PFIC that is owned directly or indirectly by a regulated investment company is treated as marketable stock. If the election is in effect, at the end of the Portfolio’s taxable year, the Portfolio will recognize annually the amount of mark-to-market gains, if any, with respect to PFIC stock as ordinary income. No ordinary loss will be recognized on the marking to market of PFIC stock, except to the extent of gains recognized in prior years. Alternatively, the Portfolio may elect to treat any PFIC in which it invests as a “qualified electing fund,” in which case, in lieu of the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Portfolio will be required to include in its income each year its pro rata share of the qualified electing fund’s annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain, even if they are not distributed to the Portfolio; those amounts would be subject to the distribution requirements applicable to the Portfolio described above. In order to make this election, the Portfolio would be required to obtain certain information from the PFIC, which, in many cases, may be difficult to do.

Income received by the Portfolio from sources within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Income tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes. It is impossible to determine in advance the effective rate of foreign tax to which the Portfolio will be subject, since the amount of the Portfolio assets to be invested in various countries is not known.

If the Portfolio receives dividend income from U.S. sources, it will annually report certain amounts of its dividends paid as eligible for the dividends received deduction, and if the Portfolio incurs foreign taxes, it will elect to pass-through allowable foreign tax credits. These reports and elections will benefit the Life Companies, in potentially material amounts, and will not beneficially or adversely affect you or the Portfolio. The benefits to the Life Companies will not be passed to you or the Portfolio.

As of the date of this SAI, the Portfolio had not commenced operations and had no capital loss carry-forwards.

PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

The Portfolio may purchase and sell securities whenever necessary to seek to accomplish its investment objective. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Portfolio and its shareholders, including brokerage commissions and other transaction costs on the purchase and sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. The Portfolio’s turnover rate would equal 100% if each security in the Portfolio was replaced once per year.

SHARES OF THE TRUST

The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. A Massachusetts business trust is a voluntary association with transferable shares that is established under and governed by its declaration of trust. The Portfolio offers only Class 1 and Class 3 shares.

Some of the more significant provisions of the Trust’s Declaration are described below.

Shareholder Voting

The Declaration provides for shareholder voting as required by the 1940 Act or other applicable laws but otherwise permits, consistent with Massachusetts law, actions by the Trustees without seeking the consent of shareholders. The Trustees may, without shareholder approval, amend the Declaration or authorize the merger or consolidation of the Trust into another trust or entity, reorganize the Trust or the Portfolio or class into another trust or entity or a series or class of another entity, sell all or substantially all of the assets of the Trust or the Portfolio or class to another entity, or a series or class of another entity, or terminate the Trust or any Portfolio or class. These provisions would

 

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permit the Portfolio to pursue its investment program through one or more subsidiary vehicles or to operate in a master-feeder or fund-of-funds structure.

The Trust is not required to hold an annual meeting of shareholders, but the Trust will call special meetings of shareholders whenever required by the 1940 Act or by the terms of the Declaration. The Trust’s By-laws provide that a shareholder meeting will be called upon the written request of the shareholders holding shares representing, in the aggregate, not less than one-third of the outstanding shares, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of certain expenses.

All shareholders of record of the Portfolio and classes of the Trust vote together, except where required by the 1940 Act to vote separately by Portfolio or by class, or when the Trustees have determined that a matter affects only the interests of one or more portfolios or classes of shares.

Election and Removal of Trustees

The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish the number of Trustees, and that vacancies on the Board may be filled by the remaining Trustees, except when election of Trustees by the shareholders is required under the 1940 Act. Trustees are then elected by a plurality of votes cast by shareholders at a meeting at which a quorum is present. The Declaration also provides that a mandatory retirement age may be set by action of the Trustees and that Trustees may be removed, with or without cause, by a vote of shareholders holding two-thirds of the voting power of the Trust, or by a vote of two-thirds of the remaining Trustees. The provisions of the Declaration relating to the election and removal of Trustees may not be amended without the approval of two-thirds of the Trustees then in office.

Amendments to the Declaration

The Trustees are authorized to amend the Declaration without the vote of shareholders, but no amendment may be made that impairs the exemption from personal liability granted in the Declaration to persons who are or have been shareholders, Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust or that limits the rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance provided in the Declaration with respect to actions or omissions of persons entitled to indemnification, advancement of expenses or insurance under the Declaration prior to the amendment.

Issuance and Redemption of Shares

The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares for such consideration and on such terms as the Trustees may determine. Shareholders are not entitled to any appraisal, preemptive, conversion, exchange or similar rights, except as the Trustees may determine. The Trust may involuntarily redeem a shareholder’s shares upon certain conditions as may be determined by the Trustees, including, for example, if the shareholder fails to provide the Trust with identification required by law, or if the Trust is unable to verify the information received from the shareholder. Additionally, as discussed below, shares may be redeemed in connection with the closing of small accounts.

Disclosure of Shareholder Holdings

The Declaration specifically requires shareholders, upon demand, to disclose to the Trust information with respect to the direct and indirect ownership of shares in order to comply with various laws or regulations, and the Trust may disclose such ownership if required by law or regulation, or as the Trustees otherwise decide.

Small Accounts

The Declaration provides that the Trust may close out a shareholder’s account by redeeming all of the shares in the account if the account falls below a minimum account size (which may vary by class) that may be set by the Trustees from time to time. Alternately, the Declaration permits the Trust to assess a fee for small accounts (which may vary by class) and redeem shares in the account to cover such fees, or convert the shares into another share class that is geared to smaller accounts.

Portfolios and Classes

 

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The Declaration provides that the Trustees may establish portfolios and classes in addition to those currently established and to determine the rights and preferences, limitations and restrictions, including qualifications for ownership, conversion and exchange features, minimum purchase and account size, expenses and charges, and other features of the portfolio and classes. The Trustees may change any of those features, terminate any portfolio or class, combine portfolios with other portfolios in the Trust, combine one or more classes of the Portfolio with another class in that portfolio or convert the shares of one class into shares of another class.

Each share of the Portfolio, as a series of the Trust, represents an interest in the Portfolio only and not in the assets of any other series of the Trust.

Shareholder, Trustee and Officer Liability

Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of the Trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the Trust’s obligations. The Declaration, however, provides that shareholders are not personally liable for the obligations of the Trust and requires the Trust to indemnify a shareholder against any loss or expense arising from any such liability. The Trust will assume the defense of any claim against a shareholder for personal liability at the request of the shareholder.

The Declaration further provides that a Trustee acting in his or her capacity as a Trustee is not personally liable to any person, other than the Trust or its shareholders, in connection with the affairs of the Trust, and that a Trustee, officer or employee is liable to the Trust and its shareholders only for his or her bad faith, willful misconduct/willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his duties. The Declaration also provides that Trustees and officers are not liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law.

The Declaration requires the Trust to indemnify any persons who are or who have been Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust for any liability for actions or failure to act except to the extent prohibited by applicable federal law. The Declaration also provides for the advancement of expenses, subject to certain conditions and undertakings, in connection with any such claims, actions, suits or proceedings (including investigations, regulatory inquiries, proceedings or any other occurrence of a similar nature, whether actual or threatened). In making any determination as to whether any person is entitled to the advancement of expenses or indemnification, such person is entitled to a rebuttable presumption that he or she did not engage in conduct for which indemnification is not available. Any Trustee who serves as chair of the board or of a committee of the board, lead independent Trustee, or audit committee financial expert, or in any other similar capacity, will not be subject to any greater standard of care or liability because of such position. The provisions of the Declaration with respect to indemnification of covered persons do not affect any rights under any contract such persons might have with respect to indemnification by the Trust.

Derivative Actions

The Declaration provides a detailed process for the bringing of derivative actions by shareholders in order to permit legitimate inquiries and claims while avoiding the time, expense, distraction, and other harm that can be caused to the Trust or its shareholders as a result of spurious shareholder demands and derivative actions. Prior to bringing an action, a shareholder must first make a demand on the Trustees. The Declaration details information, certifications, undertakings and acknowledgements that must be included in the demand. The Trustees are not required to consider a demand that is not submitted in accordance with the requirements contained in the Declaration. The Declaration also requires that, in order to bring a derivative action, the complaining shareholder must be joined in the action by shareholders owning, at the time of the alleged wrongdoing, at the time of demand, and at the time the action is commenced, shares representing at least 5% of the voting power of the affected Portfolio.

The Trustees have a period of 90 days, which may be extended by an additional 60 days, to consider the demand. If a majority of the Trustees who are considered independent for the purposes of considering the demand determine that a suit should be maintained, then the Trust will commence the suit and the suit will proceed directly and not derivatively. If a majority of the Independent Trustees determine that maintaining the suit would not be in the best interests of the Portfolio, the Trustees are required to reject the demand and the complaining shareholders may not proceed with the derivative action unless the shareholders are able to sustain the burden of proof to a court that the decision of the Trustees not to pursue the requested action was not a good-faith exercise of their business judgment on behalf of the Trust. Trustees are not considered to have a personal financial interest in an action by virtue of

 

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being compensated for their services as board members of the Trust or of affiliated funds, or by virtue of the amount of their remuneration.

If a demand is rejected, the complaining shareholder will be responsible for the costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trust in connection with the consideration of the demand, if, in the judgment of the independent Trustees, the demand was made without reasonable cause or for an improper purpose. If a derivative action is brought in violation of the Declaration, the shareholders bringing the action may be responsible for the Trust’s costs, including attorneys’ fees.

The Declaration further provides that the Trust shall be responsible for payment of attorneys’ fees and legal expenses incurred by a complaining shareholder only if required by law, and any attorneys’ fees that the Trust is obligated to pay shall be calculated using reasonable hourly rates.

The Declaration requires that any action commenced by a shareholder be brought in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts or, if that is not a proper forum, then such action must be brought in the Business Litigation Session of Suffolk Superior Court in Massachusetts. In addition, trial by jury is waived to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The classes of shares of the Portfolio are identical in all respects, except that (i) each class may bear differing amounts of certain class-specific expenses; (ii) Class 3 shares are subject to service and distribution fees while Class 1 shares are subject to distribution fees; (iii) Class 3 shares have voting rights on matters that pertain to the Rule 12b-1 Plan adopted with respect to Class 3 shares; and (iv) Class 1 shares have voting rights on matters that pertain to the Rule 12b-1 Plan adopted with respect to Class 1 shares.

As of the date of this SAI, no shareholders owned, of record or beneficially, 5% or more of the Portfolio’s shares.

PRICE OF SHARES

Shares of the Trust are currently offered only to the Separate Accounts of the Life Companies. The Trust is open for business on any day the NYSE is open for business. Shares are valued each day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (generally, 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time). The Portfolio calculates the NAV of each class of its shares separately by dividing the total value of its net assets of each class by the number of such class shares outstanding. The Board is responsible for the share valuation process and has adopted a policy and procedure (the “PRC Procedures”) for valuing the securities and other assets held by the Portfolio, including procedures for the fair valuation securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or are unreliable. The PRC Procedures provide for the establishment of a pricing review committee that is responsible for, among other things, making certain determinations in connection with the Portfolio’s fair valuation procedures. There is no single standard for making fair value determinations, which may result in prices that vary from those of other portfolios. A description of the pricing procedures that are generally used to value the securities held by the Portfolio are described below.

Stocks are generally valued based upon closing sales prices reported on recognized securities exchanges on which the securities are principally traded. Stocks listed on the NASDAQ are valued using the NASDAQ Official Closing Price (“NOCP”). Generally, the NOCP will be the last sale price unless the reported trade for the stock is outside the range of the bid/ask price. In such cases, the NOCP will be normalized to the nearer of the bid or ask price. For listed securities having no sales reported and for unlisted securities, such securities will be valued based upon the last reported bid price.

As of the close of regular trading on the NYSE, securities traded primarily on exchanges outside the United States are valued at the last sale price on such exchanges on the day of valuation, or if there is no sale on the day of valuation, at the last-reported bid price. If a security’s price is available from more than one exchange, the Portfolio uses the exchange that is the primary market for the security. However, depending on the foreign market, closing prices may be up to 15 hours old when they are used to price the Portfolio’s shares, and the Portfolio may determine that certain closing prices do not reflect the fair value of the security. This determination will be based on the review of a number of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign

 

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securities. If the Portfolio determines that closing prices do not reflect the fair value of the securities, the Portfolio will adjust the previous closing prices in accordance with pricing procedures approved by the Board to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE. The Portfolio may also fair value securities in other situations, for example, when a particular foreign market is closed but the Portfolio is open. For foreign equity securities and foreign equity futures contracts, the Portfolio uses an outside pricing service to provide it with closing market prices and information used for adjusting those prices.

Futures contracts traded on national exchanges are valued at the quoted daily settlement price established by the exchange on which they trade as reported by a Board-approved pricing service. Option contracts traded on national exchanges are valued at the mean of the last bid and ask price reported by a Board-approved pricing service as of the close of the exchange for which they are traded. Option contracts traded OTC are valued at the mid-valuation provided by a Board-approved pricing service. Swaptions and other option derivatives (i.e., straddle options) are valued at a mid-valuation provided by a Board-approved pricing service. Swap contracts traded on national exchanges are valued at the closing price of the exchange on which they are traded or if a closing price of the exchange is not available, the swap will be valued using a mid-valuation provided by a Board-approved pricing service. Swap contracts traded OTC will be valued at a mid-valuation provided by a Board-approved pricing service. Investments in registered investment companies that do not trade on an exchange are valued at the end of day NAV per share. Investments in registered investment companies that trade on an exchange are valued at the last sales price or official closing price as of the close of the customary trading session on the exchange where the security is principally traded.

Bonds, debentures, and other debt securities are valued at evaluated bid prices obtained for the day of valuation from a Board-approved pricing service. The pricing services may use valuation models or matrix pricing, which considers information with respect to comparable bond and note transactions, quotations from bond dealers, or by reference to other securities that are considered comparable in such characteristics as rating, interest rate, and maturity date, option-adjusted spreads models, prepayments projections, interest-rate spreads, and yield curves to determine current value. If a price is unavailable from a Board-approved pricing service, the securities may be priced at the mean of two independent quotes obtained from brokers.

Senior floating-rate loans are valued at the average of available bids in the market for such loans, as provided by a Board-approved loan pricing service.

Other securities are valued on the basis of last sale or bid price (if a last sale price is not available) which is, in the opinion of the Adviser, available from the broadest and most representative market, that may be either a securities exchange or OTC market.

Each business day, the Portfolio’s NAV is transmitted electronically to insurance companies that use the Portfolio as an underlying investment option for Variable Contracts.

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE

As discussed in the Prospectus, the Adviser or the Subadviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for the Portfolio, selection of broker-dealers and negotiation of commission rates. Orders may be directed to any broker-dealer including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by applicable law, an affiliated brokerage subsidiary of SunAmerica.

It is the policy of the Trust, in effecting transactions in portfolio securities, to seek the best execution at the most favorable prices. The determination of what may constitute best execution involves a number of considerations,

including, without limitation: the economic result to the Portfolio (involving both price paid or received and any commissions and other costs); the value of the expected contribution of the broker through brokerage and research services to the investment performance of the Portfolio and other clients of the Adviser or the Subadviser through client commission benefits, as discussed below; the timeliness and efficiency with which the transaction is effected where a large block is involved; the availability of the broker to stand ready to execute potentially difficult transactions; and the financial strength, reliability, integrity, operational capabilities and stability of the broker. Such considerations are judgmental and are considered in determining the overall reasonableness of brokerage

 

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commissions paid. Sales of Portfolio shares are not considered in the selection of a broker to execute transactions in portfolio securities for the Portfolio.

A factor in the selection of brokers is the receipt of research services—analyses and reports concerning markets, issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends—and other statistical and factual information. Research services may come in the form of research reports via electronic delivery or print, oral discussions and personal meetings with securities analysts, corporate and industry spokespersons, and access to various computer-generated data. Research and other statistical and factual information provided by brokers is considered to be in addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by the Adviser or the Subadviser.

The Adviser or the Subadviser may cause the Portfolio to pay broker-dealers commissions that exceed what other broker-dealers may have charged for executing the same transaction, if in its view the greater commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or research services provided by the broker-dealer to the Adviser or the Subadviser viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of the Adviser or the Subadviser. No specific value can be determined for research services furnished without cost to the Adviser or the Subadviser by a broker. The Adviser or the Subadviser is of the opinion that because the material must be analyzed and reviewed by its staff, its receipt does not tend to reduce expenses, but may be beneficial in supplementing the Adviser or the Subadviser’s research and analysis. However, to the extent that research services of value are provided by broker-dealers with or through whom the Adviser or the Subadviser places the Portfolio’s portfolio transactions, the Adviser or the Subadviser may be relieved of expenses it might otherwise bear. The Adviser or the Subadviser does not seek to allocate to any particular client account the relative costs or benefits of research services received from a broker-dealer. Rather, the Adviser or the Subadviser believes that any research services received from a broker-dealer are, in the aggregate, of assistance to the Adviser or the Subadviser in fulfilling its overall responsibilities to its clients. Therefore, it may tend to benefit the Portfolio by improving the quality of the Adviser or the Subadviser’s investment advice. Accordingly, research services furnished by broker-dealers may be used in servicing some or all client accounts and not all services may be used in connection with the Portfolio or account that paid commissions to the broker-dealer providing such services. As discussed below, certain transactions do not generate brokerage commissions and therefore client accounts that trade in such assets, including the Portfolio, may benefit from, or be “cross-subsidized” by, research services received by the Adviser or the Subadviser through accounts that pay brokerage commissions. The investment advisory fees paid by the Portfolio are not reduced because the Adviser or the Subadviser receives such services. When making purchases of underwritten issues with fixed underwriting fees, the Adviser or the Subadviser may designate the use of broker-dealers who have agreed to provide the Adviser or the Subadviser with certain statistical, research and other information.

Also, subject to best price and execution and consistent with applicable securities laws and regulations, the Board may instruct the Adviser or the Subadviser to direct brokerage to certain broker-dealers under an agreement whereby these broker-dealers would pay designated Portfolio expenses, including, for example, custody expenses. The brokerage of one portfolio will not be used to help pay the expenses of any other AIG mutual fund. SunAmerica will continue to waive its fees or reimburse expenses for any portfolio for which it has agreed to do so. All expenses paid through expense offset arrangements resulting in broker commission recapture will be over and above such waivers and/or reimbursements, so that SunAmerica will not receive any direct or indirect economic benefit from the directed brokerage arrangements.

A directed brokerage agreement includes those arrangements under which products or services (other than execution of securities transactions), expense reimbursements, or commissions are recaptured for a client from or through a broker-dealer, in exchange for directing the client’s brokerage transactions to that broker-dealer. The Board has determined that certain directed brokerage arrangements are in the best interest of the Portfolio and its shareholders and, therefore, has conveyed the information to the Adviser or the Subadviser. The Portfolio may participate in directed brokerage agreements, provided the portfolio manager can still obtain the best price and execution for trades. Thus, the Portfolio may benefit from the products or services or recaptured commissions obtained through the directed brokerage arrangement, although there may be other transaction costs, greater spreads, or less favorable net prices on transactions. As long as the trader executing the transaction for the Portfolio indicates that this is a directed brokerage transactions, the Portfolio will get a percentage of commissions paid on either domestic trades or international trades credited back to the Portfolio. These credits are in hard dollars and could be used to offset the Portfolio’s custody expenses or to pay other Portfolio expenses (excluding expenses payable to affiliates). By

 

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entering into a directed brokerage arrangement, the Portfolio can reduce expenses reported to shareholders in its statement or operations, fee table and expense ratio and can increase its reported yield. To the extent SunAmerica or any “affiliated person,” as that term is defined by the 1940 Act, has agreed to waive or reimburse any amounts otherwise payable to them by the Portfolio or reimburse the Portfolio’s expenses (collectively “Expense Waivers”), any amount of commissions used to pay operating expenses of the Portfolio shall not reduce amounts of expenses borne by SunAmerica or its affiliate under such Expense Waivers, but shall instead be used solely to reduce expenses borne to the Portfolio to a lower level than the Portfolio would have borne after giving full effect to the Expense Waivers.

Although the objectives of other accounts or investment companies that the Adviser or the Subadviser manages may differ from those of the Portfolio, it is possible that, at times, identical securities will be acceptable for purchase by the Portfolio and one or more other accounts or investment companies that the Adviser or the Subadviser manages. However, the position of each account or company in the securities of the same issuer may vary with the length of time that each account or company may choose to hold its investment in those securities. The timing and amount of purchase by each account and company will also be determined by its cash position. If the purchase or sale of a security is consistent with the investment policies of the Portfolio and one or more of these other accounts or companies is considered at or about the same time, transactions in such securities will be allocated in a manner deemed equitable by the Adviser or the Subadviser. The Adviser or the Subadviser may combine such transactions, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, where the size of the transaction would enable it to negotiate a better price or reduced commission. However, simultaneous transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Portfolio to obtain or dispose of the full amount of a security that it seeks to purchase or sell, or the price at which such security can be purchased or sold.

Under the European Union’s (the “EU”) Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (“MiFID II”), investment managers in the EU may not use client brokerage commissions to pay for research from brokers. Investment managers in the EU are instead required to either pay for research out of their own profit and loss or agree with clients to have research costs paid by clients through research payment accounts that are funded out of execution commissions or by a specific client research charge, provided that the payments for research are unbundled from the payments for execution. To the extent a subadviser is located in the EU, it will be subject to the restrictions of MiFID II in connection with its management of the Portfolio.

Certain transactions in portfolio securities may be principal transactions with issuers and dealers at net prices which entail no brokerage commissions, while other transactions such as those on a national securities exchange are on an agency basis. When the Portfolio purchases or sells securities or financial futures on an exchange, it pays a commission to any broker or futures commission merchant executing the transaction. When the Portfolio purchases securities from a market-maker, it pays no commission but the price includes a “spread” or “mark-up” (between the bid and asked price) earned by the market-making dealer on the transaction. In the OTC market, securities are generally traded on a “net” basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a stated commission (although the price of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer). In underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price, which includes an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter’s concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market instruments may be purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are paid.

The Adviser or the Subadviser may effect portfolio transactions through an affiliated broker-dealer, if applicable, acting as an agent and not as principal, in accordance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act and other applicable securities laws.

Commission Recapture Program. Effective December 1, 2004, the Trust implemented a commission recapture program. The Board determined that a commission recapture program is in the best interest of the Portfolio and its shareholders and therefore has conveyed that information to the Subadviser. A commission recapture program includes those arrangements under which products or services (other than execution of securities transactions) or commissions are recaptured for a client from or through a broker-dealer, in exchange for directing the client’s brokerage transactions to that broker-dealer who commits to returning a portion of its commission to the Portfolio. The Portfolio may participate in a commission recapture program, provided the Portfolio Managers can obtain the best price and execution for trades. Thus, the Portfolio may benefit from the products or services or recaptured commissions obtained through the commission recapture program, although there may be other transaction costs, greater spreads, or less favorable net prices on transactions. As long as the trader executing the transaction for the

 

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Portfolio indicates that this is a commission recapture transaction, the Portfolio will get a percentage of commissions paid on either domestic trades or international trades credited back to the Portfolio. The brokerage of one portfolio will not be used to help pay the expenses, or otherwise recaptured for the benefit, of any other portfolio. SunAmerica will continue to waive its fees or reimburse expenses for any portfolio for which it has agreed to do so. All expenses paid through the commission recapture program will be over and above such waivers and/or reimbursements, so that SunAmerica will not receive any direct or indirect economic benefit from the commission recapture program.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As the Portfolio has not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI, no financial information is available.

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as the Trust’s custodian. In this capacity, State Street maintains the portfolio securities held by the Trust, administers the purchase and sale of portfolio securities and performs certain other duties.

Transfer Agent

VALIC Retirement Services Company, 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston Texas 77019, is the Trust’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent pursuant to the Master Transfer Agency and Service Agreement (“Service Agreement”). The Service Agreement provides for a combined annual payment of $150,000 by the Trust, Seasons Series Trust and Anchor Series Trust for transfer agency and related services. The transfer agency charge will be allocated based on the number of shareholders per each trust.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Legal Counsel

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 5800, Houston, Texas 7702, is the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm. PwC performs an annual audit of the Trust’s financial statements and provides tax advisory services, and tax return preparation relating to filings with the SEC.

The firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019-6099, serves as legal counsel to the Trust.

Reports to Shareholders

Persons having a beneficial interest in the Trust are provided at least semi-annually with reports showing the investments of the Portfolio, financial statements and other information.

Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Policies and Procedures

The Board has adopted policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the Portfolio’s securities. These policies and procedures prohibit the release of information concerning portfolio holdings that have not previously been made public to individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute the Portfolio’s shares and other parties that are not employed by SunAmerica or its affiliates. Except when there are legitimate business purposes for selective disclosure and other conditions (designed to protect the Portfolio and its participants) are met, the Trust does not provide or permit others to provide information about the Portfolio’s holdings on a selective basis.

The Trust makes the Portfolio’s portfolio holdings available semi-annually in shareholder reports filed on Form N-CSR and after the first and third fiscal quarters in regulatory filings on Form N-PORT. These shareholder reports and regulatory filings are filed with the SEC, as required by federal securities laws, and are generally available within sixty (60) days of the end of the Trust’s fiscal quarter. In addition, the Trust’s complete holdings information will be made available on the Trust’s website on a monthly basis. The Portfolio’s holdings at the end of each month will be posted approximately 30 days after the month end.

In addition, the Trust generally makes publicly available, on a periodic basis, information regarding the Portfolio’s top ten holdings (including name and percentage of the Portfolio’s assets invested in each holding) and the percentage breakdown of the Portfolio’s investments by country, sector and industry, as applicable. This information, marketing communications (including printed advertising and sales literature) is generally made available at www.aig.com/funds or online through the internet websites of the life insurance companies offering the Portfolio as an investment option and/or the Trust’s telephone customer service centers. This information is generally not released until the information is at least 15 days old, unless otherwise approved by the Trust’s legal department. The Trust and its affiliates are not authorized to receive compensation or other consideration for the non-public disclosure of portfolio holdings information.

 

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Before any non-public disclosure of information about the Portfolio’s holdings is permitted, any employee seeking to disclose such information must submit a written form to his or her department head requesting the release of non-public portfolio holdings information. The request must then be submitted to the legal and compliance departments of SunAmerica and the Trust. The Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer and/or SunAmerica’s legal counsel are responsible for authorizing the selective release of portfolio holding information. To find that it is in the shareholders’ best interest, it must be determined that the selective disclosure of portfolio holdings information is necessary to the Portfolio’s operation or useful to the Portfolio’s shareholders without compromising the integrity or performance of the Portfolio. If the request is approved, the Trust and the third party must execute a confidentiality agreement governing the third party’s duties with respect to the portfolio holdings information, which includes the duty to keep such information confidential and to not use the information for the purpose of trading in the shares of the Portfolio for any reason.

The Trust’s executive officers and SunAmerica’s legal counsel are responsible for determining whether there is a legitimate business purpose for the disclosure of such information and whether there are conflicts between the Portfolio’s participants and the Portfolio’s affiliates. To find that there is a legitimate business purpose, it must be determined that the selective disclosure of portfolio holdings information is necessary for the Portfolio’s operation or useful to the Portfolio’s participants without compromising the integrity or performance of the Portfolio.

Non-public holdings information may be provided to the Trust’s service providers on an as-needed basis in connection with the services provided to the Portfolio by such service providers. Information may be provided to these parties without a time lag. Service providers that may be provided with information concerning the Portfolio’s holdings include SunAmerica and its affiliates, legal counsel, independent registered public accounting firms, custodian, fund accounting agent, financial printers, proxy voting service providers and broker-dealers who are involved in executing portfolio transactions on behalf of the Portfolio. Portfolio holdings information may also be provided to the Board. The entities to which the Trust provides portfolio holdings information either by explicit arrangement or by virtue of their respective duties to the Portfolio are required to maintain the confidentiality of the information provided.

At each quarterly meeting of the Board, the Trustees review a report disclosing the third parties to whom the Portfolio’s holdings information has been disclosed and the purpose for such disclosure, and consider whether or not the release of information to such third parties is in the best interest of the Portfolio and its participants.

 

 

Subadviser. The Subadviser is continuously provided with the entire portfolio holdings for the Portfolio on a daily basis. In the case of a multi-managed portfolio, the Subadviser has access only to that portion of the Portfolio’s holdings that it subadvises. In the event the Subadviser is engaged to assume subadvisory duties of the Portfolio, the Trust routinely discloses portfolio holdings information to such Subadviser prior to its assumption of duties.

 

 

PwC. PwC is provided with entire portfolio holdings information during periods in which it performs its audits or reviews of the Portfolio’s financial statements. PwC does not disclose to third parties information regarding the Portfolio’s holdings.

 

 

Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”). E&Y is provided with portfolio holdings information during the period in which the annual audits are performed on the Portfolio’s financial statements. E&Y does not disclose to third parties information regarding the Portfolio’s holdings.

 

 

State Street. State Street, as custodian to the Portfolio, has daily access to the entire holdings of the Portfolio. State Street does not disclose or release information regarding the Portfolio’s holdings except as instructed by the Portfolio.

 

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Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”). The Performance Measurement Group discloses the entire portfolio holdings information for the Portfolio on a monthly basis to Broadridge approximately fifteen (15) days after the month end. Broadridge analyzes the information to produce various statistical measures and general portfolio information (including equity investment style, asset category percentages, credit analysis, top 10 and top 25 holdings, sector weighting, etc.) and uses the information to determine the Portfolio’s asset class and category in order to place the Portfolio in the appropriate peer group. Broadridge does not disclose the entire portfolio holdings of the Portfolio, but does disclose the information listed above. This information is made available to Broadridge subscribers approximately sixty (60) days after the receipt of information from the Portfolio.

 

 

Morningstar, Inc. (“Morningstar”). Morningstar is a subscription-based service, though certain information regarding stocks and retail mutual funds may be accessed through its website at no charge. Information regarding the Portfolio is available only with a subscription. State Street forwards entire portfolio holdings information to Morningstar on a monthly basis, approximately thirty (30) days after each month end. Morningstar analyzes the information to produce various reports that contain statistical measures and other portfolio information (including equity style, asset category percentages, credit analysis, top 10 and top 25 holdings, sector weighting, etc.). Entire portfolio holdings information is available to subscribers within approximately one week of Morningstar’s receipt of the information. Other Morningstar subscription-based products provide statistical measures and portfolio information generally between fifteen (15) to thirty (30) days after its receipt of such information.

 

 

S&P. The Performance Measurement Group discloses the entire portfolio holdings information for the Portfolio on a quarterly basis, approximately thirty (30) days after the month end. S&P analyzes the information to produce various statistical measures and general portfolio information (including equity investment style, asset category percentages, credit analysis, top 10 and top 25 holdings, sector weighting, etc.) and uses the information to determine the Portfolio’s asset class and category in order to place the Portfolio in the appropriate peer group. S&P does not disclose the entire portfolio holdings of the Portfolio, but does disclose the information listed above. This information is made available to S&P subscribers approximately sixty (60) days after the receipt of information from the Portfolio.

 

 

Bloomberg L.P. (“Bloomberg”). The Performance Measurement Group discloses the entire portfolio holdings information for the Portfolio on a quarterly basis, approximately thirty (30) days after the month end. This information is made available to subscribers of Bloomberg’s various databases within one (1) to fourteen (14) days of its receipt.

 

 

Thomson Financial. The Performance Measurement Group discloses the entire portfolio holdings information for the Portfolio on a monthly basis, approximately thirty (30) days after the month end. This information is made available to subscribers of Thomson Financial’s various databases within a few days of its receipt.

 

 

Financial Printers. Portfolio Accounting provides various financial printers with portfolio holdings information between thirty (30) and sixty (60) days after the Portfolio’s fiscal quarter. Financial printers assist the Portfolio with the filing of its annual and semi-annual shareholder reports and quarterly regulatory filings with the SEC and the printing of shareholder reports for distribution to participants. Financial printers do not disclose the information publicly other than to file the document on the SEC’s EDGAR database.

 

 

Investment Company Institute (“ICI”). Portfolio Accounting provides the ICI with certain holdings information (top 10 holdings, sector weighting and asset categories) regarding the Portfolio on a quarterly basis, approximately fifteen (15) days after the quarter end. The ICI uses this information for survey purposes and does not disclose the Portfolio’s holding information publicly.

 

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Zeno Consulting Group (formerly, Plexus Group) (“Zeno”). State Street provides purchase and sale information with respect to the Portfolio’s equity holdings on a quarterly basis approximately fifteen (15) days after the quarter end. Zeno analyzes the information to produce reports containing brokerage execution statistics and comparisons. These reports are provided to the Portfolio and Zeno does not disclose publicly the information it receives or the reports it prepares. SunAmerica’s contract with Zeno includes a confidentiality clause.

 

 

Manhattan Creative Partners (d/b/a “Diligent”). Marketing provides Diligent with entire portfolio holdings on a monthly basis approximately seven (7) days as of the month end. Diligent services the website of the AIG Funds. Diligent also hosts the Board’s online meeting materials.

 

 

Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”). ISS downloads weekly portfolio information (i.e., custodian identification number, security identification number, share position and description of the security) through State Street Insight System. This information is used solely for the purposes of voting proxies on behalf of the Portfolio and is not publicly disclosed. SunAmerica’s contract with ISS includes a confidentiality clause.

 

 

SunAmerica Retirement Markets, Inc. (“SARM”). SARM, as the primary marketer of variable annuities or variable life insurance products (the “Variable Products”) that offer the Trust, requires access to the non-public portfolio holdings information of the Portfolio in order to facilitate its management and marketing of the Variable Products as well as to facilitate the monitoring, review and analysis of the Trust and the Subadviser of the Portfolio by certain SARM employees who are supervised by SunAmerica. SARM is continuously provided with the entire portfolio holdings for the Portfolio on a daily basis.

Additional Information about Shareholder Voting

Shares of the Trust are owned through the Separate Accounts of the Life Companies and through funds-of-funds.

The Separate Accounts are the primary shareholders of the Trust. Each Separate Account is a segregated asset account established by a Life Company. At shareholder meetings, each Life Company votes the shares of the Portfolio held by its Separate Account(s) in accordance with timely instructions received from persons entitled to give voting instructions under the Variable Contracts. Each Life Company votes shares attributable to Variable Contracts as to which no voting instructions are received in proportion (for, against or abstain) to those for which instructions are received.

The number of shares of beneficial interest in the Portfolio for which a Variable Contract owner may give voting instructions is equal to the number of shares, or fraction of shares, held in the Separate Account attributable to the owner’s Variable Contract. Each outstanding share of the Portfolio is entitled to one vote and each fractional share is entitled to a fractional vote.

With respect to those shares of the Trust held by funds-of-funds, funds-of-funds will vote the shares of their underlying portfolios in accordance with the funds-of-funds’ proxy voting policies and procedures.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

Proxy Voting Responsibility. The Trust has adopted policies and procedures for the voting of proxies relating to Portfolio securities (the “Policies”). The Policies were drafted according to recommendations by SunAmerica and an independent proxy voting agent. The Policies enable the Trust to vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interests of the Portfolio and the Portfolio’s shareholders. A committee has been established (the “Proxy Voting Committee”) to administer the voting of all Portfolio proxies in accordance with the Policies. The Proxy Voting Committee will consist of a member of the Investment Management Department, at least one member of the Legal and Compliance Departments and at least one person with respect to SunAmerica who oversees the Subadviser (with respect to the Portfolio, the discretion over which is delegated to the Subadviser), or its designees.

The Proxy Voting Committee has engaged the services of an independent voting agent to assist in issue analyses, vote recommendations for proxy proposals, and to assist the Portfolio with certain responsibilities including recordkeeping of proxy votes.

 

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The Portfolio is generally a passive investor in holding portfolio securities, seeking to maximize shareholder value, but not necessarily to exercise control over the issuers of portfolio securities, or otherwise advance a particular social agenda. The Portfolio generally will abstain on “social issue proposals.”

In addition, in accordance with local law or business practices, many foreign companies prevent the sales of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to the shareholder meeting and ending on the day following the meeting. The Board has determined that the costs of voting proxies with respect to such shares of foreign companies generally outweigh any benefits that may be achieved by voting such proxies. The costs of voting such proxies include the potentially serious portfolio management consequences of reduced flexibility to sell the shares at the most advantageous time for the Portfolio. As a result, such proxies generally will not be voted in the absence of an unusual, significant vote of compelling economic importance.

Case-By-Case Voting Matters. The Proxy Voting Committee has established proxy voting guidelines (the “Guidelines”), which identify certain vote items to be determined on a case-by-case basis. In these circumstances, and in proposals not specifically addressed by the Policies, the Proxy Voting Committee generally will rely on the guidance or a recommendation from the independent proxy voting agent, but may rely on the Subadviser of the Portfolio, or other sources. SunAmerica, or the Subadviser of the Portfolio, may propose to deviate from the Guidelines or guidance or recommendations from the independent proxy voting agent. In these instances, the Proxy Voting Committee will recommend the vote that will maximize value for, and is in the best interests of, the Portfolio’s shareholders.

Examples of the Portfolio’s Positions on Voting Matters. Consistent with the approaches described above, the following are examples of the Portfolio’s voting positions on specific matters:

 

 

Vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to increase authorized common stock;

 

 

Vote on a case-by-case basis on most mutual fund matter shareholder proposals to terminate the investment adviser;

 

 

Vote against authorization of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock);

 

 

Vote on a case-by-case basis regarding merger and acquisition matters;

 

 

Not vote proxies for securities that are out on loan;* and

 

 

Vote on a case-by-case basis on equity compensation plans.

Conflicts of Interest. Members of the Proxy Voting Committee will resolve conflicts of interest presented by a proxy vote. In practice, application of the Guidelines will in most instances adequately address any possible conflicts of interest, as votes generally are effected according to the Policies or recommendations of the independent proxy voting agent.

However, if a situation arises where a vote presents a conflict between the interests of the Portfolio’s shareholders and the interests of SunAmerica or one of its affiliates, and the conflict is known to the Proxy Voting Committee, the Committee will consult with one Independent Trustee, time permitting, before casting the vote to ensure that the Portfolio votes in the best interest of its shareholders. Any individual with a known conflict may be required by the Proxy Voting Committee to recuse himself or herself from being involved in the proxy voting decision.

Proxy Voting Records. The Proxy Voting Committee will be responsible for documenting its basis for (a) any determination to vote a particular proxy in a manner contrary to its generally stated Guidelines, (b) any determination to vote a particular proxy in a non-uniform manner, and (c) any other material determination made by the Proxy Voting Committee, as well as for ensuring the maintenance of records of each proxy vote, as required by applicable law. The independent proxy voting agent will maintain records of voting decisions for each vote cast on behalf of the Portfolio. The proxy voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or can be obtained, without charge, upon request, by calling (800) 858-8850.

 

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Board Reporting. The Portfolio’s Chief Compliance Officer will provide a summary report at each quarterly meeting of the Boards which describes any Proxy Voting Committee meeting(s) held during the prior quarter.

 

 

*

The boards of the funds that have approved the lending of portfolio securities have determined that the costs of voting proxies with respect to securities that are out on loan generally outweigh any benefit that may be achieved by the voting of such proxies. The costs of voting such proxies include the opportunity cost of lost securities lending income when securities are recalled from a loan. However, under certain circumstances, including where the Adviser and/or the Subadviser to the Portfolio determines that a proxy vote is materially important to the Portfolio’s interest and where it is feasible to recall the security on a timely basis, the Adviser will use its reasonable efforts to recall the security.

 

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APPENDIX

CORPORATE BOND AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS

Moody’s Global Rating Scales

Ratings assigned on Moody’s global long-term and short-term rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Moody’s short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.

Moody’s Global Long-Term Rating Scale:

 

Aaa

    

Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to  the lowest level of credit risk.

Aa

    

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

A

    

Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk

Baa

    

Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.

Ba

    

Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.

B

    

Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk.

Caa

 

    

  

Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.

Ca

    

Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C

    

Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a “(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.*

Moody’s Global Short-Term Ratings Scale:

Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

 

P-1

    

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a  superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

P-2

 

    

  

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

P-3

    

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

NP

    

Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

Moody’s Bond Fund (bf) Ratings

Bond Fund Ratings are opinions of the credit quality of investments within mutual funds and similar investment vehicles which principally invest in medium- and long-term fixed income obligations. As such, these ratings primarily reflect Moody’s assessment of the creditworthiness of the assets held by the fund. Other risks, such as liquidity, operational, interest rate, currency and any other market risk, are excluded from the rating. In addition, as the ratings are intended to represent opinions on a fund’s underlying assets, they specifically do not consider the historic, current, or prospective performance of a fund with respect to appreciation, volatility of NAV, or yield.

 

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Aaa-bf

    

Bond Funds rated Aaa-bf generally hold assets judged to be of the highest credit quality.

Aa-bf

    

Bond Funds rated Aa-bf generally hold assets judged to be of high credit quality.

A-bf

 

    

  

Bond Funds rated A-bf generally hold assets considered upper-medium credit quality.

Baa-bf

    

Bond Funds rated Baa-bf generally hold assets considered medium credit quality.

Ba-bf

    

Bond Funds rated Ba-bf generally hold assets judged to have speculative elements.

B-bf

    

Bond Funds rated B-bf generally hold assets considered to be speculative.

Caa-bf

    

Bond Funds rated Caa-bf generally hold assets judged to be of poor standing.

Ca-bf

    

Bond Funds rated Ca-bf generally hold assets that are highly speculative and that are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.

C-bf

    

Bond Funds rated C-bf generally hold assets that are in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.

 

 

 

*

By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

Moody’s Money Market Fund (mf) Ratings

Moody’s Money Market Fund Ratings are opinions of the investment quality of shares in mutual funds and similar investment vehicles which principally invest in short-term fixed income obligations. As such, these ratings incorporate Moody’s assessment of a fund’s published investment objectives and policies, the creditworthiness of the assets held by the fund, the liquidity profile of the fund’s assets relative to the fund’s investor base, the assets’ susceptibility to market risk, as well as the management characteristics of the fund. The ratings are not intended to consider the prospective performance of a fund with respect to appreciation, volatility of NAV, or yield.

 

Aaa-mf

    

Money market funds rated Aaa-mf have very strong ability to meet the dual objectives of providing liquidity and preserving capital.

Aa-mf

 

    

  

Money market funds rated Aa-mf have strong ability to meet the dual objectives of providing liquidity and preserving capital.

A-mf

    

Money market funds rated A-mf have moderate ability to meet the dual objectives of providing liquidity and preserving capital.

Baa-mf

    

Money market funds rated Baa-mf have marginal ability to meet the dual objectives of providing liquidity and preserving capital.

B-mf

    

Money market funds rated B-mf are unable to meet the objective of providing liquidity and have marginal ability to meet the objective of preserving capital.

C-mf

    

Money market funds rated C-mf are unable to meet either objective of providing liquidity or preserving capital.

S&P Issue Credit Rating Definitions

An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects S&P Global Ratings’ view of the obligor’s capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.

Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days—including commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.

 

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S&P Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings

Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on S&P Global Ratings’ analysis of the following considerations:

 

 

The likelihood of payment—the capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on a financial obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

 

 

The nature and provisions of the financial obligation, and the promise we impute; and

 

 

The protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of a bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors’ rights.

Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)

 

AAA

 

    

  

An obligation rated ‘AAA’ has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.

AA

    

An obligation rated ‘AA’ differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.

A

    

An obligation rated ‘A’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.

BBB

    

An obligation rated ‘BBB’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

BB; B; CCC; CC; and C

Obligations rated ‘BB’, ‘B’, ‘CCC’, ‘CC’, and ‘C’ are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB’ indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C’ the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

 

BB

 

    

  

An obligation rated ‘BB’ is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B

    

An obligation rated ‘B’ is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB’, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CCC

    

An obligation rated ‘CCC’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

CC

    

An obligation rated ‘CC’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC’ rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.

C

    

An obligation rated ‘C’ is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher.

 

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D

 

    

  

An obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

NR

    

This indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.

Plus (+) or minus (-)

The ratings from ‘AA’ to ‘CCC’ may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.

S&P Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings

 

A-1

 

    

  

A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1’ is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.

A-2

    

A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2’ is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.

A-3

    

A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3’ exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.

B

    

A short-term obligation rated ‘B’ is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.

C

    

A short-term obligation rated ‘C’ is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation

 

D

    

A short-term obligation rated ‘D’ is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D’ rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D’ rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation’s rating is lowered to ‘D’ if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.

S&P Active Qualifiers

 

L

 

    

  

Ratings qualified with ‘L’ apply only to amounts invested up to federal deposit insurance limits.

p

    

This suffix is used for issues in which the credit factors, the terms, or both, that determine the likelihood of receipt of payment of principal are different from the credit factors, terms or both that determine the likelihood of receipt of interest on the obligation. The ‘p’ suffix indicates that the rating addresses the principal portion of the obligation only and that the interest is not rated.

prelim

Preliminary ratings, with the ‘prelim’ suffix, may be assigned to obligors or obligations, including financial programs, in the circumstances described below. Assignment of a final rating is conditional on the receipt by S&P

 

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Global Ratings of appropriate documentation. S&P Global Ratings reserves the right not to issue a final rating. Moreover, if a final rating is issued, it may differ from the preliminary rating.

 

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations, most commonly structured and project finance issues, pending receipt of final documentation and legal opinions.

 

 

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned to obligations that will likely be issued upon the obligor’s emergence from bankruptcy or similar reorganization, based on late-stage reorganization plans, documentation and discussions with the obligor. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligors. These ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the reorganized or post-bankruptcy issuer as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s).

 

 

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned to entities that are being formed or that are in the process of being independently established when, in S&P Global Ratings’ opinion, documentation is close to final. Preliminary ratings may also be assigned to the obligations of these entities.

 

 

 

Preliminary ratings may be assigned when a previously unrated entity is undergoing a well-formulated restructuring, recapitalization, significant financing or other transformative event, generally at the point that investor or lender commitments are invited. The preliminary rating may be assigned to the entity and to its proposed obligation(s). These preliminary ratings consider the anticipated general credit quality of the obligor, as well as attributes of the anticipated obligation(s), assuming successful completion of the transformative event. Should the transformative event not occur, S&P Global Ratings would likely withdraw these preliminary ratings.

 

 

 

A preliminary recovery rating may be assigned to an obligation that has a preliminary issue credit rating.

 

 

t

 

    

  

This symbol indicates termination structures that are designed to honor their contracts to full maturity or, should certain events occur, to terminate and cash settle all their contracts before their final maturity date.

cir

    

This symbol indicates a Counterparty Instrument Rating (CIR), which is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an issuer in a securitization structure with respect to a specific financial obligation to a counterparty (including interest rate swaps, currency swaps, and liquidity facilities). The CIR is determined on an ultimate payment basis; these opinions do not take into account timeliness of payment.

S&P Inactive Qualifiers (No longer applied or outstanding)

 

*

 

    

  

This symbol that indicated that the rating was contingent upon S&P Global Ratings’ receipt of an executed copy of the escrow agreement or closing documentation confirming investments and cash flows. Discontinued use in August 1998.

c

    

This qualifier was used to provide additional information to investors that the bank may terminate its obligation to purchase tendered bonds if the long-term credit rating of the issuer was lowered to below an investment-grade level and/or the issuer’s bonds were deemed taxable. Discontinued use in January 2001.

G

    

The letter ‘G’ followed the rating symbol when a fund’s portfolio consisted primarily of direct U.S. government securities.

pi

    

This qualifier was used to indicate ratings that were based on an analysis of an issuer’s published financial information, as well as additional information in the public domain. Such ratings did not, however, reflect in-depth meetings with an issuer’s management and therefore, could have been based on less comprehensive information than ratings without a ‘pi’ suffix. Discontinued use as of December 2014 and as of August 2015 for Lloyd’s Syndicate Assessments.

pr

    

The letters ‘pr’ indicate that the rating was provisional. A provisional rating assumed the successful completion of a project financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service requirements was largely or entirely dependent upon the successful, timely completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of the project, made no comment on the likelihood of or the risk of default upon failure of such completion.

q

    

A ‘q’ subscript indicates that the rating is based solely on quantitative analysis of publicly available information. Discontinued use in April 2001.

 

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r

 

    

  

The ‘r’ modifier was assigned to securities containing extraordinary risks, particularly market risks, which are not covered in the credit rating. The absence of an ‘r’ modifier should not be taken as an indication that an obligation would not exhibit extraordinary non-credit related risks. S&P Global Ratings discontinued the use of the ‘r’ modifier for most obligations in June 2000 and for the balance of obligations (mainly structured finance transactions) in November 2002.

Fitch International Issuer Long-Term Credit Ratings

Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations, sovereigns and insurance companies, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs opine on an entity’s relative vulnerability to default on financial obligations. The “threshold” default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts, although the agency recognizes that issuers may also make pre-emptive and therefore voluntary use of such mechanisms.

In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency’s view of their relative vulnerability to default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default. For historical information on the default experience of Fitch-rated issuers, please consult the transition and default performance studies available from the Fitch Ratings website.

 

AAA

 

    

  

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

AA

    

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

A

    

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

BBB

    

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

BB

    

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

B

    

Highly speculative. ‘B’ ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment.

CCC

    

Substantial credit risk. Default is a real possibility.

CC

    

Very high levels of credit risk. Default of some kind appears probable.

C

    

Exceptionally high levels of credit risk. Default is imminent or inevitable, or the issuer is in standstill. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C’ category rating for an issuer include:

a.

    

the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation;

b.

    

the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a payment default on a material financial obligation; or

c.

    

Fitch Ratings otherwise believes a condition of ‘RD’ or ‘D’ to be imminent or inevitable, including through the formal announcement of a distressed debt exchange.

RD

    

Restricted default. ‘RD’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has experienced an uncured payment default on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include:

a.

    

the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;

 

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b.

 

    

  

the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation;

c.

    

the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; or

d.

    

execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.

D

    

Default. ‘D’ ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch Ratings’ opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, or which has otherwise ceased business.

Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.

“Imminent” default typically refers to the occasion where a payment default has been intimated by the issuer, and is all but inevitable. This may, for example, be where an issuer has missed a scheduled payment, but (as is typical) has a grace period during which it may cure the payment default. Another alternative would be where an issuer has formally announced a distressed debt exchange, but the date of the exchange still lies several days or weeks in the immediate future.

In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency’s opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings, and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer’s financial obligations or local commercial practice.

Note: The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the ‘AAA’ Long-Term IDR category, or to Long-Term IDR categories below ‘B’.

Fitch Short-Term Ratings Assigned to Issuers or Obligations in Corporate, Public and Structured Finance

A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity or security stream and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as “short term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations, and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.

 

F1

 

    

  

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

F2

    

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

F3

    

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

B

    

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

C

    

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

RD

    

Restricted default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.

D

    

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

Rating Watch

Rating Watches indicate that there is a heightened probability of a rating change and the likely direction of such a change. These are designated as “Positive”, indicating a potential upgrade, “Negative”, for a potential downgrade, or “Evolving”, if ratings may be raised, lowered or affirmed. However, ratings that are not on Rating Watch can be raised or lowered without being placed on Rating Watch first, if circumstances warrant such an action.

A Rating Watch is typically event-driven and, as such, it is generally resolved over a relatively short period. The event driving the Watch may be either anticipated or have already occurred, but in both cases, the exact rating

 

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implications remain undetermined. The Watch period is typically used to gather further information and/or subject the information to further analysis. Additionally, a Watch may be used where the rating implications are already clear, but where a triggering event (e.g. shareholder or regulatory approval) exists. The Watch will typically extend to cover the period until the triggering event is resolved or its outcome is predictable with a high enough degree of certainty to permit resolution of the Watch.

Rating Watches can be employed by all analytical groups and are applied to the ratings of individual entities and/or individual instruments. At the lowest categories of speculative grade (‘CCC’, ‘CC’ and ‘C’) the high volatility of credit profiles may imply that almost all ratings should carry a Watch. Watches are nonetheless only applied selectively in these categories, where a committee decides that particular events or threats are best communicated by the addition of the Watch designation.

Rating Outlook

Rating Outlooks indicate the direction a rating is likely to move over a one- to two-year period. They reflect financial or other trends that have not yet reached the level that would trigger a rating action, but which may do so if such trends continue. The majority of Outlooks are generally Stable, which is consistent with the historical migration experience of ratings over a one- to two-year period. Positive or Negative rating Outlooks do not imply that a rating change is inevitable and, similarly, ratings with Stable Outlooks can be raised or lowered without a prior revision to the Outlook, if circumstances warrant such an action. Occasionally, where the fundamental trend has strong, conflicting elements of both positive and negative, the Rating Outlook may be described as Evolving.

Outlooks are currently applied on the long-term scale to issuer ratings in corporate finance (including sovereigns, industrials, utilities, financial institutions and insurance companies) and public finance outside the U.S.; to issue ratings in public finance in the U.S.; to certain issues in project finance; to Insurer Financial Strength Ratings; to issuer and/or issue ratings in a number of National Rating scales; and to the ratings of structured finance transactions and covered bonds. Outlooks are not applied to ratings assigned on the short-term scale and are applied selectively to ratings in the ‘CCC’, ‘CC’ and ‘C’ categories. Defaulted ratings typically do not carry an Outlook.

Deciding When to Assign Rating Watch or Outlook

Timing is informative but not critical to the choice of a Watch rather than an Outlook. A discrete event that is largely clear and the terms of which are defined, but which will not happen for more than six months—such as a lengthy regulatory approval process—would nonetheless likely see ratings placed on Watch rather than a revision to the Outlook.

An Outlook revision may, however, be deemed more appropriate where a series of potential event risks has been identified, none of which individually warrants a Watch but which cumulatively indicate heightened probability of a rating change over the following one to two years.

A revision to the Outlook may also be appropriate where a specific event has been identified, but where the conditions and implications of that event are largely unclear and subject to high execution risk over an extended period—for example a proposed, but politically controversial, privatization.

Additional Usage of Primary Credit Rating Scales

 

Expected

Ratings

    

Where a rating is referred to as “expected”, alternatively referred to as “expects to rate” or suffixed as (EXP), this indicates that a full rating has been assigned based upon the agency’s expectations regarding final documentation, typically based upon a review of the final draft documentation provided by the issuer. If such final documentation is received and is as expected, the expected rating will typically be converted to a final rating. Fitch may also employ ‘expects to rate’ language for new issuers (currently unrated) for ratings that are assigned in the course of a restructuring, refinancing or corporate reorganization. The ‘expects to rate’ will reflect and refer to the rating level expected following the conclusion of the proposed operation (debt issuance, restructure, or merger). While expected ratings typically convert to final ratings within a short time, determined by timing of transaction closure, in the period between assignment of an expected rating and a final rating, expected ratings may be raised, lowered or placed on Rating Watch or withdrawn, as with final ratings.

 

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Private

Ratings

 

  

  

Fitch Ratings also prepares a limited number of private ratings, for example for entities with no publicly traded debt, or where the rating is required for internal benchmarking or regulatory purposes. These ratings are generally provided directly to the rated entity, which is then responsible for ensuring that any party to whom it discloses the private rating is updated when any change in the rating occurs.

Private ratings undergo the same analysis, committee process and surveillance as published ratings, unless otherwise disclosed as “point-in-time” in nature.

 

Program Ratings

 

    

  

Program ratings assigned to corporate and public finance note issuance programs (e.g. medium-term note programs) relate only to standard issues made under the program concerned; it should not be assumed that these ratings apply to every issue made under the program.

“Interest-Only”

Ratings

    

Interest-only ratings are assigned to interest strips. These ratings do not address the possibility that a security holder might fail to recover some or all of its initial investment due to voluntary or involuntary principal repayments.

“Principal-Only”

Ratings

    

Principal-only ratings address the likelihood that a security holder will receive its initial principal investment either before or by the scheduled maturity date.

“Rate of Return”

Ratings

    

Ratings also may be assigned to gauge the likelihood of an investor receiving a certain predetermined internal rate of return without regard to the precise timing of any cash flows.

“Unenhanced”

Ratings

    

Unenhanced ratings reflect the underlying creditworthiness of financial instruments absent any credit enhancement that may be provided through bond insurance, financial guarantees, dedicated letters of credit, liquidity facilities, or intercept mechanisms.

In some cases, Fitch may choose to assign an unenhanced rating along with credit rating based on enhancement. The unenhanced rating indicates the creditworthiness of the financial instrument without considering any benefit of such enhancement. Financial obligations may be enhanced by a guarantee instrument provided by a rated third party.

Rating Actions

 

Affirmed

 

    

  

The rating has been reviewed with no change in rating. Ratings affirmations may also include an affirmation of, or change to an Outlook when an Outlook is used.

Confirmed

    

Action taken in response to an external request or change in terms. Rating has been reviewed in either context, and no rating change has been deemed necessary. For servicer ratings, action taken in response to change in financial condition or IDR of servicer where servicer rating is reviewed in that context exclusively, and no rating action has been deemed necessary.

Downgrade

    

The rating has been lowered in the scale.

Matured

    

This action is used when an issue has reached the end of its repayment term and rating coverage is discontinued. Denoted as ‘NR’.

Paid-In-Full

    

This action indicates that the issue has been paid in full. As the issue no longer exists, it is therefore no longer rated. Denoted as ‘PIF’.

New Rating

    

Rating has been assigned to a previously unrated issue primarily used in cases of shelf issues such as MTNs or similar programs.

Prerefunded

    

Assigned to long-term US Public Finance issues after Fitch assesses refunding escrow.

Publish

    

Initial public announcement of rating on the agency’s website, although not necessarily the first rating assigned. This action denotes when a previously private rating is published.

Upgrade

    

The rating has been raised in the scale.

Withdrawn

    

The rating has been withdrawn and the issue or issuer is no longer rated by Fitch Ratings. Indicated in rating databases with the symbol ‘WD’.

 

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PART C

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28. Exhibits.

(a)      (i)      Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated December 1, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 1, 2017.

(ii)      Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series dated May 23, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 100 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on August 16, 2017.

(iii)      Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series dated August 9, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2018.

(iv)      Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series dated December 19, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 104 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 1, 2018.

(v)      Amended and Restated Designation of Series of Shares dated April 4, 2018. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2018.

(vi)      Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series dated December 12, 2018. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.109 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on December 17, 2018.

(vii)     Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of Series dated June 12, 2019. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 114 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on July 24, 2019.

(b)                   Amended and Restated By-Laws dated December 1, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 1, 2017.

(c)                   Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibits (a) and (b) above.

(d)       (i)       Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the Registrant and SunAmerica Asset Management, LLC (“SunAmerica”) dated January 1, 1999, as amended.*

(ii)      Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Alliance Capital Management L.P. dated January 1, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 15, 2004.

(iii)      Amendment to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Alliance Capital Management L.P. dated August 1, 2002. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 15, 2004.

 

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(iv)      Amendment No. 2 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Alliance Capital Management L.P. dated October 3, 2005. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 13, 2006.

(v)       Amendment No. 3 to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and AllianceBernstein, L.P. dated October 3, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(vi)      Amendment No. 4 to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and AllianceBernstein, L.P. dated January 23, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on January 20, 2012.

(vii)      Form of Amendment No. 5 to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and AllianceBernstein, L.P. dated July 16, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on June 29, 2012.

(viii)     Amendment No. 6 to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and AllianceBernstein, L.P. dated December 19, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(ix)       Amendment No. 7 to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and AllianceBernstein, L.P. dated November 1, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 17, 2015.

(x)        Amendment No. 8 to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and AllianceBernstein, L.P. dated July 1, 2018. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xi)       Amendment No. 9 to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and AllianceBernstein, L.P. dated December 1, 2018. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xii)      Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC dated January 13, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(xiii)     Amendment No. 1 to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and BlackRock Investment Management, LLC dated February 1, 2019. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xiv)     Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC dated September 8, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(xv)      Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC dated May 1, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

 

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(xvi)        Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Dimensional Fund Advisors LP dated May 1, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(xvii)       Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Federated Investment Counseling dated January 1, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 13, 2006.

(xviii)       Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Federated Investment Counseling dated May 1, 2004 (transferring subadvisory responsibilities for Federated American Leaders Portfolio and Telecom Utility Portfolio to Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania and Corporate Bond Portfolio to Federated Investment Management Company). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 15, 2004.

(xix)         Amendment No. 2 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania and Federated Investment Management Company dated February 19, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(xx)          Amendment No. 3 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Federated Investment Management Company dated October 2, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(xxi)         Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and FIAM LLC (formerly, Pyramis Global Investors, LLC) dated October 1, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 25, 2014.

(xxii)        Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and FIAM LLC. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xxiii)       Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated October 7, 2019.*

(xxiv)       Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Franklin Advisory Services, LLC dated August 28, 2002. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 15, 2004.

(xxv)         Amendment No. 1 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Franklin Advisory Services, LLC dated January 19, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(xxvi)       Amendment No. 2 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Franklin Advisory Services, LLC dated October 2, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(xxvii) Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Franklin Advisory Services, LLC and Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC dated November 1, 2018.*

(xxviii)      Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International dated January 1, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 15, 2004.

 

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(xxix)         Amendment No. 1 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International dated January 19, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 13, 2008.

(xxx)          Amendment No. 2 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Goldman Sachs Asset Management International dated October 2, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(xxxi)            Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. dated October 4, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2018.

(xxxii)           Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Invesco Advisers, Inc. dated June 1, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(xxxiii)          Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Invesco Advisers, Inc. dated May 1, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(xxxiv)         Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. dated November 1, 2005. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 13, 2006.

(xxxv)         Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. dated January 23, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 13, 2006.

(xxxvi)          Amendment No. 2 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. dated May 1, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(xxxvii)         Amendment No. 3 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. dated October 2, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(xxxviii)        Amendment No. 4 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. dated November 15, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(xxxix)      Amendment No. 5 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. dated January 14, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(xl)        Amendment No. 6 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. dated January 20, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 17, 2015.

 

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(xli)          Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Janus Capital Management, LLC dated May 30, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xlii)         Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Massachusetts Financial Services Company dated January 1, 1999. Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Form N-14 filed on August 21, 2003.

(xliii)         Amendment No. 1 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Massachusetts Financial Services Company dated May 1, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 13, 2008.

(xliv)        Amendment No. 2 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Massachusetts Financial Services Company dated October 2, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(xlv)        Amendment No. 3 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Massachusetts Financial Services Company dated November 1, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 17, 2009.

(xlvi)         Amendment No. 4 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Massachusetts Financial Services Company dated October 1, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 25, 2015.

(xlvii)        Amendment No. 5 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Massachusetts Financial Services Company dated January 20, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 17, 2015.

(xlviii)       Amendment No. 6 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Massachusetts Financial Services Company dated April 1, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 24, 2015.

(xlix)      Subadvisory Agreement, as amended, between SunAmerica and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management dated May 1, 2001. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 15, 2004.

(l)        Amendment No. 1 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. dated January 1, 2005. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 37 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 14, 2005.

(li)             Amendment No. 2 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. dated October 3, 2005. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 13, 2006.

(lii)            Amendment No. 3 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. dated November 1, 2005. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 13, 2006.

 

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(liii)         Amendment No. 4 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. dated October 2, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(liv)        Amendment No. 5 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. dated October 17, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 17, 2015.

(lv)        Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and OppenheimerFunds, Inc. dated May 1, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(lvi)          Amendment No. 1 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and OppenheimerFunds, Inc. dated October 2, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(lvii)        Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”) dated May 1, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(lviii)       Amendment No. 1 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and PIMCO dated March 21, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 25, 2014.

(lix)      Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and PineBridge Investments, LLC dated March 29, 2010. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2010.

(lx)        Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Putnam Investment Management, LLC dated December 6, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 25, 2014.

(lxi)         Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. dated January 13, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(lxii)        Sub-subadvisory Agreement between Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. dated January 13, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(lxiii)       Amendment to Sub-subadvisory Agreement between Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. and Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd. dated April 1, 2018. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2018.

(lxiv)      Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. dated January 13, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

 

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(lxv)      Amendment No. 1 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. dated October 4, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2018.

(lxvi)       Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC dated August 1, 2002. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 15, 2004.

(lxvii)      Amendment No. 1 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC dated January 19, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(lxviii)     Amendment No. 2 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC dated October 2, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(lxix)    Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Wells Capital Management Incorporated dated May 1, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(lxx)      Amendment No. 1 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Wells Capital Management Incorporated dated October 2, 2007. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(lxxi)       Amendment No. 2 to Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Wells Capital Management Incorporated dated July 20, 2009. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 47 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 12, 2010.

(lxxii)      Master-Feeder Addendum to Investment Advisory and Management Agreement, as amended, dated October 15, 2012. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(lxxiii)     Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement, as amended dated October 15, 2012-Feeders. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(lxxiv)    Amendment to the Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement dated December 17, 2018-Feeders. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on December 17, 2018.

(lxxv)    Amended and Restated Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement for the Emerging Markets Portfolio dated April 30, 2014. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 17, 2015.

(lxxvi)     Amended and Restated Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement for the Equity Index Portfolio dated December 1, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

 

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(lxxvii)    Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement for the SA JPMorgan MFS Core Bond Portfolio dated January 20, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 17, 2015.

(lxxviii)   Fee Waiver Agreement for the SA Legg Mason BW Large Cap Value Portfolio dated September 8, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(lxxix)  Fee Waiver Agreement for the SunAmerica Dynamic Allocation Portfolio dated June 1, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 26, 2017.

(lxxx)    Fee Waiver Agreement for the SunAmerica Dynamic Strategy Portfolio dated June 1, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 26, 2017.

(lxxxi)     Fee Waiver Agreement for the SA Janus Focused Growth Portfolio dated June 30, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 26, 2017.

(lxxxii)    Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement for the SA BlackRock VCP Global Multi Asset Portfolio dated February 1, 2019. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(lxxxiii)   Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement for the SA VCP Dynamic Allocation Portfolio dated December 1, 2018. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(lxxxiv)  Advisory Fee Waiver Agreement for the SA Franklin Small Cap Value Portfolio dated November 1, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(e)                   Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and SunAmerica Capital Services, Inc. dated May 21, 2002. Incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s Form N-14 filed August 21, 2003.

(f)                   Inapplicable.

(g)       (i)       Master Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company effective January 18, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 13, 2006.

(ii)       Amendment to Master Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company effective January 18, 2006. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 13, 2006.

(h)       (i)       Form of Fund Participation Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 35 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 15, 2004.

 

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(ii)      Form of Addendum to Fund Participation Agreement. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on July 5, 2001.

(iii)     Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on May 7, 1997.

(iv)      Form of Addendum to Fund Participation Agreement for Class 1 Shares. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 17, 2009.

(v)      Form of Amended and Restated Addendum to Fund Participation Agreement for Class 2 Shares. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 17, 2009.

(vi)      Form of Amended and Restated Addendum to Fund Participation Agreement for Class 3 Shares. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 17, 2009.

(vii)     Fund Participation Agreement with AIG SunAmerica Life Assurance Company dated September 1, 2006 (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(viii)    Amendment No. 1 to the Participation Agreement with SunAmerica Life Assurance Company dated April 1, 2011 (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on October 2, 2012.

(ix)      Form of Amendment No. 2 to the Participation Agreement with SunAmerica Annuity and Life Assurance Company (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on October 2, 2012.

(x)      Amendment No. 3 to the Participation Agreement with American General Life Insurance Company (successor to SunAmerica Annuity Life Assurance Company) (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on December 17, 2018.

(xi)     Amendment No. 4 to the Participation Agreement with American General Life Insurance Company (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on December 17, 2018.

(xii)     Fund Participation Agreement with First SunAmerica Life Insurance Company dated September 1, 2006 (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on October 2, 2012.

(xiii)    Amendment No. 1 to the Participation Agreement with First SunAmerica Life Insurance Company dated April 1, 2011 (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on October 2, 2012.

 

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(xiv)       Amendment No. 2 to the Participation Agreement with The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York (successor to First SunAmerica Life Insurance Company) (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on October 2, 2012.

(xv)       Amendment No. 3 to the Participation Agreement with The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on December 17, 2018.

(xvi)       Amendment No. 4 to the Participation Agreement with The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York (Master-Feeder). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 109 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on December 17, 2018.

(xvii)      Form of Participation Agreement between SunAmerica Annuity and Life Assurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(xviii)      Form of Fund Participation Agreement between First SunAmerica Life Insurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(xix)      Form of Participation Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated April 1, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 24, 2015.

(xx)       Form of Participation Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, the Registrant, American Funds Insurance Series and Capital Research and Management Company dated April 1, 2015. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 24, 2015.

(xxi)      Form of Shareholder Services Agreement between SunAmerica Annuity and Life Assurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(xxii)      Amendment No. 1 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between SunAmerica Annuity and Life Assurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2012.

(xxiii)      Amendment No. 2 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between SunAmerica Annuity and Life Assurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on October 2, 2012.

(xxiv)      Amendment No. 3 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between SunAmerica Annuity and Life Assurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(xxv)      Amendment No. 4 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated May 1, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 25, 2014.

 

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(xxvi)      Amendment No. 5 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated January 13, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(xxvii)     Amendment No. 6 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated February 6, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 26, 2017.

(xxviii)    Amendment No. 7 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated May 1, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xxix)      Amendment No. 8 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated August 16, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xxx)       Amendment No. 9 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated October 4, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xxxi)      Amendment No. 10 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated May 1, 2018. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2018.

(xxxii)     Form of Amendment No. 11 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xxxiii)    Amendment No. 12 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant.*

(xxxiv)    Form of Shareholder Services Agreement between First SunAmerica Life Insurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(xxxv)      Amendment No. 1 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York (formerly, First SunAmerica Life Insurance Company) and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2012.

(xxxvi)     Amendment No. 2 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on October 2, 2012.

 

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(xxxvii)     Amendment No. 3 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(xxxviii)    Form of Amendment No. 4 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(xxxix)      Amendment No. 5 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant dated January 13, 2016. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(xl)            Amendment No. 6 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant dated February 6, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 26, 2017.

(xli)           Amendment No. 7 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant dated May 1, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xlii)           Amendment No. 8 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant dated August 16, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xliii)         Amendment No. 9 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant dated October 4, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xliv)         Amendment No. 10 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant dated May 1, 2018. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2018.

(xlv)          Form of Amendment No. 11 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xlvi)         Amendment No. 12 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant.*

 

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(xlvii)     Form of Shareholder Services Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 78 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-07238) filed on April 24, 2015.

(xlviii)    Amendment No. 1 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated February 6, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 26, 2017.

(xlix)      Amendment No. 2 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated May 1, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(l)           Amendment No. 3 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated August 16, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(li)          Amendment No. 4 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated October 4, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(lii)         Amendment No. 5 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant dated May 1, 2017. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2018.

(liii)       Form of Amendment No. 6 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(liv)        Amendment No. 7 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant.*

(lv)        Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and Garrett F. Bouton. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(lvi)       Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and Carl D. Covitz. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on June 16, 2006.

(lvii)       Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and Jane Jelenko. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 12, 2007.

 

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(lviii)      Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and Allan L. Sher. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on June 16, 2006.

(lix)        Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and Gilbert T. Ray. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on June 16, 2006.

(lx)         Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and Bruce G. Willison. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 40 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on June 16, 2006.

(lxi)        Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of certain Portfolios, and SunAmerica.*

(lxii)       Master Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between VALIC Retirement Services Company and the Registrant dated May 1, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 75 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 25, 2014.

(i)        (i)       Opinion and Consent of Counsel Bingham McCutchen. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(ii)          Opinion and Consent of Counsel Bingham McCutchen - Foreign Value & Small & Mid Cap Value Portfolios Class 1. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on January 20, 2012.

(iii)         Opinion and Consent of Counsel Bingham McCutchen – SunAmerica Dynamic Allocation Portfolio. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 58 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on January 20, 2012.

(iv)         Opinion and Consent of Counsel Bingham McCutchen – SunAmerica Dynamic Strategy Portfolio. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 64 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on June 29, 2012.

(v)          Opinion and Consent of Counsel Bingham McCutchen – Protected Asset Allocation SAST Portfolio. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on October 2, 2012.

(vi)         Opinion and Consent of Counsel Bingham McCutchen – VCP Total Return Balanced and VCP Value Portfolios. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(vii)        Opinion and Consent of Counsel Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP – SA BlackRock VCP Global Multi Asset Portfolio, SA Schroders VCP Global Allocation Portfolio and SA T. Rowe Price VCP Balanced Portfolio. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on January 13, 2016.

 

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(viii)      Opinion and Consent of Counsel Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP – American Funds® Asset Allocation SAST Portfolio, American Funds® Global Growth SAST Portfolio, American Funds® Growth SAST Portfolio, American Funds® Growth-Income SAST Portfolio, SunAmerica Dynamic Allocation Portfolio, SunAmerica Dynamic Strategy Portfolio, VCPSM Managed Asset Allocation SAST Portfolio, VCP Total Return BalancedSM Portfolio and VCPSM Value Portfolio (Class 1 Shares). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(ix)       Opinion and Consent of Counsel Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP – SA BlackRock VCP Global Multi Asset Portfolio, SA Schroders VCP Global Allocation Portfolio and SA T. Rowe Price VCP Balanced Portfolio. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 86 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on May 11, 2016.

(x)       Opinion and Consent of Counsel Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP – SA Fixed Income Index Portfolio, SA International Index Portfolio, SA Mid Cap Index Portfolio, SA Small Cap Index Portfolio, SA Index Allocation 60/40 Portfolio, SA Index Allocation 80/20 Portfolio and SA Index Allocation 90/10 Portfolio. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on February 1, 2017.

(xi)       Opinion and Consent of Counsel Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP – SA Large Cap Growth Index Portfolio, SA Large Cap Value Index Portfolio, SA Emerging Markets Equity Index Portfolio, SA Global Index Allocation 60/40 Portfolio, SA Global Index Allocation 75/25 Portfolio and SA Global Index Allocation 90/10 Portfolio. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 106 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2018.

(xii)      Opinion and Consent of Counsel Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP – SA Fidelity Institutional AM® International Growth Portfolio. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 112 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 30, 2019.

(xiii)      Opinion and Consent of Counsel Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP – SA Franklin U.S. Equity Smart Beta Portfolio.*

(j)          (i)         Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.*

(k)                       Inapplicable.

(l)                       Inapplicable.

(m)        (i)         Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class 1 Shares, formerly Class A Shares) dated June 11, 2019.*

(ii)       Distribution and Service Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class 2 Shares, formerly Class B Shares), as amended, dated January 1, 2013. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(iii)       Distribution and Service Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class 3 Shares) dated June 11, 2019.*

(n)                     Plan Pursuant to 18f-3. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (file No. 811-7238) filed on August 1, 2002.

 

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(o)                   Reserved.

(p)        (i)        Code of Ethics of SunAmerica. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 26, 2017.

(ii)        Code of Ethics of AllianceBernstein, LP. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2013.

(iii)      Code of Ethics of BlackRock Investment Management, LLC. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on January 13, 2016.

(iv)      Code of Ethics of Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(v)       Code of Ethics of Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(vi)      Code of Ethics of Dimensional Fund Advisors, LP. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(vii)     Code of Ethics of Federated Investors, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2010.

(viii)    Code of Ethics of FIAM LLC (formerly, Pyramis Global Investors, LLC). Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 85 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2016.

(ix)      Code of Ethics of Franklin Templeton Investments.*

(x)       Code of Ethics of Goldman Sachs Asset Management International. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(xi)      Code of Ethics of Invesco Advisers, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(xii)     Code of Ethics of J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

 

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(xiii)      Code of Ethics of Janus Capital Management, LLC. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 94 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 26, 2017.

(xiv)      Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Financial Services Company. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 18, 2008.

(xv)       Code of Ethics of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(xvi)      Code of Ethics of OppenheimerFunds, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2012.

(xvii)      Code of Ethics of PIMCO. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 48 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 22, 2010.

(xviii)    Code of Ethics of PineBridge Investments, LLC. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2012.

(xix)      Code of Ethics of Putnam Investment Management, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 62 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 23, 2012.

(xx)       Code of Ethics of Schroder Investment Management North America, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on January 13, 2016.

(xxi)      Code of Ethics of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 81 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on January 13, 2016.

(xxii)     Code of Ethics of Wells Capital Management Incorporated. Incorporated herein by reference to Post- Effective Amendment No. 43 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 16, 2007.

(xxiii)    Code of Ethics of American Funds. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(xxiv)    Code of Ethics of The Capital Group Companies, Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 49 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 811-7238) filed on April 21, 2011.

(q)                 Power of Attorney.*

 

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*          Filed herewith.

Item 29. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Registrant.

No person is controlled by or under common control with the Registrant. All of the outstanding common stock of the Registrant is owned by separate accounts of American General Life Insurance Company and The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York.

Item 30. Indemnification.

Section 9.5 of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust relating to the indemnification of officers and trustees is quoted below:

Section 9.5. Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses. Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in this Section 9.5, every person who is, or has been, a Trustee, officer, or employee of the Trust, including persons who serve at the request of the Trust as directors, trustees, officers, employees or agents of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a “Covered Person”), shall be indemnified by the Trust to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been such a Trustee, director, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in settlement thereof.

No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person to the extent such indemnification is prohibited by applicable federal law.

The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such a Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a Person.

Subject to applicable federal law, expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding subject to a claim for indemnification under this Section 9.5 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 9.5.

To the extent that any determination is required to be made as to whether a Covered Person engaged in conduct for which indemnification is not provided as described herein, or as to whether there is reason to believe that a Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification, the Person or Persons making the determination shall afford the Covered Person a rebuttable presumption that the Covered Person has not engaged in such conduct and that there is reason to believe that the Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

As used in this Section 9.5, the words “claim,” “action,” “suit” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims, demands, actions, suits, investigations, regulatory inquiries, proceedings or any other occurrence of a similar nature, whether actual or threatened and whether civil, criminal, administrative or other, including appeals, and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include without limitation, attorneys’ fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.

Item 31. Business and Other Connections of the Investment Adviser.

SunAmerica Asset Management, LLC (“SunAmerica”), the investment adviser of the Trust, is primarily in the business of providing investment management, advisory and administrative services. Reference is made to the most recent Form ADV and schedules thereto of SunAmerica on file with the SEC (File No. 801-19813) for a description of the names and employment of the directors and officers of SunAmerica and other required information.

 

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Any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each director or officer of SunAmerica is or has been, at any time during the last two fiscal years, engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee are as follows:

 

Name

  

Position with SunAmerica

  

Principal Business(es)

During Last Two Fiscal Years

Sharon French

   Director, President and Chief Executive Officer    Vice President, American International Group, Inc.; Executive Vice President and Head of Beta Solutions, OppenheimerFunds.   

John T. Genoy

   Director, Senior Vice-President, Chief Financial & Chief Operations Officer    Vice President, AIG Capital Services, Inc.; Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Controller, SunAmerica Fund Services, Inc.   

Gregory N. Bressler

   Senior Vice-President, General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer & Assistant Secretary    None.   

Matthew J. Hackethal

   Chief Compliance Officer    None.   

Timothy P. Pettee

   Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President    None.   

AllianceBernstein L.P. (formerly, Alliance Capital Management L.P.), BlackRock Investment Management, LLC, Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Federated Investment Management Company, FIAM LLC (formerly, Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC), Franklin Advisers, Inc., Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC, Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., Invesco Advisers, Inc., J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc., Janus Capital Management LLC, Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc., OppenheimerFunds, Inc., Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, PineBridge Investments LLC, Putnam Investment Management, LLC, QS Investors, LLC, Schroder Investment Management North America, Inc., T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, and Wells Capital Management Incorporated as the Subadvisers of certain of the portfolios of the Trust, are primarily engaged in the business of rendering investment advisory services. Reference is made to the most recent Form ADV and schedules thereto on file with the Commission for a description of the names and employment of the directors and officers of the above referenced Subadvisers.

 

     File No.

SunAmerica Asset Management, LLC

    801-19813   

AllianceBernstein L.P.

    801-56720   

BlackRock Investment Management, LLC

    801-56972   

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC

    801-27797   

 

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Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC

   801-25943   

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP

   801-16283   

Federated Investment Management Company

   801-34612   

FIAM LLC (formerly, Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC)

   801-63658   

Franklin Advisers, Inc.

   801-26292   

Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC

   801-53068   

Goldman Sachs Asset Management International

   801-38157   

Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P.

   801-37591   

Invesco Advisers, Inc.

   801-33949   

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.

   801-21011   

Janus Capital Management LLC

   801-13991   

Massachusetts Financial Services Company

   801-17352   

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.

   801-15757   

OppenheimerFunds, Inc.

   801-8253  

Pacific Investment Management Company LLC

   801-48187   

PineBridge Investments LLC

   801-18759   

Putnam Investment Management, LLC

   801-7974  

QS Investors, LLC

   801-70974   

Schroder Investment Management North America, Inc.

   801-15834   

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

   801-856  

Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC

   801-15125   

Wells Capital Management Incorporated

   801-21122   

Item 32. Principal Underwriters.

AIG Capital Services, Inc. (f/k/a SunAmerica Capital Services, Inc.) serves as Principal Underwriter for the Trust.

Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records.

State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, acts as custodian. It maintains books, records and accounts pursuant to the instructions of the Trust.

VALIC Retirement Services Company, 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019, acts as transfer agent and dividend paying agent. It maintains books, records and accounts pursuant to the instructions of the Trust.

SunAmerica Asset Management, LLC is located at Harborside 5, 185 Hudson Street, Suite 3200, Jersey City, New Jersey, 07311 and at 2919 Allen Parkway, Houston, 77019.

 

- 20 -


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AllianceBernstein L.P. is located at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, 10105.

BlackRock Investment Management, LLC is located at 1 University Square Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540-6455.

Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC is located at 2929 Arch Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104.

Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC is located at 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP is located at 6300 Bee Cave Road, Building One, Austin, Texas 78746.

Federated Investment Management Company is located at 1001 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222-3779.

FIAM LLC (formerly, Pyramis Global Investors, LLC) is located at 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917.

Franklin Advisers, Inc. is located at One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California 94403-1906.

Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC is located at 101 John F. Kennedy Parkway, Short Hills, NJ 07078.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management International is located at River Court, 120 Fleet Street, London EC4A 288, United Kingdom.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P. is located at 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282.

Invesco Advisers, Inc. is located at 1555 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309

J.P. Morgan Investment Management Inc. is located at 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017.

Janus Capital Management, LLC is located at 151 Detroit Street, Denver, Colorado, 80206.

Massachusetts Financial Services Company is located at 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02199.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. is located at 522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, 10036.

OppenheimerFunds, Inc. is located at 225 Liberty Street, 11th Floor, New York, New York, 10281-1008.

Pacific Investment Management Company LLC is located at 650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

PineBridge Investments LLC is located at 399 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

Putnam Investment Management, LLC is located at One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109.

QS Investors, LLC is located at 880 Third Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

Schroder Investment Management North America, Inc. is located at 875 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. is located at 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.

Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC is located at 500 E. Broward Boulevard, Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33394.

BNY Mellon Asset Management North America is located at One Boston Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108.

 

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Wells Capital Management Incorporated is located at 525 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94105.

Each of SunAmerica and the Subadvisers maintain the book, accounts and records required to be maintained pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder.

Item 34. Management Services.

Inapplicable.

Item 35. Undertakings.

Inapplicable.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all the requirements for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 115 to the Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Jersey City, and the State of New Jersey, on the 7th day of October, 2019.

 

SunAmerica Series Trust

(Registrant)

By:  

/s/ JOHN T. GENOY

 

John T. Genoy

President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 115 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:

 

Signature

  

 Title

  

 Date

 

/S/ JOHN T. GENOY

John T. Genoy

  

President

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

            

October 7, 2019

 

/S/ GREGORY R. KINGSTON

Gregory R. Kingston

  

Treasurer (Principal Financial

and Accounting Officer)

  

            

October 7, 2019

 

*

Bruce G. Willison

  

Trustee and Chairman

   October 7, 2019

 

*

Garrett F. Bouton

  

Trustee

  

October 7, 2019

 

*

Carl D. Covitz

  

Trustee

  

October 7, 2019

 

*

Sharon French

  

Trustee

  

October 7, 2019

 

*

Jane Jelenko

  

Trustee

  

October 7, 2019

 

*

Gilbert T. Ray

  

Trustee

  

October 7, 2019


Table of Contents

 

*

Allan L. Sher

  

Trustee

  

October 7, 2019

 

* By: /s/ EDWARD J. GIZZI                                         

     

                           October 7, 2019

          Edward J. Gizzi

           Attorney-in-Fact

     

* Pursuant to a Power of Attorney filed herewith.


Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT NUMBER  

DESCRIPTION

(d)(i)   Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between the Registrant and SunAmerica Asset Management, LLC (“SunAmerica”) dated January 1, 1999, as amended
(d)(xxiii)   Subadvisory Agreement between SunAmerica and Franklin Advisers, Inc. dated October 7, 2019
(d)(xxvii)   Assignment and Assumption Agreement between Franklin Advisory Services, LLC and Franklin Mutual Advisers, LLC dated November 1, 2018
(h)(xxxiii)   Amendment No. 12 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between American General Life Insurance Company and the Registrant
(h)(xlvi)   Amendment No. 12 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York and the Registrant
(h)(liv)   Amendment No. 7 to the Shareholder Services Agreement between The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and the Registrant
(h)(lxi)   Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of certain Portfolios, and SunAmerica
(i)(xiii)   Opinion and Consent of Counsel Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP – SA Franklin U.S. Equity Smart Beta Portfolio
(j)(i)   Consent of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
(m)(i)   Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class 1 Shares, formerly Class A Shares) dated June 11, 2019
(m)(iii)   Distribution and Service Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class 3 Shares) dated June 11, 2019
(p)(ix)   Code of Ethics of Franklin Templeton Investments
(q)   Power of Attorney